Page 22 of Mr. B

“Hmm. If I remember correctly, you were often late to your morning classes because you couldn’t get out of bed in time.”

She shrugged. “I guess I grew up.”

“I guess we both did.”

“In my defense, though, we often stayed up late studying and…stuff.”

He sighed. “Yeah, there was quite a bit of…stuff happening.”

She smiled. “We were good, Weston. You can’t deny that.”

He looked at the plant. “Is that really for me?”

“Yes. Don’t kill it.”

“Why a plant?”

“Because you don’t have one. Every office needs a plant.”

“I’ve survived this long without one.”

She backed up a few steps. “Oh, and you need to name it.”

“I’m not going to name the damn plant.”

“Give it a name and talk to it. That way it will thrive.” She smiled. “I know. Get out of my office, Cassandra.”

He picked up a cookie. “I’ll see you at ten.”

Chapter six

“How about we put a pin in it?”

Wes leaned back in his chair and listened as the two women excitedly discussed fundraising options for the senior class fall trip. It seemed to him that being there wasn’t really necessary. When he stood, Cassandra and Theresa Alpert looked at him.

“Don’t mind me. I’m just going to go get another cup of coffee.”

He left the office and went to the coffee station behind the reception counter. Polly looked up from her desk. “How’s it going?”

“You’ll have to ask them. I’m superfluous.”

“I doubt that, sir.”

He filled his cup. “I wonder if I walked out of here and took a walk, if they’d even notice.”

“I’m sure they would.”

“Hmm.”

“It seems Dr. Jordan wants to be involved.”

“She can be as involved as she wants on this end. But I draw the line at her attending the camp.”

“Right.”

Wes raised an eyebrow. “Polly, I know the sound of that ‘right.’”

“So far it seems the kids have accepted her. A lot of them didn’t really care for Mr. Bishop.”