Tim & Chuck

CH 11:: Tim's hugs

As a general fact, Tim wasn't a touchy person, but he would give hugs to those who ask. The only catch was that this wasn't common knowledge. While Nettie's exuberant nature meant that she would attack most anyone with all the hugs they could ever want, Tim was the exact opposite.

Most people assumed that he didn't like to be touched, so therefore they didn't ask. But Tim actually loved hugs, he just felt awkward about initiating them. But his hugs are the most comforting feeling that exists, second only to chocolate in the lofty opinion of Nettie. Something about how "it contained the ability to drag any woman from the precipice of a murderous rampage." Tim felt like that was extremely dramatic but when both Jen and Carly confirmed this, he decided it was a topic best left alone since they seemed adamant.

The point was, any kind of touch from Tim was rare, but a hug? Even more so.

Tim's hugs and cuddles were hoarded like gold. You had to count yourself among the blessed when you received one, and you hold on to it for a very long time.

Mandy had been informed on Tim's magical embracing capabilities by Nettie, but when she had come into the office distraught and on the verge of tears, she was soon introduced to them.

She greeted Tim in his office per the usual, and proceeded to give him his itinerary of the day. He hummed along in his office chair scrolling on his laptop tablet before a break in her voice caught his attention.

"Are you alright?" he asked, looking concerned.

"Yes I just...I'm having pretty bad allergies right now." Mandy lied. While the red, puffy eyes and croak in her voice could have been considered as beginning cold symptoms, Tim's incredulous expression told her that he wasn't buying it.

Nevertheless, he didn't pry, which Mandy was thankful for. "Do you need to go home early? You rarely take a day off..." Tim offered but abruptly cut himself off at Mandy's empathic shake of the head. "No no I'll be okay. Really." She managed a watery smile before turning out of his office.

And Tim watched her leave, not at all pleased to see his assistant in the state she was in.

Mandy didn't want to go home, because if she did, that would mean that she would have to face reality with no way to distract herself from it.

It also meant that he wouldn't be there to greet her like he always did whenever he was home.

At this thought, the wells of Mandy's eyes began to brim once more and she quickly rose from her seat, to make her way to the lady's room, shoulders shaking from the force of sheer willpower keeping the tears at bay.

She washed her eyes, took some breaths and touched up her makeup. She could get through this day without breaking down; she had to. There was no other alternative.

Two hours later, Mandy had gratefully found herself buried up to her ears in file transcripts and processing for Tim. This gave her a steady stream of work and between that and her hidden stash of goldfish snacks, Mandy had started to feel like she was able to breathe a little easier.

An alert popped up on the corner of her screen, reminding her to in turn remind Tim of an upcoming meeting, one that she was expected to attend with him.

"Sir, your meeting with Decker Comm is in ten minutes, and after that you have a debriefing with Perry. Can I get you anything?" Mandy asked, holding down the button of her intercom.

"Mandy...don't call me sir. And no thank you, I am just about ready to head over. Please make sure to bring our most updated productivity numbers folder to the meeting as well. I will swing by your desk in five."