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And when I say bad, it should be spelledfoul.
She storms into her office and commences throwing things.
At first, because my back is to her, I don’t know what the noise is that I’m hearing. When I hear it again, I turn to make sure she’s okay. A picture frame comes flying my way, hitting the glass wall that divides us, and smashing to the ground.
I’ve literally got less than fifteen minutes left before I officially finish working here. I’m inclined to turn back to my computer and see those fifteen minutes out without getting involved in whatever Jill’s dealing with. However, when I realize she’s crying, I can’t stop myself from going to her to make sure she’s okay.
“Jill,” I say as I enter her office. “Are you okay?”
Tears track down her cheeks as she looks at me. “Whatever you do, Charlize, don’t ever give up your entire life for a man. They’re not worth it.”
Right, so I think my boss is maybe having a moment. Like, a big moment. One I may not be equipped to help her with.
I glance around at the mess of broken glass from the items she’s thrown. “Would you like me to clean up?”
She shakes her head and waves me off. “No, I’ll do it.” She reaches for a tissue and blows her nose. “I’m sorry I was awful to you this afternoon. I’m having the week from hell, and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair when you’ve worked exceptionally hard for me.”
Poppy tells me often that I’m a bleeding heart. She’s right and I stand proud knowing that I care for people even though I know the term is usually used to disparage people. That heart of mine opens right up for Jill now.
“I get it,” I say. “And I appreciate your apology.”
She stares at me through her tears.
She does this for what feels like forever.
Then, she says, “Iappreciate that you didn’t pretend it didn’t happen. Most of the staff here pander to me. I never know what they’re really thinking about me. They fucking love Owen, like actually, truly like him and want him to like them, but with me, I think they just act as if they like me so they can get something out of me.”
I think my bleeding heart may have gotten me into a situation I don’t want to be in.
I feel for Jill. I really do. However, that doesn’t mean I want to get into this with her.
I’m saved by Tahlia, Owen’s assistant, who knocks on her office door. “Jill, I’ve got those documents from Owen for you to sign.”
Jill motions for her to come in.
I excuse myself, glad to go back to my desk.
I eye the time on my computer.
I’ve got eight minutes to go.
I’ve never watched the clock in any job like I am this afternoon.
I count down as Tahlia leaves and I quickly send through the final few things Jill has asked me to do for her.
Five minutes.
Three.
One.
At five p.m., I wonder if it would be wrong to leave without checking on her again.
I’m in the middle of warring with myself over this when she comes out at 5:06 p.m. and says, “Go home, Charlize. And thank you for getting everything done.”
I look at her.
Never in my life have I seen a woman compose herself so quickly and so well after breaking down. To look at her, you wouldn’t know she was throwing things and crying and bleeding her heart out about her week from hell fifteen minutes ago.
