Chapter 12

It’s dark outside by the time I look up from my screen. I stretch my back and get out of my seat. I’m sure there’s nothing else I can do tonight; it’s nearly 7.00 p.m. I’ve placed more than twenty calls, emailed back and forth with several PAs dealing with invites for various important people, and liaised with the event planner.

The calendar is moving toward winter, and the sun is setting earlier. I didn’t expect it to be this dark. I regret staying late since the walk from the station in Queens will be dark and slightly frightening.

I tidy up my desk, power down my laptop, pick up my coat and bag and walk to the elevator with a stifling yawn. It pings, the doors open, and I enter, not surprised to find it empty. The elevator slows down and pings again, and I notice it’s stopped at the fourteenth floor. Odd, since very few staff stay beyond 5.30 p.m., although I don’t think Jake and I ever left before seven when I worked with him, he always was a workaholic.

As I e