Page 108 of Crow
Joey guffawed at Damon’s remark.
Angie glanced at Joey briefly, then glowered at her co-worker. “You have an uncanny knack of consistently being a pompous, rude jerk.”
“And you think we all give a shit about every petty thing going on in your life.”
“The only thing I think about when it comes to you is that you’re a disgruntled, bitter, and pathetic excuse for a man, and—”
Silvia’s gasp and Damon’s icy death glare halted her in mid-sentence.
Joey stood up from his desk and walked toward the middle of the room.
“Cool down, Damon. And Angie—don’t be so touchy. You guys are talking kind of loud. I have a report to write, and it’s hard to concentrate.” He then looked over at Damon. “And you don’t have to be so damn pissed all the time.”
“Are you finished?” Damon asked, standing up.
“I’m just saying we have to work together, that’s all.”
“Pearls of wisdom,” he said sarcastically. He picked up a tall blue mug from his desk and marched out of the room.
“Damn,” Silvia said, turning toward Angie. “How the hell do you work with him?”
“By ignoring him most of the time.” She scowled at Joey. “Thanks for throwing me under the bus.”
“So now you’re talking to me?”
“No, just commenting. I’m still mad at you.”
“I figured as much. You’ve given me the silent treatment until now.”
“Why are you mad at him?” Silvia threw a wide smile his way. “Joey’s sweet.”
“You tell her,” he said. “She didn’t think I was sympathetic enough after she told me about the tenant killed at Madera Crossing. I’ve apologized, but it doesn’t mean anything to her.”
Angie bristled. “Your comments were downright cruel. I was upset, and you didn’t give a shit.”
“I didn’t like the guy, but I do feel for you. I know you had a soft spot for him.”
“Whatever,” she mumbled.
“Come on, Angie, forgive Joey. He’s been a good friend.” Silvia gave her a nudge.
“Truce?” He walked over to her desk with an outstretched hand, wearing a genial smile.
After a long pause, Angie smiled back. “Truce,” she said without taking his hand.
Silvia clapped her hands. “Good! Now everything’s back to normal. The three of us have to go to lunch sometime next week.”
“I’m down for that,” Joey said.
“I’m in the office all day next Thursday,” Angie said as she looked at the work calendar.
“Thursday, it is.” Silvia rose to her feet. “I better get back to my department before someone narcs me out to the queen of witches.”
Joey busted out laughing. “I heard she’s a terror. She makes Peter seem like a walk in the park.”
Silvia rolled her eyes. “For sure. I hope the witch gets that promotion she wants. Everyone in Enrollment would throw her the biggest going-away party ever.” She pointed to Angie. “Let me know how tonight goes.”
“I will.”
