Page 25 of My Favorite Boss

He frowned. “Old money, Myers.”

“Oh.” That explained a lot. His suits, his address, his lack of worry about his expense account.

I received one of his rare smiles. “And I do well at my job.”

Then he became the Bane I knew the best.

Abrupt and curt.

“Get me a coffee.”

“Of course, sir.”

During the various errands he sent me on, I got to know the people in the building. Pete, the old security guy. Jenny, one of the cleaning ladies who worked on the floor every day. Mac, the man who kept the front lobby spotless. The other partners’ assistants were friendly, although I didn’t really know them that well yet. They invited me to lunch, but I had been so busy I hadn’t made it yet. I liked them all—hardworking, nice people. I looked forward to getting to know them all even more. As long as I survived my boss.

“Myers!” the bane of my existence called to get my attention.

Again.

Good God, the man liked to bellow.

I rolled my shoulders and went to his door, entering without knocking. There was no point, although he scowled every time I did it. He was shouting for me, so he must know I was about to walk in. Why should I knock?

“You need something?”

“These papers need to go to HR. Now.”

I swallowed down my retort. Telling him I was just about to drink my coffee and eat my sandwich would do me no good. I rarely got the chance to enjoy my coffee. Or eat a sandwich in its entirety. In fact, half the time, I didn’t recall drinking my coffee. But it disappeared, so I assumed I had. “Of course.”

He looked past me with a glare. “I see flowers arrived again. I thought we discussed this.”

I sighed. “I have no idea who is sending them, so I can’t tell them to stop.”

He waved me off. “Whatever. Take the papers down.”

I took a sip and then headed downstairs to the HR office. I gave the papers to Jessica, who asked me how things were going.

“Great,” I said with a false smile. “Busy.”

She nodded. “Alexander is always busy.”

“So I’ve discovered.”

“You’re able to keep up?”

“Perfectly,” I lied. I came in early, worked late, and did a lot of stuff at home. The man never stopped, it seemed. “I have to get back.” I waved and took the stairs up, walking into the office.

I sat down, reaching for my coffee, and frowned. It was empty. I had only had a few sips, hadn’t I? I rubbed my forehead. This kept happening to me. I opened my sandwich, taking a bite, then picked up my coffee cup and hurried to the kitchen to make another cup. Luckily, no one was in the break room, so I didn’t have to deal with those catty women today. I walked back into the office, surprised to see Mr. Bane standing by my desk. He looked guilty when he saw me, stepping back.

“You got the papers there?”

“Yes.”

“Took you a while.”

“I was already back. I needed coffee.”

“Ah. Well, finish your lunch and get mine.”