Page 19 of In Love and War

“Are you calling me a pain in your ass?” I clutched my chest dramatically, “Zackary, I’m flattered, buddy!” A rock could have picked up on the sarcasm that drenched my voice, which would be needed, since Zac’s head was filled with them.

“What an honor, truly. You know, I really don’t care what anyone else heresays. You are a fantastic boss, just so kind and supportive; an inspiration to me, really.” I shook my head, as if I couldn’t believe just how much I’d lucked out with him.

He wasn’t laughing.

“Youare getting a Christmas card from me this year, guy, I tell ya.”

And with that, I left.

How the hell was I going to survive a full week in New York with this fool?

The first thingI did was submit the design orders we needed which would take around three days to get back. Then I ate lunch at my desk, reviewing the notes I had taken that morning and adding to them while the meeting was still fresh in my memory, before starting on the task list we needed to have completed by the end of the week. By the time I was finished with the work I wanted to get done, it was a quarter past 7:00 p.m. There was just one last thing I needed to do…

From: Amelia Bloom

To: Zackary Evans

Mr. Evans,

See attached for your review. I do hope the quality is up to par with your standards and expectations. Maybe even good enough to be saved in the ever so exclusive Emerson folder?

A girl can dream.

Warmest regards,

The Big Pain In Your Ass

Thoroughly satisfied with my own pettiness, I shut everything down and put on my coat. The response came through on my phone just as I got out the door.

From: Zackary Evans

To: Amelia Bloom

Miss Bloom,

Might I remind you that you’ll be reporting to me long enough that I will be in charge of your next performance review? I am sure you would agree that sassing your boss might not be the best way to earn a positive one.

Sincerely concerned about the future of your career,

Zac

From: Amelia Bloom

To: Zackary Evans

Mr. Evans,

I am genuinely touched by your concern. May I ask, simply out of curiosity, what exactly would I need todoto earn a positive review from you?

Please note that sacrificing my firstborn is simply out of the question as that promise has already been made to someone else. (Don’t ask).

Looking forward to all of your ideas,

Milly

It wasn’t until I had started to walk home that something clicked. I took out my phone and reread my last sent email.

Wait, had I come off as flirting? No, right?