Page 30 of Calculated Chaos

Axel chuckles. “Lunch, maybe?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a break. Why don’t you go over to the park you like? Sit in the fresh air and ground yourself.”

“That’s actually a good idea.”

“I have them sometimes,” he says, chuckling. “How’s the upcoming audit going? Everything ready?”

I’m thankful for the topic change. “Yes. The team is ready. We’re just finishing our scope list to get final approval from the director. Oh, I almost forgot.”

“What?”

“Oh, shoot. Remind me to tell you later. I’m not supposed to say anything.”

“It’s about work?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, you can tell me over dinner if you’re still planning to leave at five tonight.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna do that. I swear.”

“Good. What time is it now?”

“Fuck. Four after.”

“Okay, get ready to send it.”

“The email is ready.”

“I’ll sit here with you.”

Blowing out a breath, my finger hovers over the send button, and as soon as the clock flips over, I hit it. “I did it. Oh fuck, Ax. I sent my report late.”

“How’s it feel?”

“Not bad. Kind of good.”

“The world didn’t end. Hell didn’t freeze over. Worse case, he gives you shit, but he does that anyway.”

“Right.”

“You’re a damn good manager, Hollister, and an excellent accountant. He can’t take that away from you, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.”

“Now get up and walk out of the office. Go outside.”

“I will.”

“Nope. Do it now. I’m waiting.”

I laugh softly, but grab my jacket and head out. Axel listens as I move through the building, take the elevator down and walk out the front doors where the sounds of traffic take over.

“Good,” Axel says. “Now go sit in the park and stare at trees or birds or something.”

“Thanks, Axel. I really appreciate you.”

---