My Monday morning feels like it was both longer and shorter than usual. My office is quiet now, save for the occasional hum of the city far below and the occasional ring of an office phone outside my office door. I lean back in my chair, my fingers pressing against the cool, polished surface of my desk. It’s been a productive day thus far, more than I expected it would be. I’ve checked off more items on my daily to–do list than I had the whole of last week. But there’s a frustration that sits like a heavy stone in my chest, an irritability I can’t quite seem to shake.
I’m used to being in control and getting things done without letting anything get in my way. But now, something is missing. And I know exactly what it is. Her. Harley.
In the last 36 hours, I’ve become accustomed to her presence, her voice, the way she’s able to pull me out of my mind and make everything seem a little more…manageable. Today, though, the space around me feels emptier than usual, and the silence in the room is deafening in comparison to the hum of her energy that surrounded me most of the past weekend. It gnaws at me, and no matter how many reports I get through or how many decisions I make, it doesn’t seem to fill the hole she’s left behind.
Just after 2 p.m., Griffin steps into my office, interrupting my thoughts. His ever–casual stride is noticeable even in the quiet of my office, and then he takes a seat in one of the guest chairs across from me. He looks at briefly, his eyes narrowing slightly, and I can tell he’s holding back a grin. I know him too well.
eves e marre my
“You’re looking, much more productive today, boss,” he remarks with a slight smugness that has me narrowing my eyes at him.
I don’t answer him, merely giving him a slight nod. He knows I’ve been busier than usual today; he’s not my Executive Assistant for the shits and giggles of it. He probably has a running tally of everything I’ve managed to accomplish today in the back of his mind or on the tablet that’s constantly glued to his hand.
“Today’s Heads of Department meeting at 4 p.m. is still a go,” Griffin says, looking up at me briefly before tablet. “Also, the report from the lab is expected in by the end of the day. They’re saying it’s the final draft, so you’ll be able to sign off on it once
his attention back to said you’ve gone through it again.”
I let out a quiet breath, rubbing my temples. “Good. Make sure we have everything ready for the meeting late want the final draft of the report on my desk first thing tomorrow morning; no further delays will be tolerate
I reply, my tone clipped. “And I
Griffin nods as he taps out notes on the screen, then smirks before adding with a teasing glint in his eye, “And don’t forget the annual bonus review’s coming up. Your people are looking for their usual bump, but I think you owe me a little extra this year. After all, I have to put up with you on a daily basis, which is a pretty hefty burden, if you ask me.”
I glance over at him, my lips twitching into the smallest of grins. “If you’re not careful, Griffin, you might find yourself on the brink of being Tired.”
Griffin chuckles. “Come on, Thane. You wouldn’t dare, I’m the only reason your empire still runs so smoothly. My bonus better reflect that, or I might just take my talents elsewhere.”
I shake my head at him, rolling my eyes. “You’re lucky you’re irreplaceable.”
Griffin raises an eyebrow. “And here I thought you kept me around for my sparkling personality.”
When a notification tone sounds from my laptop indicating an incoming email, I’m only able to snort at him as I lean forward to open the new message.
