Page 65 of Pierced

But it wasn’t necessary. He had everyone’s attention that morning. I was a little breathless with anticipation because I didn’t know what he was gonna say. I had no idea what this impromptu meeting was about. It was one of his classic Pierce reactions to things. Which I admit I find exhilarating.

So yes. I guess that was the last happy day I had at work. Looking up at him on stage.

But today my happiness comes from his absence.

Do I find that weird? Yes. And normally when Pierce is out of town or away from work and I’m here at Le Man alone, I feel a little sad. Like I’m missing something. And I have to rally myself because eventually a shitstorm lands on my desk and Pierce isn’t there to hand it off to, so I take care of things. Not because I want glory. That’s not why I rally when he’s gone. It’s just… I want people to see him in the best light. I want them to see him the way I do. Because Pierce is probably the only person I’ve ever met who… understands me.

Or I thought he did.

Turns out I was wrong about that.

What was the point of my pointless musings again?

Oh, yes. Humming. I’m humming.

“What are you doing?”

I look up from my computer to find Eden standing in my doorway. “Oh, just looking at these design ideas Maggie sent over for the party.”

“No, that noise. What was that noise? Were you… growling?”

Eden. She’s so adorable. “I was humming. I’m happy today. Pierce and I had quite the night last night and today he’s missing.”

“Missing? Did you leave his body somewhere?”

I close my email, fold my hands in my lap, and look at her. Maggie can wait. “Not his body. His body is juuuust fine. His spirit, well, I might’ve broken him.”

“Broken him how?” She closes my door, walks over to one of the chairs in front of my desk, and plops down. “What did you do, Myrtle?”

I take a deep breath and all the words spill out on the exhale. The whole story, starting with ‘velvet rope’ and ending with ‘cock cage,’ fills the room. Eden is quiet as she listens and when I finally finish by saying, “And then he didn’t show up for work today.” She blinks her eyes at me. “He’s avoiding my test.”

I have to admit, I’m sorry this game ended so soon. I’d have liked to see him try to pass that test. Of course, there’s no way he could. I’m just that good.

“Are you crazy?” Eden says. “You did that to Pierce? You do realize he’s your freaking boss, right?”

“He wasn’t my boss last night.” I cackle. And then I begin to hum again. I can’t help it. I’m so happy.

“Stop that growling. It’s… disturbing.”

“I won, don’t you see? I won. He came over, I humiliated him, and now he’s so embarrassed, he can’t even show up for work today. He can’t face me. It’s just like… no,” I say, stopping to collect my thoughts. “It’s exactly the way I felt after that whole Sexpert debacle.” And then I sigh. “I think I’m done here. I can now walk out on my own terms.”

I lean back in my chair, clasp my hands behind my neck, and luxuriate in my own self-satisfaction.

A knock at my door makes me lean forward again. Eden spins in the chair, and we both stare at the door.

Pierce is peeking through the tall, skinny side window, smiling at me.

Eden turns to me and says, “Well, would you look at that,” just as Pierce opens the door and pops his head in.

“Eden,” he says.

“Hey, Pierce. Um…” She glances at me, then back at him. “Everything OK today?”

“Just fine,” he says, eyes meeting mine, then darting to Eden’s, then back to mine. “Just wanted to check in with you, Myrtle. Make sure everything’s running smoothly, since I had to take care of business today.”

“I’m sure Valerie has it all under control,” I snap.

“Yup,” he says. Smiling. “Yup. I’m sure she probably does. So…” he says, leaning into the word, still smiling. “Yup. Great. Good talk. Catch you later, Myrtle.”