Straightening the files on my desk, even though they are perfectly stacked, I test how dreadful Sapphire’s icebreaker idea is. “Have you ever heard of a Boomwhacker?”
“Yes. Lightweight hollow tubes that create a musical note depending on their length.” Her whole face lights up. “My kids race to get to school today because they do what they call Freestyle Friday. My kids love them, and the teachers learn a new song from the Billboard Hot 100 every week. Then they teach the kids. They did a show with them last year; it was fantastic.” A deep frown lines her brow. “But why are you asking?”
“It’s what Ms. Feelgood suggested as an icebreaker for the annual staff conference.”
Tessa’s face lights up even brighter than a Christmas tree this time. Sounding excited, she says, “That’s a great idea.”
“Really?” Fuck, I was hoping she would hate it. I hate it.
“Yes.” She nods. “I know that it meets the criteria to have an engaging event to perfection.” She touches the tip of her thumb with her index finger, forming a small circle. “That’s a great way to kick off the day. The team will love it.” She thumbs over her shoulder, motioning to the office that’s coming to life as 8a.m. approaches.
“Great.” I pull a tight smile.
“You hate it.” Tessa smirks, reading me like a book.
“I don’t love it.” I move my stapler one millimeter to the left then move it back again. It was fine where it was.
She chuckles, then asks, “What else did you not love?”
I stay quiet.
“Everything then?” she gasps. “Elijah Hart, you have got to loosen up.”
I cast a glance at my stapler, then back at her. “I’ll try. Right after someone explains to me why we decidedfunwas the theme this year.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Because your brothers and the heads of the other departments outvoted you. It might just be the medicine you need.”
“Mmm. You know why I’m like this now.” Since my dad’s diagnosis, I’ve developed these obsessive traits I never had before. My desire for order has led to some strange compulsive behaviors, which my therapist says are because I feel out of control. All caused by anticipatory grief and uncertainty. At this point, it’s almost taking over my life.
Frustrated with myself, I sigh and avoid eye contact with Tessa. “But I’m getting help.” Tessa is the only person, other than my therapist, that I have told about my newly developed obsessive-compulsive disorder because she organizes my schedule with court dates and client meetings. It was easier to explain than keep her in the dark. Canceling my therapist isn’t an option. I need to get better. Stat.
“I’m proud of you, Eli.” She points at my coffee. “Drink that, then I will get you another. You have a meeting with Morgan & Spencer before lunch, and you’re going to need another four of those to prepare yourself for that.”
“I’ll need more than coffee.”
“Do you want me to make it Irish? There’s a bottle of whiskey in the kitchen.” She hums to herself happily as she makes her way to her desk. “Just give me the nod and I can make that happen. Morning, Cole,” Tessa greets him chirpily as she walks out of my office and he walks in.
“Cole.” I nod.
“Morning, dumbass.”
“Fuck off, bonehead.” Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish my younger brother and I didn’t revert to acting like kids again. Being the two youngest, we were closer growing up than we were to Max and Nathan, but since we were entrusted with the family business to run after dad got sick, we have become a tight unit, and we act as one.
Still, Cole and I continue to tease each other because that’s what we do.
He sits down on the chair opposite me, lifts a pen, and doodles on a sticky note.
“Stop doing that.” I grab the pen from between his fingers, put it back in the pen holder, peel the note from the pad, fold it into four, and then toss it in the trash.
“Wow,” he says with a wide yawn. “You’re even more uptight today than usual. Did Sapphire Feelgood rattle your cage more than you expected? Did she not make you feel good?”
I shoot him a foul look of loathing. “It’s nothing to do with Sapphire.” It’s everything to do with her.
“I think you’re lying.”
“I’m not.” I spin the truth, then inform Cole about Janice taking leave until further notice.
“So, what’s Sapphire like?” he asks after we discuss the logistics of Janice’s absence.