Page 21 of Losing Sleep
I laughed, playfully smacking his arm and embracing the lighter direction of our conversation. “I could say the same thing about Mountain Dew drinkers.”
“Then we’re in for an interesting car ride.”
“I’ve already slept with you. What else could possibly happen?” I quipped. My face immediately heated as the words registered.
Grey snorted, though I could have sworn I saw the slightest hint of pink under his beard. “I get how it is. You just wanted me for my pillow wall skills.”
I took the out. It was safer than talking about last night and revisiting our late-night conversation. He’d opened up to me about his family, and it wouldn’t take much for him to convince me to do the same, a reality that left me equal parts thrilled and terrified.
“It’s hard to find a good pillow wall builder these days,” I said with mock seriousness, returning my drink to the cupholder. Our fingers brushed as he reached for his own cup. “But I’m curious. How are you at couch forts?”
Grey schooled his features, appearing to give the question great thought. “You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to use those skills, but I think I could pull together something decent. How big of a fort are we talking here?”
Chapter Eleven
It took until theIdaho border for the caffeine to fully kick in and my anxiety to completely dissipate. While my improving relationship with Grey had worked wonders for my stress, I still felt some lingering nervousness about the trip and stepping so far outside of my comfort zone. Just as I was relaxing and appreciating the fields passing outside my window, my phone rang.
I answered without looking at the screen, assuming it would be Tory wanting an update on our drive. Instead, an all-too familiar nasally male voice greeted me.
“Audrey, where do I find the most up-to-date trainings for new products?” My supervisor’s tone was gruff and clipped, hinting at building frustration.
I sat up with a jolt, causing my seatbelt to lock and dig into my shoulder. Once the locking mechanism released, I shifted myfeet from where they were resting on the dashboard back to the floor, as if my boss could see me.
Grey hit a button to disconnect my phone from the speakers, and I shot him a grateful look.
“Why are you calling me, Drew?” I asked, confusion filling my tone as I tried to ignore the jolt of anxiety that always accompanied an unexpected work call. He’d approved my time off—there was no reason to worry. My job, for better or worse, was secure.
“Because I can’t find the trainings,” he said with a huff.
I shook my head, trying to process his request and why he’d felt the need to call me. It was a simple enough question, something anyone on the team could help him locate. “They’re with all the other trainings on the knowledge base.”
“I know, but what do I search?”
“Drew, how would I know off the top of my head what to search? I’m not in charge of trainings.” I did my best to keep the frustration out of my tone. My confusion was gone, completely replaced by anger as I was once again presented with my supervisor’s incompetence.
“Because you know how to find everything, and Angela needs a refresher—”
“Talk to the training team. They can help you find it.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, doing my best to sound polite and professional. I wished I could hang up and replace this conversation with the girl-power music of Pat Benatar.
Did people in other jobs have to deal with the same number of inane questions I navigated on a daily basis?
“Why didn’t I think of that?” He muttered into the phone. I could hear some shuffling on his end like he was walking somewhere in a hurry.
I remained silent, waiting to see if Drew had any other unnecessary questions for me. Instead, he mumbled something that vaguely resembled goodbye and hung up.
I dropped my phone into my lap and slouched in my seat, returning my feet to the dashboard. How Drew managed to stay a supervisor, I would never know.
Because you do everything for him.I silenced the nagging voice in my head, telling myself Drew would find someone to do his job even if I wasn’t there. Maybe someday I’d find a job that actually felt fulfilling instead of one that just paid the bills. My recent internet search history, which included bookmarking several yoga certification courses, came to mind. But it was a fun, escapist dream, nothing more.
But did it have to be?It was a question I didn’t want to examine too closely. Dreams led to uncertain futures and constantly changing jobs—like my mom. I refused to repeat her mistakes, no matter how appealing the alternatives looked after a phone call with Drew.
I reconnected my phone to the car speakers, scrolling through my music options, looking for something with a good beat. I landed on “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
Needing a distraction, I turned to Grey, who had spent the duration of my phone call studying the road and pretending not to hear every word I spoke.
“We’ve been on this road trip together for”—I glanced at the dashboard and flinched at the time—“way too long, and after spending the night together, I feel like we need a redo. Tell me about yourself.”
Grey laughed and raised an eyebrow, glancing at me. “Seriously? Beyond the soul-baring I did last night?”
