Page 34 of The Man with the Knot
Five more hours until I know what fate has in store.
12
Brax
The day drones on.
Periodically, I catch sight of luscious chestnut curls but it’s never Morgan. Her section of the office is a maze of cubicles, but it doesn’t stop me from trying to spot her, or from counting down the minutes until we can talk again.
Michael, the HR representative who’s been showing me the ropes throughout the day, has been a great host but I’m ready for our time together to end. I need to find Morgan and fix everything that I somehow managed to screw up for us.
If she’ll let me, that is.
I have no doubt that I messed up what could have been a relationship. Hell, I pretty much refused to eventryto visit her, much less keep in touch in any way. I used a bullshit excuse that our lives were too separate, too incompatible.
The truth is, I wasn’t sure that I was ready to give up my life on Mirago.
Until my life walked away from me and came to New York.
“I’ll have you do the online training once IT sets up your computer access, which will probably be Monday,” Michael’s voice interrupts my thoughts.
“Sounds like a plan,” I agree.
I’ve done my best to focus on the onboarding process. While I absolutely came to New York for Morgan, I really have signed on to work for the city, as strange as this concept is to me. So I need to pay attention to the meetings and paperwork. Still, the job is secondary. Foremost in my mind is a beautiful brunette who currently hates my guts.
“Great. And you’ve met some of your team. Jane already helped you set up your badge, and you’ve already talked with the tax department,” Michael continues, not really needing my input but talking out loud nonetheless.
We’re sitting in his small office. He’s reading off a checklist for new employees and I hope it means we’re finally wrapping up for the day.
“Then there’s the safety briefing…”
I grit my teeth. It’s after five and my patience is running thin. I haven’t seen Morgan in hours, and I have no idea if she’s even in the building still.
“But the trainer is out for the week, so we are going to have to postpone that session.”
I have to stop myself from sighing with relief. Thank fuck he’s not here.
Michael looks up from his clipboard. “So I guess that means that you’re done for the day!” he says brightly. “Big first day, huh buddy?”
I chuckle lightly. “It’s been a rollercoaster, but I think it’ll all work out.”
There’s no need to explain to the man that I’m talking about Morgan and not the environmental projects or stacks of paperwork that only continue to grow.
“Absolutely. Anyways, a few of us sometimes grab a beer after work, if you want to mingle with your new coworkers,” Michael offers. “It’s super casual. Just a nice break between work and going home. The job here can be tough, so we try to bond beyond the office when we can,” he explains.
I smile politely. “I really appreciate the offer, Mike, but I have to get back to my apartment. They’re dropping off a new refrigerator today and I don’t want to miss that,” I fib. I’m not big on lying to anyone, but today is about Morgan and I’ll combust if I have to wait another second to see her.
“Not a problem,” Michael says easily. “It’s an open invite. The group varies each time, but we have a good spot, just down the block. You’ll be a regular in no time.”
This time my smile is genuine. So far, everyone at HRA has been welcoming, which is a far cry from what I’ve previously witnessed in big cities with its rush of no-name faces and interchangeable people.
“I’ll hit up the happy hour next time,” I agree amicably. I stand up and reach for the folder holding my employment paperwork. “Oh, I heard there’s a branch at HRA that helps place job seekers,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “Would they have candidates to recommend? I need to build a sizable team to support the environmental studies I’ll be doing.”
“That’s great,” Michael says, nodding eagerly. “I have no idea if they have the type of candidate you’re looking for, but HRA’s database is huge. There’s sure to be someone.” He glances at his watch. “But most of the staff is probably gone by now.”
“That’s unfortunate. I’d hoped to get a jumpstart first thing tomorrow,” I say easily.
Michael nods thoughtfully. “You know what? I bet Morgan’s still here—the young lady you met before lunch? She helps with those projects from time to time.”