Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get out on a site in quite some time, but things may have changed with the plan Jagger needs drawn up for a new build. Which was where I was heading before Todd came to my office, well, after I did some reconnaissance first, that is.
“Hey, Crew, did I catch you at a bad time?” My suit jacket is off and the buttons at my throat are undone, which isn’t unusual after working for a few hours. Whereas if I were staying all day, I’d at least try to look like I’m staying in business mode. The extra button being undone, my shirt being wrinkled, and my hair looking like I’ve run my fingers through it all day are good indicators that I’m not staying at the office till closing time.
“Nah, just heading out. Jag needs me to look at something. Figured I’d take the plans with me, then go home after.” We don’t have set hours, but both of us try to be here at the beginning of the workday, if not earlier, and when one goes on vacation, the other stays. As for being here until the office technically closes, that’s up to the other.
“I won’t keep you, then. Serena, the paid intern we hired, will be starting with you tomorrow. I appreciate you taking her on.” I’ve yet to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, refusing to ask questions or get involved after Todd said it would be a conflict of interest for him, while also saying in not so many words to steer clear. I’ve kept to myself about the situation, for now.
“Kind of weird to pick up on a Friday, don’t you think?” I cock an eyebrow, and Todd takes a seat in one of the two chairs I have set up in front of my desk, similar to his office. The difference is that he has a black and chrome modern vibe, sprinkled with deep reds. I’m more of a creature of comfort, in my office and at home. Dark wood, oversized leather chairs, and whatever-the-fuck pillows or décor my mom and sister decide on when they go on a shopping adventure.
I drew the line when Joey tried to bring in some kind of goose-looking thing. The joke was on me, the look on my face had her doubling over in laughter. It wasn’t for me after all. Thank fuck. The last thing I needed was a white ceramic goose dressed in a tutu and cowgirl hat.
“Sandra said she finished with training early. May as well give her a few hours to see how Serena does.” New hires go through the process of a background check, a few classes on employee conduct or whatever the fuck you call it, and they also learn the computer system we use. “Serena, where do I begin? Well, she could use the money. She won’t ask, won’t accept, and would rather eat the cheap packets of ramen or canned soup. She’ll manage to make it through to her first paycheck, pay all of her bills, and budget for everything else, even though no one would hold it against her. Like my jacket, for instance. She had no problem borrowing it. Val suggested it as well, and two days later, it came back. Dry cleaned, when neither of us expected it, because now, we’ll be worried about what she’ll do for food or rack up credit card debt.”
I lean against my desk, hands in my pockets, and listen to what Todd has to say. Didn’t ask for this information dump. Still, I’m confused about what she is to him and how Val is involved. As far as I’m aware, they don’t have children, and Serena looks nothing like Todd or Val. Maybe she’s some kind of friend or something along those lines.
“Yeah.” I pull one hand out of my pocket, rub my hand down my chin, and just as I’m about to open my mouth, Todd follows up with another twist in the conversation.
“Maybe when you order lunch, get something for her, and I’ll pay you back.” Well, fuck. Kind of hard to say no to that. Plus, there’s no harm in feeding the woman. The last thing I’d want to be accused of is being an asshole and letting the sweet curves of Serena’s body diminish because of some kind of weird situation where she has to do it all on her own. Well, that’s whacked.
“Will do. Why don’t you talk to Sandra. I know we usually hold a week back, but what’s the point? You clearly know Serena, and it’s not like either of us asks for her to go above and beyond. Get her to do payroll, and she won’t have to go nearly as long in between.” It’ll be more work for human resources. Still, Sandra is paid damn well, has more benefits than she’d get at a corporation, and neither of us asks for anything extra. Even when we have to let someone go, Todd and I make sure we're there, just in case shit goes down.