A Favor To My Boss

a's

re knocking on my boss's office door, uns

rp reply gave me all

ma," I r

." He sighed, v

the quiet space. He finally turned his chair around to face me. The exhaustion on his face said everything. He looked like he hadn't slept, probably out drinking again, the way he'd started doing after

y? Is there anything I ca

w day. Coffee and some painkillers would

r." I managed

ce and get what he'd asked for whe

er had your heart

sed to light up every room, laughing loud, never short on charm. Now, he only seemed empty, drifting from o

answered

get over it

live with it. I hope you'll meet someone who can take that pa

He let out a heavy sigh, finger

just part of life, si

that's all. You can go now." Hi

o get his coffee. The other assistants were gathered

's amazing in bed," Brenda Mart

t," Eloisa Jones s

yes at their

for himself. I might have been the only one in the building who never looked at him that way. To me, he was just

really talk to the others or get involved in their games. Most days

r. He was already on the phone when I came in. I set his coffee and painkillers on

the call. Then he turned his attention to me. "Emma, can you sit for a moment? I

s from him, trying

his eyes fixed on me in a way

rong?" I asked quietl

You've been working with me for tw

eeping my g

continued, and I nodded again. "There'

the weight of whatever he was about t

for a second, his voice wavered. He seemed alm

avor?" I asked, curiosit

on Saturday," he said, blurting it ou

k me to be his date? I blinked,

employees who'd be thrilled to go with you,

with by the end of the night. Just one night, Emma. All I'm asking is that you pretend to be my girlfriend so my mother will stop bothering me about settling down. Besides, Leo

d disliked me from the first day. She'd even tried to have Mr. Simmons fire me, and

ant you there. It'll get under her skin," h

blem was. She's always hated me,

you were the one woman who could pull me away from

ed her like she was the only one in the world. Why would she even imagine you'd have an

else here. And we spent so much time together. You saw me

he did for her. He gave her all his love and loyalty, and she still walked away for someone who wasn't even half the man he

d you do me the favor and come with

lly don't know if t

tually trust. It's just for one night. Can't yo

was something in his eyes-a mix of ho

or one night." I

lied, the weight in his voice lifting ju

it rea

dinner?"

ning look, unsure wh

ing else. I promise." He lau

when and where," I stamme

ock, at Leonardo's-the little

back to work. Let me know if you need any

again, Emma." He

back to my desk, knowing I still h

e in one week, it would only fuel the rumors. I just hoped agr