Page 62 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

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moved in to make things easier. We are slowly breaking it because I explained to
him that I would need a lot of drinks to make it through the weekend.
Henry sighs and pats the space next to him. “We need to talk.” No one, male
or female, likes those words. I swallow back my nerves and put on a brave face. If
this is about the baby – making nonsense, my mom will owe me something

expensive.
“What’s wrong?” I ask timidly.
A heavy breath escapes his lungs, and he pulls at his tie. His demeanor is sour,
and I fear what will come out of his mouth.
“Henry, if it’s about my mom’s baby fever ... ”
He smiles and shakes his head. “No, that’s easy. We either decide to have sex or
don’t. Gollum is on a power trip again.”
Gollum is his nickname for his power-hungry boss. I can’t stand him. Edward
knew the employee handbook and always toed the fine line of being an ass but not
breaking any rules. It pisses me off because that means I cannot intervene.
“I have to report to work in the morning. Apparently, one of the plans are off,
and we need to fix it before the weekend. When I reminded him that I was off
tomorrow, he reminded me of budget cuts.”

“That’s not fair!” I jump up and start pacing, trying to find a healthy outlet for
my anger. “It’s not about the trip. What’s not fair is him trying to dangle your job
in front of you. You are one of the best employees he has.”
I grab my phone and pull up my email. Henry grabs my hand. “I know that
look. I don’t want you to email him. I don’t want him to think I ran off crying to
you.” He pulls me down next to him and wraps an arm around me. I would have
enjoyed it had I not been pissed. “Look, I will be there tomorrow. I am not leaving
you alone with those psychos.”
I nod sadly. I had no idea how much I depended on Henry being with me until
this moment. It is scary. He stands up, puts his wallet back in his pocket, and grabs
his keys.
“Let me take you to the airport.” We ride in silence, each inch closer to the
airport fills me with more anxiety. He parks and turns towards me. His big hand
encompasses the left side of my face. He fixes me with sincere amber eyes. “I will
figure out what I can tonight and get to work early tomorrow. Trust me when I say
I will do everything in my power to get there as fast as possible.” He kisses my