Anointed (Urban Books) by Haley Patricia

Author:Haley, Patricia [Haley, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2012-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 34

Wednesday felt like Monday and Tuesday, each miserably draining. Sherry was grateful that she’d survived another day at the office without falling apart. She went to Dave’s office and knocked. He was reading at his conference table.

“Excuse me. Is there anything else you’d like for me to do today?” She hoped the answer was yes. Every night this week she’d intentionally stayed late to avoid having to be around Edward. His recurring disappointments and bouts with depression were tiring. She needed air.

Dave beckoned for her to come in. “What are you still doing here? We work late so much that when we can get out at a decent time we should,” he said, setting the packet of stapled papers on the table with his pen and pointing to the chair for her to take a seat. She did. “Madeline and my kids would love to see me by eight or nine every night.” He glanced at his watch. “Let alone seven; that would be a dream.”

“How did Sam do in the chess tournament?” she asked, wanting to talk about something positive.

“Came in second place. He was disappointed, but I told Sam he’ll get them in the next tournament.”

Sherry and Dave had spent a considerable amount of time together since she started last fall. They’d spoken about his family and her wedding. She no longer harbored the element of intimidation around him. They spoke freely, with her always remaining respectful of his position in the company.

She knew about Andre joining the soccer team, since he missed the cutoff for football, and how bumpy it was for him when he moved in with them. According to Dave’s updates in recent months, Andre was adjusting well, and Dave was glad. She knew about Don and his bunny blanket, the one that went wherever he did. She’d heard countless stories about Tamara’s Easy-Bake Oven adventures. Sherry didn’t have children, but would have loved to have a family like Dave and Madeline’s one day. She didn’t dwell on the notion, in order to avoid being reminded of her personal crisis with Edward.

“Enough about me and my kids, what about you? I’m sorry, what’s your fiancé’s name?”

“Edward Hanson.”

“You and Edward are approaching your big day. Are you ready?” he asked.

Sherry fought to contain her emotions. “The wedding is postponed,” she told him, holding back tears.

“Really,” Dave responded, shocked as she expected him to be, especially after seeing her glee for months. “I don’t know what to say. I know it’s a personal matter, but if there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”

Determined to maintain professionalism and not break out weeping, Sherry shared the details of Edward’s unemployment history.

“I can appreciate your situation. Maybe I can help.”

“How?”

“You’ve done a fantastic job for me here. I’d like to help with a financial contribution.”

“Oh no, Edward would never accept money from someone else. He’s very proud that way.”

“I understand. So, what if I gave you a five hundred dollar bonus?”

“No way.”

“All right, then I can make it a thousand,” he said, squinting his eyelids.

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