I showered and dressed in my finest business professional. Nude nylons, navy blue skirt and matching blazer, with a light pink blouse. I looked like a stewardess, felt like a corporate tool. No matter. I still had Angie's file, I had a bargaining chip.
Since I was up early enough I took some time out of my morning to go home. I called a cab. I wanted to drive myself to work.
Chris slept soundly in his room. The place felt empty without anyone awake. I really wanted to see Sasha, but that wasn't in the cards today. I strode into the bathroom and applied enough make-up to make it look like I wore none. I combed out my hair and put half of it up, letting the rest fall past my shoulders. I made a turkey sandwich, grabbed an apple, and a container of microwavable macaroni and cheese. I felt like I was heading off to first grade.
The traffic was tolerable, getting sketchy and slow only when I drove over the Kennedy expressway. I fidgeted nervously when I finally got to the office. I got out of the Rav and sighed heavily. There was a twenty-five percent chance I'd get out of the ordeal unscathed.
Everyone milled about the third floor break room. I caught sight of Rena who guarded an empty seat at one of the few tables. She waved me over. She had two bagels, a plain and a cinnamon raisin, set in front of her.
“They bought us bagels and doughnuts,” she said sliding the raisin one to me. “What happened to your eye?”
I had yet to eat this morning. My stomach did cartwheels, making my appetite disappear. I thanked Rena and slipped the bagel into my lunch bag. “I ate before coming in. And it's best to ignore my eye.”
“It's...black and blue!” She reached a hand out to touch it.
“I was at a bar with a friend. I got some friendly fire between two guys who were fighting.”
I saw Sean talking with Carl at the bagel table. He turned, locking eyes with me. He smiled and my heart fluttered. I dropped my eyes.
“Don't be nervous, Samantha,” Rena smiled at me. She broke off a piece of her bagel and popped it into her mouth. “I heard the office in Glen Ellyn just had one of these. No one was fired there.”
“I just wish they could give normal performance reviews instead of this audit.” I also wished I worked with less dangerous individuals. Maybe I should seek work as a case worker with death row convicts. “I'm going to go straighten up my office and wait for the inevitable.”