Electra Chapter 3 #3
“I admit, the first time I saw Dozer, I almost peed myself. He came walking out of the back. I didn’t know anyone was here with Diablo.
And when he saw me, he barked. I screamed like a crazy woman.
That’s when I was introduced to Swerve and Dozer.
From there, he’s been nothing but sweet.
He does make sure to guard his master, as he should.
Swerve is very capable, but he still has limitations. Dozer changed his life, I hear.”
I fought not to ask her how Swerve ended up in a wheelchair. I wasn’t going to be a gossiping nib nose. If he wanted to share the cause with me, I’d listen, but I refused to gossip with Annette or anyone.
“If you find you don’t know where something is, just let me know.
I’ll let you get settled in. Swerve is usually here by eight-thirty unless he’s had a late night, working on his other work, in which case it’ll be closer to nine.
The absolute latest is nine thirty, but if he’s to be that late, he calls me,” she explained.
“I’ll go work on getting my office squared away and in order the way I like it. I brought some things to do that.” I pointed out the tote bag I had slung over my arm.
“Have fun,” she said with a wink.
I chuckled, then went past her desk to the back and down the hall. I looked as I passed Swerve’s office, even though I knew he wasn’t there. I wanted a glimpse of him, which was silly. I’d see him shortly.
Once in my space, I got to work. Time was flying by as I arranged my files, set up my desk, and more.
I was one of those people who was anal about their workspace.
I needed it to be neat and everything in its spot for me to concentrate.
I knew it was a form of OCD, but it didn’t harm anyone, so I didn’t care.
Sure, it could irritate those not as organized as I was, but that was their problem, not mine.
I was busy reading an email Jauhnna sent me, which wished me a good day and told me to call her if I needed anything.
I already thought she was amazing and so lovely.
Not what anyone would think an old lady would be.
Yes, she’d made sure I was up on all the slang used in the biker world.
I didn’t tell her that I already knew most of it.
It was a good idea to have it for others who might not be as knowledgeable as I was.
I jotted it down on my to-do list. Making up a cheat sheet would be an easy thing to do.
I loved creating SOPs, standard operating procedures. I had always had that aptitude, and it had carried over to every job I’d had since I was fifteen. Some employers loved it, others hated it.
My hands froze over the keys of my keyboard when I heard Annette speaking, followed by the low rumble of Swerve’s voice, along with the sound of nails on the hard floor, which announced that Dozer was with him.
I lowered my hands and waited to see if he would pop in here or go to his office.
If he did the latter, I’d have to go to him, but I’d give him a few minutes to get situated.
As I sat there, I heard every word Annette was saying.
“Swerve, I’ll go get your coffee since I know I do it the way you like.
Is there anything else I can get you or Dozer?
I have his water already poured fresh. And before you say I don’t have to do any of this, I truly don’t mind.
I brought him another T-R-E-A-T from his favorite place, and got his fur daddy one, too,” she informed him sweetly.
“Thanks, Annette, you don’t need to do those things, but they’re greatly appreciated. If you want to get the coffee, I’ll get myself in my chair.”
He sounded polite and friendly. His tone with her was nothing like it was with me the day of my interview. Maybe it had been a bad day for him. I hoped it was. If not, our working together would be stressful. I didn’t need or want that.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” she called out cheerfully.
“Wait. Is…is Electra here?” His voice had dropped lower. I had to strain my ears to catch it. He sounded as if he was dreading the answer.
“Yeah, she’s in her office next door. I can get her for you,” she whispered back.
“No, that’s alright. I should say hello to her. Why don’t you hold off on the coffee until I’m done with that and I get her started for the day? I’ll call when I’m ready. Will that work for you?”
“Anything you need, Swerve.”
I swore the way she said it had me wondering if she had more than coworker-slash-friendship feelings for him.
Knowing I had moments to compose myself, I sucked in a couple of breaths and straightened my back.
I lowered my eyes to the computer screen.
Let him think I was reading something and hadn’t even known he was in yet.
Seconds later, I heard the nails again, along with the slight sound of his wheels. I clicked over to another page. I didn’t pause or look at him until he broke the silence by clearing his throat.
I glanced up and put on a polite smile. “Oh, good morning. I’m sorry. I was in the zone. How long have you been here? And look who’s here. Hi, Dozer, I’ve been wanting to see you again.”
As Dozer waited for his master to give him a sign it was alright to come over to me, which I knew was what the dog wanted based on how he kept turning his head and looking at Swerve, I thought I saw Swerve scowl.
Well, too bad. If he didn’t like me, that was on him.
I was here to do my job, not make friends. Finally, Swerve said something.
“Go, you crazy dog. But don’t maul her to pieces. Good morning, Electra. I just arrived a few minutes ago. How are you?” he asked me politely.
“I’m doing fantastic now that my boyfriend is here,” I crooned as Dozer bounded over to me and placed his head on my lap.
I laughed as I rubbed his ears, making Dozer groan and close his eyes. I heard what sounded like a snort from Swerve, but I chose to pretend I hadn’t. At least one of them liked me. I preferred animals over people anyway, so it was no big deal to me.