He began shifting through the keys, squinting at the tiny handwritten labels taped to them. "A peer is someone who stays to work after completing the program. I work for Turtle Grove, helping like a big brother sort of in exchange for food and room. I also get a small check. Peers are recommended by counselors. We're people who could use more time and a counselor feels is a good fit for the role. Can I ask why you need an office?"
"I'm the new office manager."
"Oh, that's cool. Well, I'm here to help. I'll write down my schedule and number tonight and give it to you when I see you again. Ah-ha, got it."
The key slid easily into the lock, and the door popped open. Luke motioned for Bette to go first. The blinds were drawn on the only window of the tiny room. There was a metal desk, a chair, and one dented filing cabinet. On the desk were a computer monitor and a keyboard so ancient she was sure it was from the late 90s. How on earth it was still working was beyond her.
She sighed, "Oh, well, this is, well..."
"Sad as shit," Luke finished for her.
Bette laughed lightly. She liked Luke so far. "Yeah, yeah, that's exactly what it is."
"Let's try the next one. I think it's bigger."
Chapter 4
Kerrie shut the door to her office more forcefully than she had meant to. She was boiling with anger and could feel her face inflamed. The day was getting worse by the minute, and she didn't have time for it.
Turning, she found Tyler already planted in the chair in front of her desk. He was helping himself to a stress ball that she kept on the edge of her desk for clients to fidget with. He appeared perfectly at ease, even though it was clear that Kerrie wasn't happy. She thought she and Tyler had come to an understanding the last time they discussed the topic of an office manager.
"This thing is pretty cool," Tyler said casually, tossing the squishy yellow smiley face toy from hand to hand before squeezing it again.
Taking a seat in her office chair, Kerrie glared at him for a long moment. She knew he could feel the weight of her gaze. It had to be burning a hole through him. She cleared her throat, ignoring his comment. "I thought we had come to an understanding about an office manager."
The smallest of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he continued to play with the toy. He glanced up with crystal blue eyes briefly. "We had, but you didn't listen to the final verdict. I listened to your reasons for not replacing Vickie after she retired, but the reasons to replace her outweigh those you mentioned."
"We don't need anyone here. I'm managing just fine."
Tyler snorted, placing the toy down before reclining back into the chair like he was hanging out and not angering a woman twice his size. "Your notes are behind. Your audit corrections are two weeks out. You've been working late almost every night. You've missedyour last five rotations of Conference, and, I'll be honest, you look like shit. You've got bags under your eyes. I don't know the last time I saw you smile, and you look like you could use a month-long vacation. I bet you don't do anything for yourself. You're either here caring for clients or at home caring for Kenny."
"My brother needs me," Kerrie glared, but his words were not untrue and took a little wind out of her sails.
Tyler's face softened. "I know he does. You're a fantastic sister and caregiver, but you need to take care of yourself as well. And you know that. We've worked together for what? Over a decade at this point, right?"
Kerrie nodded reluctantly. She was losing her steam, her shoulders curving a little into herself.
"I know what I'm saying, and you know I'm right. Ms. Bette will help take some of the pressure off and let you do what you're paid to do. Do you know how many people would give anything for their boss to force help on them?"
Frustration bubbled through Kerrie. She hated conceding she needed help. She could manage to get it all done; she was sure of it. She'd been doing it for the better part of a year now. Sure, things were a little behind, but other counselors were also behind. Maybe not as behind as she was, though. The last thing she needed was someone else in the building to worry about. That would be one more thing on her to-do list. Tyler thought he was helping, but he was just giving her someone to babysit.
"Does she even have experience in addiction?" huffed Kerrie, crossing her arms.
"She's going to do the admin side of things. I don't think knowing much about addiction will be that important to her tasks. Besides, she'll pick up the human side of things over time."
Kerrie shook her head. "You're just adding more stuff for me to do, Ty. This isn't going to help me at all."
A knock sounded loudly on the door, prompting Kerrie to call out. "Come in."
Luke popped his head in, holding up the keys. "It's us. We're done."
"Ah, come in. Did you decide which one you wanted?" Tyler asked with entirely too much enthusiasm for Kerrie's liking.
Kerrie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This woman was already claiming space, and they hadn't even been introduced.
The woman smiled at Tyler, avoiding looking at Kerrie. "The one when you first come into the building."
"It's the bigger of the two. She liked that one." Luke offered.
