Page 195 of A Long Time Coming
Breaker:To sit on my dick. It’s a very sought-after position.
Lia:Oh, is that so?
Breaker:Ehh, that didn’t come out right.
Lia:Because I’d hope there isn’t anyone else applying.
Breaker:You’re the only one. So what do you say? I’ll give you whatever compensation you want.
Lia:Appealing, but I’m afraid of the chafing. I’m going to have to pass.
Breaker:At least give it a trial run.
Lia:Sorry, but you sound too demanding. I don’t think I can commit myself to such an arduous workplace environment. Pass.
Breaker:Dammit. At least come meet me for lunch.
Lia:Can’t. I’m heading to the office supply store because I ran out of toner, and I have to print some documents to work on.
Breaker:So you’re saying I have to wait until tonight?
Lia:You will survive.
Breaker:Barely.
Lia:Hang in there, Pickle.
Breaker:That just made me smile.
Lia:You make me smile. I’ll talk to you later.
Breaker:Okay. Bye.
* * *
“Excuse me,would you be able to direct me to your toner?” I ask the worker.
“Yes, aisle twelve,” he answers. “On the right.”
“Thank you.” With a pack of felt-tip pens in hand, because I have a sick obsession, I walk down to aisle twelve and spot the toner. I take out my phone to see the note I wrote myself to know which toner to get when I see a text from Breaker.
Breaker:JP just came into my office and started crying because he doesn’t think he’s going to be a good dad, and he’s freaking the fuck out. What is happening to my brothers?
I smile and text him back quickly.
Lia:Who knew babies were going to be the thing that took them down?
Once I press send, I go to my notes just as there is a tap on my shoulder. I turn and come face to face with Brian.
“Oh my God,” I say, taking a step back. “Brian . . . uh . . . hi.”
Wearing a suit and looking as handsome as ever, he smiles sadly while he sticks his hands in his pockets. “Hey, Lia,” he says softly.
“Wow, uh . . .” I glance around, hoping that The Beave isn’t here either. “What are you doing here?”
“My assistant quit on me, for good reason. I’ve been a tyrant lately, so I came here to pick up some supplies I needed.”
“Oh.” Awkwardly I ask, “Doesn’t your office carry that stuff?”
