No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Seriously, I'd love for Director Hudson to treat us," the girl said with a boldness and directness that took me by surprise.

"No problem, just let everyone know. Tonight, I'll take you all to The Seaview Bistro," I replied immediately, catching the girl off guard. "I'm going to hold you to that, Director Hudson," she said, her cuteness undeniable.

I nodded, "I'm serious too."

"Yay!" She ran off, beaming with joy.

I couldn't help but smile at our exchange, thinking how her few words seemed to brighten the whole office atmosphere in an instant.

After setting down my bag, I glanced around and headed to Grant Smith's office.

"Come in!"

Hearing that, I shoved the door open, to find Grant totally into something, didn't even bother to lift his head.

I walked over to see a pile of documents in front of him, many of which concerned my department.

It was clear that in my absence, this man had been carrying the weight of my responsibilities on his shoulders.

hire someone else, Mr. Smith? It seems quite burdensome to juggle so

he jumped up, "Sweet Mother of God, you're back! I thought...

unfinished sentence hinted at his belief that I might not return to

absence? Was he waiting for me

willing to take me

a company policy that requires you to work

response made me

that part in the

that a bit tyrannical?"

it,

with a

hid

he was unaware of

know. The truth would

had no close relatives. If anything were to happen

for Ernest had passed, and Grant hadn't seen him for

me now, he should have asked about Ernest first, but