The Delivery Girl

35. Easy

Julie

"Oh darn it," I grumble as I dig through my bag.

Callen comes out of the kitchen and places a plate of toast and scrambled eggs in front of me. "What's wrong?"

"I was marking assignments during lunch yesterday, but I think I accidentally left them at the office." I'm supposed to be handing them back today, and I hate not being able to fulfill my commitments.

He shrugs nonchalantly and sits down next to me. "No problem, just come with me to the office to grab them. We'll go early so you won't be late for class."

"That'd be perfect, thanks." Part of me knows that Callen just sees this as an excuse to work an extra hour, but I choose not to point it out.

–

Callen parks in his reserved spot, and we walk through the lot. Up ahead, I spot Rob waiting by the elevators. I feel my heart skip a beat in panic. How do we explain arriving together without looking suspicious?

Callen seems to notice as well. "Go first," he mutters, completely calm and measured.

I nod, speeding up while Callen slows down.

"Morning Rob," I say, stopping next to him.

He turns towards me and smiles. "Oh good morning, Julie," he says. "What are you doing here so early? You're usually not here for another few hours, aren't you?"

"Yeah, uh, I just forgot something I need for my class," I quickly explain. I try not to sound too awkward – it isn't even a lie. "Some assignments."

"Good morning," Callen says as he approaches and stops next to us.

"Good morning, Mr. Sterling," I say politely.

"Morning Mr. Sterling, how are you?" Rob greets him, flashing a bright grin.

"Fine, thank you."

I try not to roll my eyes. We've been trying to work on Callen's friendliness. There are apparently few things he dislikes more than small talk.

The elevator doors slide open and we step inside. After two floors upwards, the doors open to the main floor lobby. A group of people enter, including Erica.

"Oh good morning you three," she said softly, trying not to disturb the others in the quiet elevator. "What a coincidence."

"Morning Erica," Callen says with a polite nod.

"Mr. Sterling, would you mind stopping by my office before you head up? There's something my team needs your input on ASAP," she asks apologetically. "Sorry, I wouldn't ask like this unless it was urgent."

"That's fine, I'll come," he says.

We ride the rest of the way up in silence. At the forty eighth floor, the two exit, and Ivan enters.

"Good morning Julie," he says.

Maybe it's my imagination, but there seems to be a strange tension I suddenly feel as the doors shut. Ivan and Rob don't acknowledge each other, but there seems to be something unspoken between the two of them. Something heavy and persistent.

"Morning Ivan." I try to sound cheerful

His stiffness seems to ease as he gives me a soft smile. "I hope you're coming to the interns' editing workshop later, being taught by yours truly."

"Oh for sure," I say, pleasantly surprised. Excluding Callen, I've probably gained the most from Ivan out of everyone here – about photography and life. Things I wish dad would've taught me.