Page 10

Why am I smiling and chewing my lip? Why am I turning into my favorite coffee shop and waving to Roberto behind the counter while I wait with bated breath for Axel’s reply?
Spitting Cobra
Listen closely
That’s the sound of the sexual harassment lawsuit I’m filing against you
You’re the boss
You’re my paralegal who brings up my dick
A lot
Like an obsessive litigant
You’re hyper-focused on it
Focus on this
The only thing coming on your dick is
I leave him hanging and order three espressos from Roberto, two lattes, and a chamomile tea.
The coffee shop is packed as usual, with Saturday tourists crowding in.
“Can you hurry it up?” One of them rudely shouts at Roberto, “I thought they had good service in the South!”
I whip around. “Bless your heart; we do. We have thatandmanners. Go buy yourself some at a gift shop.” Someone gets my wrath today, and if it’s not my hot, dickhead boss, it’s this turd.
The man seethes, gesturing to the long line. “This is some shit.”
I snap, “Clearly, because shit happened to your face, but you’re the only one being a dick about it.”
Snorts and snickers fill the small shop. The guy’s face turns red, andwhoops,my temper did it again.
“Look,” I reply calmly. “The sweet guy is a college student and working as hard as he can. Have some patience.”
I swipe my card, knowing I’ll expense it for work. But the tip? I reach into my wallet and leave my last ten for Roberto.
“Thanks, Ruby,” he nods, and I shrug, grinning.
Loaded with two coffee trays, I feel better. I practically skip two blocks before using my butt to nudge open the glass doors to our building. Sitting at the front desk, Natalie rushes to help me.
But I chirp, “I got this. You’re a thousand months pregnant; sit down. And here’s some tea.”
“Thank you.”
Natalie takes the tea instead. She’s about to pop but sayswork is the distraction she needs until then. Besides, it’s important work. She’s one of Axel’s lawyers who takes pro bono cases.
It makes my boiling hatred for my boss simmer because he has two signs posted in the window of his law office. One, offering pro-bono services to those in need, and another, educating on the signs of sex trafficking.
I haven’t figured out why it’s an issue Axel is so passionate about, but I can’t wish explosive diarrhea on a man like that.
Just a little shart.
Speaking of the shitty devil…
I take the elevator to the third floor and find him standing by my desk, talking with his practice manager, Helen, who sits beside me when I know …really… I left Axel waiting.