The next hour goes by quickly, Natalie wanted to pretend we didn’t know each other. I point blank refused, no more lies than were necessary. We settled on the truth of being neighbors and acquaintances, not admitting we were as close as we are. The paperwork feels endless before I’m back up at my desk.
Carol was kind enough to finish the most pressing things that needed to be done last week. The reports I’m supposed to do at the beginning of the morning are relatively easy, one is simply entering stock prices into a spreadsheet with the macro already in place to update, the other report was a little more involved and consisted of searching news updates on particular companies and people.
I open my inbox and go through it to see if anything is urgent. There’s nothing, so I go through the history to see what Leo has been working on. I’m overwhelmed by all the different types of companies and investments he was considering.
My phone beeps. His voice comes through the speaker. “My office.”
Opening the door, I find him holding out a thick file. “Read the notes, I want it back by two today.”
I’m so caught up in the report I miss lunch. It’s only the delivery of Leo’s lunch from a service for prepared, dietician designed meals that reminds me of it. I sign for the delivery and beep him to let him know it’s arrived.
“What is it?”
I read the lid. “Pasta primavera with grilled chicken.”
“I don’t want it. Order me a chicken parmesan sandwich with olives, onions, and peppers from Rudy’s deli and a side of oil and vinegar coleslaw. You can have the pasta or stick it in the refrigerator for another day.”
“Yes, sir.” I open the cheat notebook for all the information on Leo’s list of restaurants, preferred menu items, and dislikes. Rudy’s is the first on the list. When I call they assure me they deliver and will arrive soon. I hang up before even thinking about if I want something. It’s after one, and I’m starving. With a shrug, I open the lunch Leo didn’t want. I’m not a fussy eater.
It’s not bad. By the time the delivery man arrives with Leo’s sandwich I’m done and back to working on the report. When I knock, his voice is muffled. I open the door to see him on his cell phone. He lowers it from his mouth to bark at me. “Did I fucking say to come in?”