Fall Girl

Margot

Today is the last day in the office before heading to South Shore. While working, I received an email from Dane Moller. He's been sending the same email to both Blake and me for the past 10 years. Since our dad passed away, Dane has been compiling monthly reports for Dad's firm. As usual, I skipped checking the numbers. Blake and I have always trusted Dane to handle our firm. He took on the responsibility without us even asking.

Gretchen walked into my office, lightly tapping on the glass door to get my attention. I glanced up at her as she gestured with a pen in hand. "Mrs. Ryan has packed your bags for the South Shore trip, and the dress you'll be wearing to the event is in the blue box."

I opened my mouth to respond, but Gretchen cut me off. "She also tucked a list in your handbag, detailing what is in every bag."

I couldn't help but smile at her efficiency. "Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like without all of you?"

Gretchen winked in response. "You'd have someone else taking care of you."

I nodded, then impulsively decided to tease her about Bryce, wanting to show that I was in on her secret admiration for him. "So, how are things with Bryce?"

Gretchen spun around, her eyes widening. "What?"

I crossed my arms against my chest.  "Chief editor of political magazine."

Gretchen raised her brow. "What about him?"

I leaned back in my chair. "Thats what I am asking, what about him?"

Gretchen clenched her jaw. "I don't know what you are talking."

I winked at her. "If you think you can hide your inner turmoil by throwing fits, it's a bad idea."

Her eyebrows shot up, and she pointed a finger at me. "Don't try this on me. And don't forget about the lunch with us."

I nodded and returned to my work, and like always I didn't know how much time has passed until my phone started to ring. Flashing Blaine's name. looked at the time, I cursed under my breath—I was late for lunch, and Gretchen, the witch, hadn't reminded me. I quickly shut my laptop and stormed out of the office.

Upon arriving, I found everyone already seated and waiting. I immediately apologized for being late and took a seat. Justine wasted no time in asking, "What took you so long?"

Alyssa remarked, "She must have forgotten," prompting me to point at both of them. "Please, let's not fight here."

They have some skills to argue anywhere anytime. I wonder how they even sit together but the truth is I am unable to understand their relationship dynamics. They can't leave each other but at the same time get on each other's nerve. Since college they like each other but both adamant to accept it instead both fight all the time and sometimes its little annoying for us all. 

I cleared my throat. "I am starving. should we start ordering?"

I elbowed Gretchen's rib. "You could have reminded me when you were leaving."

Gretchen smirked. "Next time, if you bring up Bryce in any conversation, I'll do worse."

I shot her a glare.

After our lunch arrived Carter asked, "Is it true that Blake is going to announce his retirement next year?"

Taking a mouthful, I replied, "I have no idea; I never pry into his life."

Blaine interjected, "The fact that he is going to announce his retirement is something that no one could have ever guessed based on his performance this year."