I readEthan his bedtime story and stroke his hair until he falls asleep in his new big-boy bed. This is always my favorite part of the day. The worse part is leaving him in the morning.
I catch up on a little reading, and check my social media and email. I’m surprised when I see a message from Mr. Boss Man in my Inbox. Of course I devour it.
Hello, Gretchen,
Hope you are well, and not too tired from the day. I’ve tried to go easy on you. Please let me know if I’m working you too hard. :)
I just wanted to make sure you knew your work day is flexible. Given your life circumstances, I would fully understand if you need to occasionally excuse yourself, or be tardy in the morning, or possibly leave early.
I remember the stresses of having a two-year old. Thankfully, I had a spouse and full-time nanny to share the duties, and I still found it challenging at times.
I know you have the energy to handle it all, but I wouldn’t want you to unnecessarily exhaust yourself. Physical and emotional health is important, especially when you’re a mother.
Best,
Weston
I read it again and again, a smile on my face. It may possibly be the kindest, sweetest email I’ve ever received. I have the most thoughtful boss on the planet.
My heart hammers as I type a reply.
HelloWeston… Mr. Hanson… Boss Man…Weston,
Thank you so much for the email. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Of course, I plan to be as available to you as much as I can.For anything you need… and I mean anything!But it’s nice to know I have the freedom to address possible issues and emergencies at home when needed. It means a lot.
Thank you so much!
See you tomorrow!
Gretchen… Your grasshopper ;)…Gretchen
I check it over about five times to make sure it’s perfect, and hitSend, my stomach full of butterflies.
* * *
I barely seeMr. Boss Man today, which is a good thing because I need to focus on my work. I’ve finally managed to sync my laptop to the office printer/scanner, which is thankfully top-of-the-line, better than the one I have at home.
I’ve slaved over my laptop all day, my hand dancing over my pink mouse, playing around with different ideas and designs. I need to give them at least three options to start, and if they don’t like them, I go back to the drawing board.
Every two hours or so, I stand to stretch and have a snack, usually a granola bar or an apple, and occasionally a hand full of Skittles from the bowl on my desk. I make sure to also pause often and stretch my neck. I take the opportunity to look at the photos on my desk, a picture of Ethan, and one of Donovan. I debated bringing the photo of Donovan, but he sits on my desk at home, and I’m used to seeing him every day. It just didn’t seem right not to bring him along. Sure, I know it’s been over two years, and it’s a little weird, but I don’t care.
Walter stares back at me. That’s the small artist Smurf figurine Donovan gave me years ago. He holds an artist palette and a paintbrush, and his tongue sticks out in concentration. Donovan gave it to me years ago because it reminded him of me. Apparently, I always stick out my tongue when I’m highly focused on my work. He used to say it was the most adorable thing. I highly doubt it.
I sigh at the recollection. So many memories, and they hit me at all hours of the day, sometimes at the most unexpected times. I miss him so much.
It’s one o’clock and my stomach is growling. I’m readying to head home for lunch break when Weston surprises me.
“How are you today?”
I smile up at him. “Great… and you?”
He grins widely. “Fantastic. I’m just about to have lunch.”
“Me too. I’m starving,” I tell him. “Not sure if I have any decent food at home, but I’ll figure it out.”
He studies me for a second or two. “Would you like to eat with me?” he asks. “I have tons of Thai leftovers. I always order too much.”
I’m taken aback by the offer. It was the last thing I expected. Ethan is at daycare, and nothing is waiting for me at home but cans of Campbell’s soup, and I love Thai food. “Uh… sure. I’d love to. Thank you so much.”
