Page 36 of Pure Abandon

“Am I disturbing you?” Trish enters wearing an adorable checkered skirt and white blouse. She looks innocent and not slutty. Quite a feat when you’re wearing a schoolgirl ensemble.

“No, please come in,” I say, especially since she comes bearing gifts in the form of coffee. It’s particularly sweet because she brought me a cup and not one for herself.

I feel like I was just talking to her about the flowers five minutes ago. A look at the clock startles me to realize I’ve wasted an hour in my office being caught up in my own head.

Trish takes her usual seat in the chair opposite my desk. I never have company in this office except for Trish, and Asher that one time. I always seem to be heading to everyone else’s desk.

Trish leans in. She has a stack of papers in her hand and a beaming smile on her face. “I came to tell you I got that raise.”

Oh. This is news.

“Congratulations! I see Erik took care of the misunderstanding, then.” I may not have seen Asher in days, but I can’t erase my embarrassing outburst in the elevator.

“Actually, Mr. Asher called me up to his office personally. It was very intimidating.”

“I can imagine.” I know from experience. “What did he say?”

“Well, he sat me down in his office and asked me everything from my duties here at the office to the new ones I have acquired working with Heather.” Trish starts fiddling with her hands.

“Were you nervous?” I ask because her body is radiating with unused energy she’s clearly been storing up.

“So nervous!” She leans forward in her seat and grabs the backs of her knees. “And it didn’t help that at the end of the conversation, he just dismissed me. Just like he was done with me or something.”

That sounds like the man I know. “When did you have this conversation?”

“Last night, after you left. I’ve been going crazy all night. I didn’t know what it meant. Kevin told me not to worry and that I should quit if Asher refuses my raise.”

“But you got the raise, right?”

“Yes, well, not officially.” Trish turns beat red and bows her head in embarrassment.

“Trish!” She has to stop telling me things like this! “Have you been reading Erik’s emails again?”

She peeks up at me with a look of shame. “Guilty.”

“Trish, you have to stop that. If I find out you’re doing it again, I have no choice but to tell Erik. Please don’t put me in this position.”

“I know, I know. It’s just… I’ve been so consumed with these feelings of anger over the matter and I’m not an angry person. I didn’t know what to do with myself.” With just one look at Trish’s remorse, I know she’s telling the truth. This girl doesn’t have a vindictive bone in her body. Of course she wouldn’t know how to handle her feelings in this matter.

“Well, I guess the damage is done. What did the email say?”

“Mr. Asher told Erik that after reviewing the matter and having a personal conversation with me, he found me to be a bright and capable young woman who is invaluable to the project.” Trish’s beaming smile was back.

“He’s right about that.” I can’t help but match her grin. It’s infectious.

“And he said Heather’s review of me is without merit and Erik should give me a raise as he sees fit and consider me for a promotion when the project is over, as I am, and I quote, overqualified for my current helm.” Her posture straightens and her chin lifts to the north in a sense of pride.

“Right, again. I’d say you really impressed him. And I hope Erik gives you a decent increase.”

“Oh, I know he will. At least what is fair, of course. Erik is just that way. You know, all for one and that kind of thing.” She bobbles in her chair like there’s a spring underneath her.

“I do.” It’s the one thing that keeps me sane around here. “Again, I’m very happy you have some closure on the matter.”

Trish lets out a laugh. “I feel much better.” She holds the papers she’s been holding on to straight out in front of her, putting them in front of my face. “Mr. Asher told me to give these to you.”

I take the papers from her hand and look over them. They’re all the proposals I’ve been sending up to his office for review. I flip through each contract in my hand, Asher’s signature on each of them. He approved everything.

I look up at Trish, who is playing with the hem of her skirt. “Did he say anything when he gave these to you?” I ask, hoping for some inclination of his feeling toward me after such a ridiculous outburst in the elevator.