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I fingered through my hair and noticed how brittle it was. I pulled some strands that fell on the top of the counter. My hair was falling out. It reminded me that I was going to see Dee at the salon. My life routine was returning. I exhaled and washed my hands before returning to my desk. Opening my handbag, I coated my cracked lips with gloss.
“Lily,” Gregor said. I turned around and he gave me a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Would you mind coming into my office?”
I raised an eyebrow at him, questioningly, but I rose and followed him inside.
“Close the door,” he requested.
My heart pumped a little faster, as I squatted down and removed the books holding the door open and closed it. I took the seat across from him. His solemn expression had me worried.
“Is there something wrong?” I asked.
“Yes,” Gregor said and exhaled. “You, Lily.”
My lips parted. “I’ve been ahead of schedule on all my projects. I worked all last week and over the weekend to make up for the time I missed in Boston. I have stayed late….”
“I’m aware of all that,” Gregor cleared his throat. “It’s not your job performance. I know Natasha moving out made things difficult. I am putting in a bonus this month that you very well earned. Your raise will have to wait for next quarter, though. Have you started looking for a new roommate?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I looked into it, but I don’t know if I want to go through it again. My lease will end in a couple of months. I’m looking for a studio or efficiency in Queens and Brooklyn. I haven’t found a place yet… but it won’t interfere with my work.”
Gregor curved his lips upward. “I know and appreciate that.” He exhaled. “Is there any other way I can help?”
I chewed my bottom lip. “I do need to ask for overtime. Anything you can give me, or if you know someone that needs help on the weekends….”
He tapped his pen on his desk as we sat quietly while he considered my request. After a few minutes he said. “Well, I could use some help here… clearing up my office? I really could use the extra help organizing things here.”
I grinned at Gregor and warmed at his sacrificing his “lucky” cluttered workspace to create a job for me. “Thank you, but I was thinking maybe some filing or typing. I could come on the weekends.”
“What about your case?” Gregor paused and stared at me.
When it occurred what he was referencing. I eyed the papers in front of him.
“What case? There is no case anymore. All charges have been dropped, as far as I know. I haven’t spoken to anyone.”
“I know. Danielle Crane called me,” Gregor said.
I licked my lips. “Please tell her she needn’t worry. I just want to move on with my life.”
“So no more Jonas?” he asked in a hushed tone.
A pang went through my chest. “We’re friends.”
“Oh, is that why you… look different?” Gregor asked.
I raised my brows. “Whatever do you mean, Mr. Worton?” I joked.
He made a gesture around my face. “Your face looks pale, a little gaunt. You’re wearing more makeup, your clothes… you’re not as put together as normal.”
I looked down and blushed. My suit was a little creased, but otherwise I thought I looked okay. Ever the vagabond, Tiger Lily. I giggled and let out a sob at the same time.
Gregor’s brows knitted together. “Lily, what’s wrong?”
I covered my mouth. “Sorry. A joke I heard once.” I shrugged. “I lost a little weight, but a new wardrobe is not something I can splurge on at the moment.”
“I can give you a loan,” Gregor said. “It’ll come off your salary after you get settled again.”
I lowered my head. “No. Thanks, Gregor. I’ll get my clothing altered soon.”
“Lily, I didn’t mean to insult you, I’m just concerned. You look ill, tired. I’m just worried you’ve been working too hard. I’d give you stress leave if you needed it.”
