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“But you're used to that. I'm sure you've found ways to cope and amplify your energy.”
“I have.”
Mr. Herring cocked his head curiously to the right. “So, what's on your mind? You've been acting different lately. Your usual vigor during presentation wasn't evident. I've seen you make many presentations during your work career.”
“I guess I'm just extra tired from the wedding festivities.”
“I bet that took a toll. Was it a fine wedding?”
“The finest I had ever seen.”
Mr. Herring nodded. “That's good to hear, but I think it's more than mere exhaustion. You're different. I can just tell.”
“I'm sorry, sir. I didn't realize it was affecting my performance.”
“How long have you been working for me, Levon?”
I hummed as I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. “Oh, about . . . eight years? Perhaps longer?”
“And I've come to know just about every mood you've ever worn.”
“I could say the same for you.”
Mr. Herring cackled while nodding in agreement. “You've witnessed many moods from me, yes. And that's what I mean: I can tell something is on your mind.”
“I guess I hadn't expected you to take interest. In all due respect, you've always been more focused on work than personal matters.”
“I have been. But not today.” He hopped up from his chair and gestured to the door. “Walk with me, Levon.”
I grabbed the folder and followed him, matching his stride as we made our way down the hallway. There was a small cafe in the front right corner of the hotel which we entered leisurely. He strolled to the counter and ordered us both coffees, getting us the same thing we typically ordered together. He chose a table close to the counter and had me sit down across from him.
“I've watched many of your co-workers go through a dozen or so life events,” he explained. “And since Bart lost his father, it's put things in perspective.”
I eyed him carefully. “I mean, death certainly has a way to make us reflect.”
“And weddings do, too. I was thinking about that earlier.”
“Yeah, this wedding certainly made an impression on me.”
He nodded. “Why don't you tell me about that?”
“Well, I didn't think it was my place to share.”
“I'm happily inviting you to share. If it's affecting your work, I feel compelled to ask.”
I shrugged as I took a deep breath, sighing slowly. “Well, my ex-girlfriend was in the wedding—Clara—and we happened to end up being paired together. Her and I dated before I got this job. Things ended years ago as I had favored traveling. She didn't exactly want to leave the Midwest.”
“She's a settler.”
“Exactly. She likes to stay in one place. I'm adventurous and curious, so I didn't mind all the traveling. But she did. It put a strain on our relationship.”
“I imagine it was difficult to see her again.”
I nodded. “It brought back a lot of old memories and feelings. We ended up hooking up after the wedding as a result. I was . . . happy that it happened. But then, she went back to her ex.”
“That must have hurt.”
“She and Gabe were together sometime after her and I broke up. I guess she had just wanted some kind of interlude from that relationship. It was a bit of a mess. They broke up right as I had come back to town. It almost became a fight between Gabe and me.”