Twenty-four #2
The inventory doesn’t reconcile with the orders. I pull the allocation logs and follow a few high-value batches through the system.
Bethany knocks on the metal side of my cubicle. “We’re heading to the deli downstairs and then up to the park on the roof. Care to join us?”
“You’re staying in the building?”
“We are. Come on and join us.” she calls, shifting her tote higher on her arm.
I close the file. I’ve got a stack of notes I tap into order with my pen. I think I’m ready for my meeting with Heather.
“I’m right behind you,” I say, adjusting my grip on my bag as I step into the elevator.
Jackson steps into the elevator as the doors close, his reflection catching in the mirrored walls as he angles away like he’s looking at his phone. No one else reacts.
“What did Heather want?” George asks. “You’re allowed to take time off here.”
I grin. “She gave me a project.”
Janet nudges my shoulder with hers as we talk. “You survived Heather’s office.” We step off the elevator and into the company cafeteria. “That’s a win.”
“Barely,” I say, stepping around a slow couple and matching their pace again. “She’s given me a big audit to present to Luca Marino.”
“What’s the audit?” George asks.
“It’s a cost overrun audit.” I glance at the sandwich shop ahead.
Bethany lets out a low whistle as she pulls the door open. “That’s not a starter project.”
“No.” I step inside and move along the counter. “It’s not.”
Janet leans in beside me, tapping the menu with one finger. “She threw you into that? She’s the one that usually does that.”
“She framed it as opportunity.” I look over the menu and the chicken salad looks good. “You can decide what that means.”
“It means she’s watching you.” George rests his forearm on the counter and looks me over. “And worried you’re going to take her job.”
“She’s worried everyone is going to take her job.” Bethany steps forward to order.
I place my order once she’s done and move to the side, letting the others rotate through. Jackson stays outside, leaning against the brick with his phone in his hand, his attention angled just enough toward us.
We carry our bags into the elevator and up to the rooftop park, the sun hitting hard against the concrete and metal. Janet drops onto a bench and kicks her heels off under it, stretching her legs out.
“This is the only reason I tolerate Heather,” she says, tearing open her sandwich wrapper. “Access to this.”
Bethany sits across from her and pulls her hair into a loose knot. “I’d rather be in the water,” she says, twisting it tight. “Bay swim every Saturday. Rain or not.”
“Every Saturday?” I ask, setting my bag at my feet and unwrapping my salad.
“Every,” she says, pointing at me with half a smile. “You’re coming this week.”
“I don’t swim.” I plunge my fork into the salad.
“You will.” She leans back on her palms. “We’ll drag you in.”
George drops down beside me and sets his drink between his knees. “Ignore her.” He nudges my elbow lightly. “Come to The Red Dress Run instead.”
“The what?” I turn toward him.
He grins and taps the side of his cup. “I run with the Hash House Harriers. One Saturday a month, we go for a run, and this weekend is The Red Dress Run. Everyone wears a red dress. They set up a trail around town that they’ve marked with flour, and it leads you to a tavern for beers afterward.
It’s chaos but fun, and a great way to meet new people. ”
“It’s ridiculous,” Janet cuts in, pointing at him with her sandwich. “And you know it.”
“It’s tradition,” he shoots back, lifting his hands in mock defense.
Bethany leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “We do normal things too,” she says, tilting her head at me. “Dinner, drinks, anything that doesn’t involve embarrassing yourself.”
“I don’t embarrass myself.” George nudges her foot with his.
“You wore heels last year.” Janet lifting her brows.
He takes a drink. “They were supportive.”
I laugh softly and then glance toward the edge of the rooftop. Jackson changes position, stepping out of the sun and into the shadow of the building.
“You’re all very convincing,” I say, turning back to them. “I’ll consider it.”
“Consider faster,” Bethany says, pointing at me again. “You don’t get to stay on the sidelines.”
“I’ve been here a week.” I take my last bite of salad. “I think I get a little time.”
“You don’t.” Janet brushes crumbs off her hands. “Not with Heather watching.”
I look at her, holding her gaze. “She watches everyone.”
“She targets,” Janet corrects, leaning forward and resting her forearms on her thighs. “Especially people she didn’t hire.”
Bethany glances between us. “Jan—”
“No, she should know,” Janet cuts her off with a small lift of her hand. “Heather will take your work and present it as hers if she can.”
George exhales and leans back, staring up at the sky. “That’s not entirely fair.”
“It’s accurate.” Janet turns to me again. “Just don’t hand her anything you’re not willing to lose credit for.”
I brush my fingers lightly over the edge of my bag, grounding it closer to my foot. “Noted.”
Bethany watches me for a second and then pushes up from the bench. “We should head back.” She stands and gathers her things. “Some of us don’t have surprise audits to prep for.”
“I have a meeting with Heather.” I stand and sling my bag over my shoulder. “I want to be early.”
“Of course, you do.” Janet slips her shoes back on and stands beside me. “Overachiever.” She winks at me.
“Prepared,” I correct, stepping toward the elevator.
George falls in on my other side, tossing his empty cup into the bin as we pass. “Same thing.”
“Not always,” I push the door open and step inside.
Behind us, Jackson straightens and follows at a distance, his pace matching ours without closing the gap.
When we get back to our desks. I grab my notes and questions and head back to Heather’s office. I am five minutes early.
Heather taps the edge of her desk with the back of her pen as I step in, the schedule already spread across the surface in neat rows.
“Close the door.”
I push the door shut with my hand and move to the table, setting my notes down at the corner instead of taking a seat.