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Distance is important, I realize. Maybe established couples can work in the same office, but a new romance is too volatile. The highs and lows are too much. And if it goes belly-up, well, there goes your job.
I know better now.
I pop into the lobby. It’s empty for the moment, so nobody gets to witness the teller having to clean the plants. But Milton is right about them. They’re dusty. The cleaning service has been missing them.
I try to find some peace in the task. I’ll be doing lowly ones again anyway, once I’m in Marietta. I can be humble.
The door opens behind me, sending a bright swath of light across the plant. I turn my back, hoping it’s not a regular who expects me to be in colorful clothes behind the glass.
I spray a low leaf, thick and green. I’ll make this the cleanest, brightest plant in the lobby. I’ll be happy with my lot until I can make the change I need. I don’t need to fake being positive. There isn’t a mantra for this. Just honest work and hope.
And fresh-baked cookies. I’ll make a cookie for every leaf I have to clean.
A pair of shoes stops by my knees. They’re brown and shiny. The khaki pants are cuffed, and I think I see a smattering of white cat hair on them.
Something in me knows Drew has these same shoes, and that the cat hair is Sasha’s. But it’s a Friday afternoon, and he’s at his vet clinic three hours away. It’s surgery day.
But the shoes don’t move.
Then he speaks, low and gravelly and unmistakable. “Nobody makes Ensley James wear navy blue.”
Milton comes out the door to the lobby, but I barely register him, or how Helen and Janet have come to the glass to see what’s happening. I look up and he’s there, his white shirt rolled up his forearms, his tie loose at his throat. He seems harried, like he’s had to come here in a rush.
“Drew?”
Milton’s voice cuts through the lobby. “Sir, we can take care of you at the window. She’s cleaning the plants.”
“So Ensley James is cleaning the plants,” Drew says, each word coming slowly and deliberately, like a mobster trying to make sure he has his facts straight before ordering an execution. “If your best telleris dusting the foliage, then you must have made her do it. And it’s true that shit floats to the top.”
Milton sputters as Drew grabs my hands and lifts me to standing. “Ensley, I failed on the one thing I vowed a decade ago when I was your brother’s friend. I swore I would help your family. I’d be part of what kept you all safe. I got the opportunity to make good on my promise, and I let you down.”
I squeeze Drew’s hand. “But your father—”
Drew shakes his head. “You were right. My father isn’t me. I can do better.” His smile is small, but it’s the best Drew can do. “It’s time to get you out of here.”
He scoops me up in his arms, and Helen lets out a cheer. “You go, Ensley! Get your man!”
“This is highly inappropriate!” Milton is sputtering again.
I wish Cindy were here to see this. She’d be whooping it up. But she’s already made my escape possible. And so did I. No matter what Janet might say, I did a good job here. Customers loved me. And I was able to be friends with my boss.That’swhat has gotten me a transfer. Me. My work. My attitude.
I link my hands around Drew’s neck. “Where are you taking me?”
“To Atlanta. I won’t let you feel anything but safe ever again.”
“So you’re rescuing me?”
He pulls me more tightly against his chest. “Isn’t that what you always wanted?”
“I have news for you, Dr.Daniels,” I say. “I already got myself a job in Marietta so I could live with my sisters.”
“What?” Milton shouts. “You didn’t give notice.”
Drew carries me to the door. “Consider this her notice.”
Helen runs out with my purse and jacket. “Don’t forget these!” She piles them on my belly. “Good for you!” she whispers.
She opens the door for us, light blasting into the lobby one more time.
