Page 28 of Awakened
I brushed my teeth, smoothed my hair, and put on a quick face of makeup. Shuffling downstairs, I could just make out Sarah talking in a hushed voice.
“Stop it, Mikey. No, no. I’ll see you tonight. We aren’t doing that now. Okay. I will. Have a good day. Love you too.”
“OH Mikey, I love you sooooo much.”
Sarah’s shoulders shot up to her ears, and she slowly turned around. Her cheeks were as red as her hair.
“It’s a little early for phone sex, but hey, get it, girl.”
“I wasn’t—we weren’t?—”
“Don’t sweat it. He’s one fine man.”
She sighed, and her shoulders dropped. “Don’t forget the boys are making us dinner tonight.”
“That won’t make my work life more complicated.” I rolled my eyes, and Sarah laughed.
I made it to work early enough to get a huge coffee, have a minor freak out in the bathroom, and reapply my lip gloss. Buzzing on too much caffeine, I went to HR.
As I rounded the cubicles, Karen popped out. “Celeste! I’m so excited you’re here!” she chirped, impossibly perky for so early on a Monday morning.
“Me too.” I tried to match her enthusiasm but could only imitate a depressed cheerleader.
Forty-five minutes and a cup of burnt break room coffee later, I was W-2ed and 401ked up.
“Thanks for all your help, Karen. I really appreciate it,” I said as we walked the rows of cubicles in my department.
“My pleasure. We should get lunch this week, my treat.”
Was Karen a nice girl? Yes. Did I want to spend more time with her? No. But my mom raised me to be polite. “Sounds great. Just let me know when and where.”
She turned and flashed me a blinding smile. “Well, here we are. Have a great first day, and let me know if you need anything!” She spun, and her ponytail whipped around, hitting the high wall of my cubical.
I watched her bouncy hair swish back and forth rhythmically until she disappeared around the corner.
What shampoo and conditioner does she use?
“Too much for a Monday morning, huh?” a deep voice whispered.
I jumped away, jamming my elbow into the metal bars holding up the felt-covered walls of my cube. Whirling around, I struck out, my fist landing squarely on a hard chest.
“Ouch! What was that for?” Zach rubbed his pec.
“Damn it, Zach! Don’t sneak up on me.” I slapped his arm one more time for good measure, and he chuckled.
“Sorry. I saw an opportunity and took it.” He glanced down at my outfit and chuckled. “When’s the funeral, Sunshine?”
Pursing my lips to keep from smiling, I lifted an eyebrow. “I think you’re confused. This is Agent Cooper chic.” I gestured down my body, showcasing the tailored suit.
Zach shook his head, a slight frown furrowing his brow.
“Twin Peaks?”
He shrugged. “Never heard of it.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“I’ve been told that a lot.” His dimples deepened as he grinned at me.
