Chapter 9

After lunch, the switchboard flashes like mad at my desk, and I see that Margo’s and Jake’s lines are busy. Nina also has a few calls on hold, so I buzz her to tell her to put one through to me. I sit down to deal with the first call and see Margo waving to me, smiling widely. She points at her head, then mine, indicating my hair, and gives me a thumbs-up, making me grimace. I don’t think I’ve worn it any other way than up during my five years here. I feel like I’m not appropriately dressed, which bothers me far more than it should. I focus on the call.

Half an hour later, I’m lost in thought, absorbed in a financial spreadsheet Jake needs by this evening. I’ve already plowed through a mountain of work today, making light work of it and not conscious of eyes on me until I hear the movement of feet shifting on the wooden floor. Looking up absent-mindedly, more from reaction than any actual realization, I see Jake Carrero standing, staring at me. Six feet from my desk! I jump wi