'Go get yourself a mug of coffee,' I told him. 'I'l send off these reports and see you in ten minutes.'
I hadn't given him permission, and it was nothing he
couldn't have decided for himself, but the relief in his eyes
at my suggestion made me glad I'd made it. I flipped
through the reports while he poured his coffee and made
some notes about what needed to be sent where, then
ducked down the hal to visit the restroom then make
some copies so I could be back in time to meet with him.
He sat in a familiar slouch at his desk when I pushed open
He sat in a familiar slouch at his desk when I pushed open
his door, but he turned his attention immediately to me.
'Paige, hi. Would you sit down, please?'
I did, and watched his gaze flicker over my bared knees as
I crossed my legs. 'Is something wrong?'
'No. Nothing's wrong. I just…wanted to talk to you.'
I waited. Paul drew in a breath and pushed back in his
chair to run a hand over the top of his head. He'd taken off
his suit jacket, but his tie was as snug to his throat as if it
had grown there. He cleared his throat, and I waited
another ten seconds for him to speak.
'It's about your performance.'
I sat up a little straighter. 'Yes?'
'It's past time for your first review.'
I understood that. Kely Printing, like most companies,
gave annual reviews, but they also had an introductory
probation period for al new employees. They'd told me
about it when they hired me. Six months into the new job,
you could be out on your ass if you didn't live up to
expectations. It was hard to believe I'd been here that
long. It felt more like forever, actualy.
Again, I waited for him to speak. That was the thing with
Paul. He took his time with talk. I thought it was because
each word that came from him had to mean something,
like he had to weigh their worth before he said them.
Unlike writing, you can't scratch out speech. Once it's
said, there's nothing you can do to erase it.
'I just wanted you to know I'l be giving you the highest
ratings, that's al. And recommending you for advanced
training.'
My pleased smile sat oddly on my face, which had been
expecting to frown. 'Realy? Great. Thanks, Paul.'
He seemed a little more at ease once he'd told me, though
his fingers stil toyed nervously with his pen. He roled it
onto the edge of the blotter, then off. It hit the desk with a
sharp click.
'You're welcome. I've been very pleased with your work.'
'I've enjoyed working with you.'
He nodded a bit and focused his attention on the pen.
'There are some opportunities available in-house. A good
recommendation could…um…lead the way to some of
