Dark Like Me 3: Open Up

6

On the phone with Tyasia at work, she is ranting and raving about Kinsey dating Cole. I am trying to place papers in their right folders while holding the phone in between my ear and shoulder. I really need to invest in that Bluetooth business. Tyasia told me that Kinsey told her proudly she is dating Cole, with my blessing.

"She must have forgotten the hell he put you through." Tyasia rants through the phone, yelling.

"I guess. But, I told her I am okay with it."

"I understand that. But, she must be desperate as fuck or something. He still calls you and tell you he loves you. You didn't tell her any of that, did you?"

"No. Why would I rain on her parade? She is happy and I hope and pray he does not do anything crazy."

"Like get her pregnant and leave like he did Andy and Kimber?"

"Exactly. But, Cole...I don't know."

"Kinsey been through enough and if I find out that he is doing her wrong. Sirrah, I swear I am going to kill him." She threatens.

"I believe you, Tyasia." I hear some commotion in the lobby outside my office door. I sit up. "Ty, let me go. There is something going on in the building."

"Alright. Later."

"Later." I hang up and look out the door. Walking out, there is a circle forming around Mr. Ellwood. The employees are happy to see him. He looks as though he hadn't slept in days with huge dark circles under his eyes.

"Thank you for your kind gestures. I am back, so let's all get back to work." Mr. Ellwood announces and the crowd disperses and begins their daily duties. I walk back to my office and sit in my chair. I want to talk to him about the dating thing, by the way, he looks, I am sure that is not a good idea right now. I do need to tell him I do have a photo shoot around lunchtime and today is the day I go see Andy.

I get up and go to Mr. Ellwood's closed door. Just as I am about to knock, Engel dangerously close up behind me. I know it is him because I can see his reflection in the window of the door. I sigh, not wanting to deal with his bullshit today. "What is it, Engel?"

"How are your 'shoots' doing?"

I turn to him and he is inches from my face. I move him away from my face. "They are going well." I turn back to the door and it opens before I knock.

"Engel, is there something you need?" Mr. Ellwood asks.

"N-no sir." He stutters.

"Then get back to work."

Engel scrambles to his workstation and tries to look busy. The boss turns his eyes on me, "Yes, Sirrah?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something that will probably bring a little more publicity to the company." I try to make it enticing.

He looks over me at Engel pretending to be busy while listening to our conversation. Upon seeing, Mr. Ellwood looking, Engel actually starts doing work.

"I want to hear more but I have to go be somewhere soon. Anyway, I trust you to do the right thing and make whatever you are thinking of right." He rubs his face.

"Everything alright, Mr. Ellwood?"

"Yeah, I am just under stress. The usual."

"Is there anything I can do to make it better?" I know how that sounds, but I know how Mr. Ellwood can be when he is under a great amount of stress.

"I wish but..." he looks around. "I want you to take care of things around here."

"Wh- what do you mean?" My lips part as my breath gets caught in my throat.

"I don't know. I want you to take care of things. No one has asked me if 'I am okay' or if I needed anything, but you. So, I want you to do a few things around here."

"Sir, I don't know anything about running a newspaper company." I am a little frantic and excited at the same time.

"It's easy. Just make sure everyone does their work and turn it in on time. Then you send it through the machine."

I stare at him blankly, having no clue what he is talking about.

"I will raise your pay and you don't have to be here every day."

I am skeptical about this, but Mr. Ellwood asks me to do it. "How long will you be gone for?"

"I am not sure." He takes out a piece of folded up paper from his pocket and starts scribbling on it. "If you need any help just call Mr. Sasson." He hands me the paper.

I take it and look at the number. "Why not just call him to do this?"

"He is retired and I took his spot. He told me if I needed anything at all to call him. I need this." Mr. Ellwood begins to pack his things wildly in his briefcase.

"O-kay."

"Great." He leaves in a hurry bumping into a few employees on his way out the door.

I turn around and gaze over the staff of people running around and trying to get their work in on time. I look at the paper with the number on it and make my way to my office.

Me? Take over while he is gone doing whatever. He does seem like he is under a world of stress. he has been that way for a few months and I want to ask him what's wrong but I don't want to pry. Didn't want to pry.

I pick up the phone and dial the number.

"Mr. Sasson, may I help you?" A husky voice answers the phone.

"Uh, yes. I am Sirrah Winters, Mr. Ellwood's advice columnist."

Mr. Sasson chuckles hefty, "Ha, yes. So, you are the writer behind the advice for lovers."

"Yes, sir."

"I admire your work. How can I help you, Ms. Winters?"

"Mr. Ellwood is going through a hard time and took off. He left me in charge and I have got no idea what I am doing." I spill.

"I see. Well, I am your man. I can come in and help you out tomorrow morning."

"That would be great." I beam as I begin to pick at the sticky notes on my desk.

"I will finally get to meet the face behind the heartfelt advice."

"Yes, you will."

"See you in the morning."

"Wait," I shout before he hangs up.

"Yes?"

"What do I do right now?"

"You are the boss, then it's almost time for them to go home. So, tell them to get their things in by the morning."

"Thank you." I sigh with relief.

"Welcome."

We hang up. I go to the middle of the room and tell everyone that they have until tomorrow morning to get their stuff in. The employees sigh in relief with the fact that they no longer have to rush to get their things in before the deadline. I smile as they calm down and work smoothly, I wanted to leave but some of the employees had some questions and needed editing. I tell them to go to Engel for editing, they refuse to do so. I asked them, why. They all had the same answer, 'he does not do it right and he takes all the credits'. That is disturbing to know. I let them know I will do it for them.

The work day flies by, it felt good to do different things for people around the office. Instead of just only doing my articles, I forgot that I can float around here and see if anyone needs some editing. But, with everything I have to do, I usually stay focused on my things, if someone comes knocking at my door for help, I will help them.

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