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“Is he going to be expelled from the club?”
“We’ll have a trial with the disciplinary council, but…this is serious. He can’t be harassing or hurting anyone here.”
“Of course.” I wouldn’t want anyone who works under me to be in jeopardy because this man can’t get his act together. And yet, I still feel bad for him.
Edwin’s eyes soften as he looks into mine. “We’ll get him help, though. He needs serious rehabilitation for that drinking.”
I remain silent. This is all too much for a Thursday afternoon.
“You should go home.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, that’s an order, Sonia.”
Heat rushes over me.
I don’t mind Edwin ordering me around. I’d just rather it be in different circumstances.
“I never want you to feel like you have to put yourself in danger for the sake of money. Do you understand?”
I pull my eyes up to Edwin’s, willing them to stay there for at least a few moments. “That’s my job.”
“I know it is. And you’re too damn good at it for your own good.”
Bashful, I laugh, turning away.
Edwin reaches up, fingers catching a piece of hair that’s tumbled out of my slicked-back bun in all the chaos. “I mean it. I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I…” He shakes his head and tucks my hair behind my ear. “We can’t afford to lose you.”
Was that what he was going to say?Ican’t afford to lose you?
Quit your daydreaming, Sonia. It’s never going to happen. Can never happen.
Edwin places his hands on his knees to push to standing. He lets out a heavy breath, and for some reason, thinking about how he is older than me makes my stomach flip. In a fantastic way.
He stands before me for a second. “I’m going to go deal with this. Alright? I’ll let everyone know you’re gone for the day. And take tomorrow off too. Reset.”
I can’t manage to reply because if I tried, I’d probably just beg him to stay. My body seems to go limp as his footsteps get farther and farther away.
I try so hard, but I can’t keep it in anymore. “You’re good at that.”
Why did you have to say that out loud?
“At what?”
I look up, thinking I could just slap myself, but I have to answer him anyway. “Comforting. You made me feel a lot better.”
Edwin smiles. Not one full of mischief or knowingness I can’t comprehend. A real smile. “Thank you.”
The moment aches and aches. If only one of us would give up on being good at our jobs.
He clears his throat. Smile disappears. “I just couldn’t help but imagine my daughter in your shoes, and…”
Is he fucking serious? Comparing me to his daughter?
He turns and starts walking away again. “Go home. Get some rest,” he orders before he disappears out the door.
I lean back on the sofa and sink until I’m lying down with just my head upright. “What the fuck was that?” I’m more confused than I’ve ever been.
