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“These are incredible!” Amelia exclaimed, biting into Gabby’s signature chocolate chip muffins. “Where are they from?”
“Gabby’s café,” Nathaniel answered proudly. “Highly recommended. It’s only a few blocks from here.”
Parker and I quickly glanced at each other, exchanging a knowing look. I had to stifle some laughter at his knowing smirk. My reaction earned me a puzzled look from Richard.
Amelia finished her muffin and took her place at the front of the room. Parker plugged into the projector, and they started their presentation. They were confident, and both looked in their element presenting. I didn’t know what Amelia did before this, but I assumed Parker had plenty of practice talking in front of people.
They gave us a thorough history of their company and how it evolved from a drunken idea after Amelia had a bad reaction to a lotion she bought. The mission of their products was to provide quality skincare and makeup at a price that even college students could afford. I respected their mission. Sometimes, I was appalled at the cost of a tube of lip gloss.
I filled page after page with ideas and questions to cover with them. I peeked at the clock; it was almost five. Parker sat several seats down from me, checking his watch every five minutes. If I got up again like I had planned, as Amelia finished, the meeting would go past five o’clock.
“Okay,” I shut my laptop, earning confused stares from my team since they knew the agenda and we weren’t done yet. “There’s still a lot that we need to cover, but that will take us way beyond the time, so I think we’ll call it a day and pick this back up on Wednesday.”
“Really?” Stephen didn’t hide his surprise. “You’re going to end a meeting without everything being covered? Who are you, and what have you done with Blake Johnson?”
Everyone laughed. My face got warm. I had to do a better job as a manager.
“I’m turning over a new leaf,” I said. “You are more than welcome to stay working, but for the first time ever, I have plans that I would like to keep this evening. So, take it or leave it.”
“No, I’m out of here,” Stephen stood and rushed out of the room.
Richard’s eyes questioned me, but I wasn’t going to stick around to answer any questions. Amelia’s team retreated to their conference room, and I dashed to my office. I shoveled my stuff into my purse and locked the door. Lainee stopped me to sign off some slides for her presentation tomorrow before I could run away.
“You run long meetings well,” Amelia commented as she and her team caught up to me in the elevator. “I’m known for keeping my team later than I should.”
Amanda snickered behind her and adamantly nodded. I was glad I wasn’t the only one with an honest team. We chatted about our respective teams, even though hers was right there.
I wanted to be a better manager for them. They had been working hard, and I had been pushing them a bit much over the last few months. I had to be better about balance, both for them and me. Easier said than done.
“Well, your team seems to like you, and Nathaniel spoke very highly of you, so I’m excited to see what we can all do together. Where do you recommend we go for a drink after a long day? Preferably somewhere with sweet drinks, I’m kind of picky.”
Parker gave me a panicked look as if I would recommend where we were going. My mind might have been racing a million miles a minute, and my thoughts were muddled, but I wasn’t stupid.
“There’s a cute little bar a few blocks north,” I explained and pointed as we walked out of the building. “It’s about three blocks that way and then on the right. It’s called Shuffle. They have a great happy hour and yummy cocktails.”
“Sounds great. Would you guys like to go?” she looked at Amanda and Nick, who were nodding. “Parker?”
“Umm…I had a… long… weekend, so I think I’ll go to the gym and take it easy this afternoon,” Parker shrugged. He avoided eye contact with Amelia. He was a terrible liar. A fact that brought me comfort.
“I’ve never known you to turn down a drink after work… are you feeling sick?” Amelia skeptically looked at him.
“Yeah, I’m fine, Ame. Just tired.”
“Okay then? I’d love it if you could join us, Blake, but I believe you mentioned you have plans?”
“Yeah,” I smiled at the ground. Lying wasn’t my strong suit, either. “I’m getting dinner with a…friend.”
“Hm. If my friends made me smile like that, I certainly would make sure I make that dinner,” Amanda’s squeaky voice chimed in.
I chuckled to hide my embarrassment. Parker shifted in his stance.
“Forgive her,” Amelia rolled her eyes. “Amanda doesn’t have a filter, even when she should.”
“You heard Stephen earlier. I encourage honesty in all its forms,” I laughed. “Maybe next time.”
We said goodbye and walked in opposite directions.
Today’s events replayed in my head like a bad movie. Seeing Erik was much tougher than I expected, and Richard watching my every move made me uncomfortable. Parker walking out of those elevators was the last thing I needed. His kindness and concern for me also didn’t help.
