More and More

*VIII.

I came in, about a quarter to 8am, as Jasmine asked. Today marked the last week here at Jackson Helps, soon to get a name change due to her insane control freak of an ex-husband. I really hadn't much work to do, as I would start training the new hire later on this afternoon. I resorted to packing a few of my belongings and waiting on Jasmine to arrive, as she hadn't. She expressed she had a very early meeting so she would be in later than usual. There was also going to be a retirement party for one of the service reps in accounting at 11. I had made sure everything was set for that. Eventually, my phone rang, to which it was my love. I know this was a quick goodbye, but it was the start of an eternity as far as I'm concerned. She expressed that I arrive at the banquet hall at 11:30am and she'd meet me there. After hanging up, I completed my morning tasks and headed over, a quarter to.

I arrived at the hall, the same one used for all our parties and host fundraisers, to an entire ensemble of my coworkers and staff yelling "Surprise!" I couldn't believe her! She had thrown a farewell lunch in my honor and I was more than thrilled. I conversed with many of my teammates, who lamented that they hate to see me go. I also got many well wishes and best of lucks. I knew I was surrounded by an amazing group of people. Not shortly after, she came over in grace and radiance. "I am so, so happy I was able to work with you these past few years, Michael. I wish you nothing but the best, but I do hate to see you leave us," she spoke. She was so good at faking everything in regards to the office, that I nearly handed her an Emmy for her performance as Best Lead Actress. Of course, I played along. "Mrs. Jackson, I sincerely appreciate every opportunity you've given me. I'm surely going to miss you." She hugged me innocently, all well knowing we had just gotten off a weekend of countless intimacy. After releasing her grip, her smile sent me into a head rush as always. I saw her stop a young woman whom I hardly recognized, at first. "Michael, I also wanted to introduce you to Stephanie Johnson; you'll be training her this week. She will be replacing you as my secretary." It was like looking into an awkwardly soul shaking mirror. I wasn't sure how she was going to react, nor me. "It's a pleasure, Michael," she shook my hand with a smile. "Likewise," I responded, trying not to appear nervous or weird. I thought I had seen the last of my ex-fiancée.