She Keeps Me Warm

5

"Good morning, Ms. Hollis." Natalie, the first level secretary, smiled brightly at Laura as she stepped inside the building. It was always nice to have brief conversations with Natalie before heading up to her floor. She was always so warm and inviting. Unfortunately, Natalie was leaving to move to Washington with her husband. He got a really good neurosurgeon position at Skyline Hospital. It was a great opportunity for him; and, Natalie was able to transfer to another company without worry. Laura was happy for her. Though they really knew not much about one another, Laura would miss her.

"How are Jackson, Avery, and Maeve? Are they excited for the move?" Laura stopped at Natalie's desk and took her hand.

"Are you kidding? The boys are already fighting over who's getting the bigger room Maeve is too busy googling her school's extracurricular activities to be bothered with them." Natalie chuckled, too excited to contain herself.

"Oh, and how is Maeve doing? Is she nervous at all about the new school?" Laura asked cautiously.

"She's so happy about trying out for softball, though she does have some nerves." Natalie grinned. "We're giving her a surprise tonight. We've legally changed her name from Mason to Maeve. The boys, Joseph, and I have kept it a secret for weeks. She'll legally be Maeve for their 13th birthday. The boys can't wait to tell her. They've wanted this for her for so long."

"That's amazing! You guys are doing amazing with those kids. I'm going to miss you. Take care, Natalie." Laura pulled her in for a hug.

"You as well, Laura."

As she pushed for the elevator, she heard Natalie's voice again.

"Good morning, Ms. Karnstein."

Ugh.

She rolled her eyes and stepped inside, hoping the doors would close before the brunette could step on. Her prayers were left unanswered as that familiar frame stepped inside.

Why couldn't she take the stairs?

"Good morning, Ms. Hollis." The taller woman nodded to her.

"Ms. Karnstein." Laura replied, some accidental ice in her tone.

A light chuckle came from beside her. "Are you still upset about our little spat last night, Hollis? I assumed it wouldn't phase you."

"You assume wrong, though I can put your comments to the side and move on. I hope very well that you can do the same." Laura nodded, not looking in her direction.

It seemed to frustrate the woman, causing her to step into Laura's direct line of sight. "Listen, Laura, I actually wanted to apologize for my actions last night. And the previous. I was out of line and-"

"Save your apologies. All you did last night was prove that everything I said was true." Laura interrupted her.

Her response was obviously shocking. "I'm trying to do the right thing here. Why are you making it so difficult?"

"Do you even know what the right thing is?"

The elevator doors opened. Laura stepped around the CEO, heading for the break room.

"That was completely out of line. How dare you. -"

"How dare I what? How dare I question your character? Your integrity? Your morals?" Laura kept walking, the CEO in pace with her.

"YES!" She spat back.

"Well, you shouldn't be in this line of work if you can't handle someone else's opinion."

Before Laura could open the break room door, her boss blocked the way, seething over her.

"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT MY OPINIONS, WHICH IS THAT YOUR OPINIONS STILL LACK FACTUAL EVIDENCE! YOUR INABILITY TO ACCEPT A SIMPLE APOLOGY- LET ALONE FINISH HEARING ONE- DEMONSTRATES IMMATURITY. IMMATURITY, MS. HOLLIS, THAT I WOULD CONSIDER A TOP EDITOR AND UP-AND-COMING PROFESSIONAL JOURNALIST TO LACK." She raged, closing her eyes to gain some control before continuing. "I'm sorry. That is the second time you've personally attacked my character; and, that does not go past me calmly.