“Yes.” Darius regretted the speed of his answer. Nia caught it.
“Was your boss mean?” He paused. “No.”
“She?” Nia said immediately. Darius pointed toward her breakfast. “Eat your eggs.”
“You said she.” Nia smiled. “I’m only observing facts.”
“I created a monster.” Nia shook her head. “Mama helped.”
Darius could not argue with that. He dropped Nia at school at 7:13. She ran toward the gate, then turned as she always did and waved before disappearing inside.
Darius never drove away before the wave. It was one of the small rituals holding their life together. He waited until she turned. Then he drove to work with the radio off.
At 9:22, Evan texted him. The message was longer than necessary because everything Evan did carried extra detail. Ms. Hartwell would like to know whether you have a moment this morning. Her exact words were, ‘Not urgent and not specifically work related, only if he has time.’ I do not understand this request and would appreciate no additional context because I value my employment.
Darius smiled at his phone. Ten o’clock. Evan replied instantly.
She smiled when I told her. I have worked here two years and have never witnessed a pre-10 a.m. smile that was not attached to somebody being fired. This is statistically significant.
Darius put the phone away. At ten, he stepped off the elevator onto the executive floor for only the second time since joining the company. Evan waited beside the reception area.
“She said you can go directly inside.” He leaned closer. “Without me announcing you.”
Darius nodded. Evan’s eyes widened. “The chairman of the board gets announced.”
“Have a good morning, Evan.” Darius started walking. Evan called after him, “You clearly know things.”
Darius knocked twice and entered. Vanessa sat behind her desk in full corporate armor. Dark suit, hair perfectly arranged, glasses low on her nose.
She looked up. Something softened immediately. “Close the door.”
Darius sat across from her. Vanessa removed her glasses. “I owe you an apology.”
“For coffee?” Vanessa shook her head. “For last night.”
Darius waited. “You came to my home for a professional purpose, and I crossed several personal boundaries.”
“I took you into Adrian’s room.” She looked uncomfortable. “And then there was your joke.”
“My excellent joke.” Vanessa ignored him. “I responded irrationally.”
Darius leaned back. “Did anything happen that you regret?” Vanessa paused.
“No.” Darius spread his hands. “Then maybe stop apologizing because you think executives are supposed to.”
Vanessa looked at him. “You make everything sound simpler.”
“Most things are simpler before people with titles start explaining them.” Vanessa nearly smiled. “You remain very dangerous.”
“Technically, I repair building systems.” Darius nodded toward her desk. “Different department.”
Vanessa reached for a folder. “The compensation review is underway.” Darius’s expression changed. “Already?”
“I spoke to HR at seven-thirty.” She opened several pages. “Your job classification is wrong.”