The Thread Between Danny and Me

Chapter 26: I could get used to this

"Hey, Maria?"

Hmmm...I wonder if I should take Rojo with me to Pawtucket. If I did, then I wouldn't have to drop him off at home. I could just get straight on the highway.

"Maria?"

I already wore something I'd be comfortable hanging out in since it's casual Fridays, so really, there's no need to stop at home. Plus, the traffic will be bad coming out of the city.

"Maria!"

I was startled and then looked up to see Jules hovering over me with a grin plastered on his face.

"Sorry," I said. "What do you need?"

"I was just wondering if you have that revised draft for the Hammersmith's residence?"

"Oh!" I clicked on my computer. "Yeah. Do you just want to look at it here? Or do you want me to forward it to you?"

"Here's fine."

Jules bent over my workstation and hummed quietly while he looked over the plans. "Looks great, Maria. Stellar work, as always."

"Well, I thought about what you said about the window placement. And you're right, it made a big difference."

"You've been distracted today."

I grimaced. "Sorry. That's not very professional of me."

"Hey, we all get distracted. You don't need to apologize. I was just observing, is all. Weekend plans?"

"Yeah," I smiled.

"That's great. I'm happy for you. Honestly, if you want to leave an hour early today, I think that should be fine."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I've noticed you work way longer than necessary. Sometimes I worry about you burning out."

"Oh," I chuckled. "I'm a workaholic. My mom used to say the same thing when I was in school. It's hard for me to turn off."

"I see. Then yes, please leave at four. You could do a little earlier if you liked. Just shoot me an email."

"Thanks, Jules. You're the best."

"Have a great weekend, Maria."

I smiled, and then pulled out my phone. I'd been wanting to text Danny all day, but now I had a reason.

Maria: Hey Danny. So, guess what? My boss told me to go home early today! I'm going to leave at four. I'll text you when I'm headed out and let you know what Google estimates traffic will be like

To my surprise, he replied right away.

Danny: That's awesome. We'll be finishing up around four-thirty so I'll be ready to go whenever you get here. Do you need to stop at home before you head down?
Maria: Rojo is at doggy daycare today, so I do need to pick him up. I was thinking, maybe I could just bring him with? The weather is supposed to be nice, tonight
Danny: Yeah! That sounds fun. Do we know what we're doing for dinner?
Maria: I was thinking cheap eats, like pizza or something. I've got a place, and they have outdoor seating
Danny: Perfect. I'm looking forward to seeing you, tonight

My heart started pounding.

Don't read into it.

Maria: Same! Hope the rest of your day goes well
Danny: back atcha. Later :-)
Maria: Bye!

I put my phone away. I had to compartmentalize if I was going to get through the rest of the day. I put in an earbud and double-downed on some drawings. I allowed my mind to carry me away.