AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tonight is Mara’s birthday dinner, and while I was excited to celebrate my sister, I hated the fact that our entire family had to gather. I didn’t like them, and frankly, neither does she.
Two weeks from now, we’ll be gathered for her baby shower. Her husband and I both suggested that she’s do both events on the same day but she demanded them to be separated as she doesn’t feel like sharing her attention. Drama queen, I know.
I picked up my phone to dial her number.
“Mara, hey.”
She sniffled. Why does it sound like she’s crying? “Hey.”
“Are you okay? Are you crying?”
“I’m fine.”
“That didn’t answer the second question, are you crying?”
“Yes.”
“Why? Did Alexander do something?”
She started telling me that she was overwhelmed with the whole birthday planning and she felt like it wasn’t perfect enough. I assured her that all would definitely well and she needs to remember that she’s growing a whole baby and stress like this can cause miscarriages.
“Thank you for calling. I love you.”
“I love you too, happy birthday little sister.”
“Thank you.”
As I hung up the phone, Ms. Willis walked in and placed a folder on my desk as well as reminded me about a meeting I was supposed to have.
I looked up at her and asked, “Will you be in attendance?”
She replied coolly, “No, that wasn’t specified in my list of tasks.”
“Are you doing okay?” She didn’t look fine. She’s normally always cheery and perky. Now, she just looks…cold, distant and sad.
Her expression shifted slightly, and she retorted, “Why do you ask?”
I sighed, “Because I’m a human being.”
She responded, “I’m not having the best day, but it would be unprofessional of me to say anything. I know you appreciate professionalism.”
I scoffed at her words, but before I could make any other comment, I watched as she walked away, her presence leaving a lingering impression.
Resolving to maintain the professional façade that I was known for, I grabbed my jacket and left my office and made my way to the meeting, still thinking about her. What is wrong with me?
“Good Morning, gentlemen,” I said as I walked in. They stood up to greet me and took their seats.
Arnoldo walked in after I did with his brown folder, as usual, and the pen lodged on his collar. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was in a good mood, but this man doesn’t know what the phrase even means.
“What’s new with stocks and investments?” I asked our statistics personnel.
She grabbed her folder. “We’re up by 45%, 52% higher rating, but we had a decline with the Whirlpool Sports investment.”
I hissed. Shit. “How much of a decline?”
She sighed. Deeply. “83%.”
My eyes, as well as Arnoldo’s, bulged open. Did she just say 83%?
