Cherish perked up almost automatically, even though she knew she shouldn’t have, “Yeah?” she asked. She rubbed her lips together and tried to hold back a smile, “A-are you sure? What about your mom, she said she was on her way.” She asked.
“Let her know I’m coming home and that she doesn’t need to go. Though, I’m pretty sure she’s going to go anyway because she’d do anything to see the babies.” He answered.
"Alright. Nice try, there's no point in saying a word." She replied.
Simon was in a much better mood. Standing, he wrapped up the phone call, “I’ll see you soon, Cherish.” He said hanging up. He double checked if he had left anything and ran his finger along the top of Emily’s photo while he passed. He was prepared to tell Imani the change of plans on his way out when he opened his office door.
Susan had her hand lifted mid-knock. Her hair was styled, and she was dressed in a tight gray pencil skirt, teal jacket, and chunky jewelry. Her blue eyes stared up at Simon through her blonde hair and a straight, white tooth smile broke across her features, "Simon Gabot, aren't you a sight for sore eyes. It’s so good to see you back at work with your second family." She greeted. Eyeing the papers in his hands, she blinked for a moment, "I was going to ask you out for lunch, but it seems you're already headed somewhere. A meeting?"
“Oh, hello Susan I wasn’t expecting you to uh…” He thought about Cherish, but was also hungry, “…I was going to head home and work there. I’m having trouble adjusting.” He said tapping his head with a sigh.
"Home?" Susan questioned.
Turning, he returned into the office and caught his briefcase. Snapping the locks, he lifted it open and placed the folders within. He then caught a glance to the presents he’d forgotten, “I’m a bit scattered.” He admitted.
She stepped into the room behind him with an arched eyebrow and a soft pout on her lips. Pacing to him, she took a hold of his case and other items in his hands, "Let's take a breath, shall we?" Inhaling a deep breath, she lifted her hands higher across her torso before she lowered them and blew out. With her encouragement, Simon followed her instruction. Susan gave a smile, "Now. No one is expecting you to sit behind this desk when you have a son at home who needs his father. So much has changed, Simon. We aren't going to slap an S on your and expect you to save the day. Now, If you want to go home, That's fine, but take your time. Eat something."
He took a moment to ease his excitement and thought the situation through. His stomach did feel tight, “I’m hungry to be honest.” He stated. Glancing around, he remembered the lunch Cherish had given him. Making his way over to the mini fridge along the wall of cabinets, he pulled out the bag and proceeded to untie the handles. He opened the lid and lit up from the reminiscent scent, “I could eat lunch before I go.” He debated with himself.
Susan rubbed her hands together as she eyed the meal, "Oh, did you make that yourself? You could always save that and have lunch. On me." She offered.
Simon shook his head as he replaced the lid, “Cherish made it.” he corrected.
Susan's face fell flat while his back was turned. The charity case made his food? She rolled her jaw from one side to the other before she lifted her head in the air.
He thought about Susan’s offer and didn’t mind being treated to a meal. Especially since that meant Cherish wouldn’t have to cook him lunch the next day. “That’s really nice of you to offer, thank you Susan.” He stated putting his food away.
Forcing a smile as he agreed, she clasped her hands together, "Sure, I'm so happy you said yes.” She said.
Simon took a firm hold of his briefcase and flattened his tie, “Did you have anywhere in mind?” he questioned.
Susan opened the door and allowed him to pass, “What do you have a taste for?” she answered with a question of her own.
Simon thought it over, “Barbeque would hit the spot.” He stated.
Following Susan down the hall and around the corner, Simon stopped at Imani’s desk, “I’m going for lunch and then home for the night. Oh, and I have some of the files you gave me. I’ll look them over tonight.” He said with a wave.
Imani smiled at Simon with a few leaves of her salad poking between her lips, "Oh sure! Have a good day! See you tomorrow!" She called after them.
Susan walked by Imani coolly and stepped into the elevator. Following, she pressed the Lobby button while Simon clicked B afterwards, “We should pick somewhere quick because I can’t stay long.” He expressed.
There was a glare towards Imani from Susan as the doors shut. She then turned her attention to Simon, "Why? Is there somewhere you need to be? We could get take out.” She suggested.
“Yes, I need to get home to my family.” He answered straight forwardly.
Susan smiled at his profile before facing forward, “Did you get the email full of daycares I sent you? Which one did you select?" She asked.
Simon did his best to remember if he’d even turned his computer on in the last six weeks and shook his head, “I don’t remember getting an email like that. I don’t think I mentioned using a daycare, did I?” he asked.
"Well no, you didn't. I just assumed you would need one with Emily's passing and all. I just wanted to be as helpful as I could. So, how long have you and Emily known...I'm sorry her name is Charity,
