Page 22 of F Buddy

“Thanks. I’ll head over right now.”

If there was something I’d done wrong, I’d have rather waited for a while before facing the music so I could keep my high a little longer. But it was already ruined, my more professional mood settling in. It wouldn’t be any better to have her come looking for me, or send someone to me, so might as well get it over with.

I stopped at the office door and knocked, waiting for confirmation before I let myself in.

“You wanted to see me.”

My superior was seated behind her desk, the oversized piece of furniture dwarfing her already small build. Standing up, she probably hit my chin, if that, with her blonde hair put up in a messy bun. But the gaze she leveled on me had my back straightening when I hadn't realized my spine was relaxed in the first place. She was a fierce woman that ran a tight ship—she was good at what she did.

She intimidated me. I found it hot. Once, I’d tried to hit on her and she shut me down. It was at an office party so I didn’t get into trouble for it. But my respect for her went up a notch, and I did my best to stay on her good side when she didn’t let it affect work either.

“You’re here earlier than usual,” she commented.

I gave her a small smile, keeping it polite. “It’s not so unusual, though. It’s not like I come to work late.”

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs at the knees and folding her arms over her chest. “Well, no, you always just barely make it on time. But that’s not what we’re here to discuss.”

“Are you dissatisfied with my work?” I asked bluntly.

She pursed her lips, but I could see a light in her eyes behind her wireless, round glasses that I hoped was approval. “No, quite the opposite. I called you here because I love your work.”

I blinked, not expecting the compliment.

“Then I’m afraid I’m a little lost.”

She kept up her pose for a moment, considering me with her dark eyes. Then she uncrossed her legs and leaned onto her desk.

“I have a job for you.”

“A job?” I sounded like a fucking parrot.

“Yes. I’m sure you know our company has offices in several cities and several countries all over the world. We’re even opening a few more.”

I nodded. I was aware of it, though what it had to do with me… oh. I was starting to get the picture.

“The guy that was supposed to open the Tokyo office got himself fired for doing something stupid. I’m not at liberty to say what, he’s still under investigation. But we still need people out there, and I picked you for the job.”

Picked me, as if I’d volunteered for something like this. I never had a choice in the whole thing, and I couldn’t open my mouth to say anything about it. Of all the times they could have chosen to spring this on me… Couldn't it have been two weeks earlier? Back then, I wouldn’t have minded the opportunity for adventure, but now…

Now, I dreaded it.

“I’d like for you to leave as soon as possible,” she continued. “I’ll have someone give you some more details later, including your travel details. If you have too much work it will be delegated, so just tell me when you’re ready.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I muttered, turning around and leaving her office.

Fuck. I wondered if fate was trying to be cruel. I’d have to call Scarlett and let her know, especially since we’d made plans for the weekend and now I wasn’t going to be there for it.

I wandered back to my cubicle and stood with my hand on top of the partition. I hesitated before sitting down. If I was supposed to start getting ready to leave soon, then I’d be busy later. I wanted to call her before I got busy so we could have a real talk.

But I didn’t want it to be out in the open where anyone could hear. It’s early, I told myself. Not many people were around, so I headed to the break room. It was empty, thankfully. Hopefully, no one would walk in on the conversation. I pulled out my phone and made the call.

She answered almost immediately.

“Zach!” she said, sounding almost pleased. “I wasn’t expecting you to call this early. What’s up?”

I felt bad, knowing she was happy to hear from me when I didn’t exactly have the best news to deliver.

“Where are you right now?”