Jackson rolls his eyes. “No, thanks. I may need help coming up with something—although it doesn’t need to be as extravagant. She turned seventy last year. Seventy-one doesn’t have to be quite so over the top. If you think of something, let me know.”
I take a deep breath. Now for the problematic message. “Also, Dawn Decker from HR called. They have over two hundred applicants for my job. They’ll screen them down to the five best for you to meet with here in your office. She has access to your calendar and will be doing some scheduling.”
“Okay, great. Wait. For your job?”
“That’s what Dawn said,” I say, trying not to cry.
“I’m not looking to replace you. Jesus! I’m sorry. I’ll call her. She’s gone for the day, but what is her cell phone number?”
I have the number on my phone, and I rattle it off to him.
He dials and won’t look at me while we wait. I’m not sure if he’s pissed that I found out or if he’s distraught over this situation. “Dawn, who told you to open a search for a new admin?”
He listens a moment.
“I want you both in my office tomorrow morning at seven. Make sure he’s here, too. All work on this project needs to stop immediately. Your number-one priority is staffing for the manufacturing of these new solar films. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning.”
He hangs up the phone and smiles.
“That’s handled for now. What else?”
“Here are the other messages.” I hand him a sheet of more than a dozen calls. “I’m happy to dial these for you.”
He takes a deep breath and nods.
I return to my desk and for the next two hours, I dial and find the person looking for him. Once I do, I pass them over.
“This is the final call, and it’s Linda Hilgers, your IP attorney.”
“Thank you, Corrine. It’s after nine. Call Brian, and you can head home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Graham. He’s sitting here. Ben is here waiting for you, too. See you in the morning.”
Brian escorts me outside to a waiting Suburban.
“I’m really sorry you have to do this,” I tell him.
“Oh, I don’t mind. You’re far prettier than Mr. Graham anyway.”
I chuckle. “I’m not sure your wife would appreciate you saying that.”
“I already told her. She knows. Mr. Graham is good to us, and she thinks he’s much more handsome than me.” He grins as he opens the door. He’s teasing.
“Let your wife know Mr. Graham got a marriage proposal today from a woman he’s never met.”
“That’s crazy. Mr. Graham’s a good guy, but that’s totally whacked.”
“Any recent pictures of the twins?”
He hands me his phone. “Check them out.”
“They’re getting so big.” The two boys are mini versions of Brian with giant grins and look like they’re up to no good.
A few minutes later, we pull up to my apartment building. “I’m really sorry about this morning,” I tell him. “I forgot. I won’t forget tomorrow morning. Promise. I’d like to leave at six-thirty, if that works for you?”
“Not a problem. Mr. Graham wants you escorted. I do as I’m asked. I’ll meet you here at six-thirty.”
“Thank you for making me feel better.” I begin to get out of the car, and suddenly Brian is standing before me.
“I’m sorry. Mr. Graham insists that I walk you to your door and make sure everything is okay in your apartment.”
“Brian, that’s really not necessary.”
“I’ll lose my job if I don’t.”
I let out an irritated sigh. “Fine, come with me.”
I stomp up the stairs and put my key in the lock. As I open the door, my two roommates turn to look at us. They’re watching the latest episode of The Bachelor.
I turn to Brian. “All is safe.”
“I’ll be here tomorrow morning at six-thirty.”
“Thanks.” I shut the door behind him.
“Who is that?” Stacy asks.
“Did you hear about the debacle downtown yesterday?” I ask.
She nods.
“The box was sent to me, so now my boss has assigned me a bodyguard.”
“You work with the hottest guy in tech, and he requires a hot bodyguard? Your life is amazing.”
“If this is amazing, I’m giving up and going home. I’m exhausted. See you tomorrow.”
“Just a reminder, Sean and I are going to Mexico for a week.”
“That’s right. Have a fantastic time. Angela? Will you be around?”
“I have a trade show in Orlando, and I’m extending a few days for some sunshine.”
“You both have incredible lives. Have a good time. I’ll be slaving away here.”
I wash my face and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I think I see a gray hair, and my crow’s feet are getting deeper. Ugh. Maybe I should go find a quiet, peaceful job at home in Houston. The cost of living is somewhat affordable, and there’d be no one sending me poop bombs, so I wouldn’t have to deal with bodyguards. But then again, there’s no Jackson Graham there either.
I crawl into bed. I’m a little jealous that the girls are getting out of town to warm places, but I like the idea of having the apartment to myself. I’m behind on my sleep, and the stress has made for too many short nights. At least I’m halfway to the weekend. Then I can sleep. I fall asleep dreaming about Jackson.
When the alarm goes off, I wake up a little off-kilter. It takes a few moments for my brain to engage.
At
