Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 29

The day crawled. Not only was our office a skeleton crew, but it appeared our clients were mostly closed as well. I checked in with a few team members, but by 10 am, I found myself yawning. I brought up the following years' strategic plan and plugged away at planning.

"Hey," Billy called from the door with a soft knock.

My eyes twitched as they adjusted from my screen to the light of the rest of the room.

"Is it already four?" My mind was still clinging to my last thought.

"Yeah, and Mel said you didn't eat," Billy scolded.

"Oh, wow." I sat back in my chair and rubbed my eyes. "I just got so into planning for next year. I think my team will be pretty psyched about some initiatives."

"Yeah, are you excited?"

I shrugged. I had nearly wrapped my work; once I handed things off to the team, I'd be done. "I don't dig into them. My team knows more of the in-the-trenches specifics. I just set them up for success and offer support if they need it. By the time I had them off, the bulk of my work is done."

"Don't you worry they'll go off the rails and waste time?"

"No, besides, who's to say that time spent on the wrong track is wasted time? It could lead to an even better idea."

"Hm," Billy said to himself. "You ready to go?"

"Yep," I said as I shook the last thoughts of work from my mind. "What did you do today?"

"We hung out at my mom's house. The kids helped her with her puzzle, and I gave her car an oil change."

"How very productive of you." I smiled as I met his side. I pushed to my toes to give him a peck on the cheek.

"Mmhmm, they're going to spend the night there tonight. So, we have the house to ourselves."

"Oh, cool. What do you want to do for dinner? I'm starving."

"I bet. Remember to eat, Lil," Billy scolded again.

"I know, I know. Honestly, I can't believe how wrapped up I got. The first couple of hours of the day were crawling. I don't know what happened."

"Well, let's get you home and get some food in you. What do you feel like?"

"I want a salad," I mumbled.

"No one wants a salad," Billy teased as we walked down the hall.

"Yes, people do because I want one right now. I think it's all the holiday food. My body is just craving fresh vegetables."

"Okay, one salad it is," Billy skeptically said.

We didn't bother eating at the table. We hovered over the counter in the kitchen, eating straight from the takeout containers.

"I always yell at Viv when she does this," Billy mused.

"I know, but the idea of no dishes is so appealing right now," I contended.

"Want to hit up the hot tub tonight?"

"Yes. And then I can give you a back massage," I excitedly said.

"I'm never going to pass up a massage, but you're the one that worked all day," Billy teased.

"I know, but I've meant to give you one, and the hot tub will get your muscles warm. It'll be perfect."

"If that's what you want, I'll happily offer myself up."

"I love you, Billy," I contently sighed.

"I know. I'm very lovable when I allow you to do things for me," he joked.