The Many Faces of Edmund Fig (ManxMan)

Chapter 23: The Same Pain

"Hey cutie."

Warm green eyes locked with mine and I mentally scrambled to remember who this man was. He reached forward to help me up.

"Mr. Brown?"

"Glad you remember me." He smiled. "What are you doing out here?"

I scratched the back of my neck.

"I live in the area...just came out to run some quick errands."

"Oh well if you aren't busy do you want to catch some dinner?"

I looked up feeling the beginning of a "no" form on my tongue. He is a business partner of Edmund's...that is a tad unprofessional.

"Um...I don't know if that would be appropriate."

His smile faltered somewhat and his hands slid into his pockets.

"Well I was hoping to get your opinion of some details for the next meeting. I was hoping to present them to Edmund but I figured it would work out better if I asked you first."

I cleared my throat uncomfortably. Why would he go through me? He has worked with Edmund longer than I have.

"It's just...you guys seemed close and I figured you would have better insight." He flushed.

I felt my own cheeks warm. We seem close? I shook my head, mentally willing them to cool.

"You would know what he would prefer more than me." I sighed rubbing my neck. "The two of you have worked together longer."

Mr. Brown smiled softly.

"That we have. However, you seem to have everything in order and the two of you have a fluid flow. You seem to know what you're doing and what he likes."

I let my eyes shut a moment feeling the slight grimace forming on my face.

"Just be... let it be simple and straight to the point. That is the best advice I can give you. Edmund doesn't seem to like anything dressed up."

His eyes lit up immediately and a bright smile filled his face.

"Straight to the point. I like that! Most of the time I have to dress up basic points and make them look like the grandest thing in the world."

A small smile tugged at my lips.

"I know the feeling."

Somehow I ended up walking around with Mr. Brown and talking about work....personal stories, goals in life. He was surprisingly easy to talk with and he seemed genuinely interested in what you had to say. It was....refreshing.

"I am really glad Edmund finally found someone that speaks his language." He glanced at me a moment. "I haven't seen him with the same fire in his belly in many years."

He patted my shoulder a few times and let his hand fall back behind his back

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

His smile faltered slightly.

"After his last assistant...he lost his determination. He lost that fire to succeed and went into a hibernation state of sorts."

I took a sip of my shake trying to keep my curiosity at bay. I shouldn't care about his past. Not after all the bullshit that just happened. I rubbed my eyes feeling the sting of tears.

"I think it is time I headed back...it's late."

Mr. Brown faced me fully and his brow arched.

"Are you alright Joseph?"