Page 4 of (Mostly) Human Resources

Natalie winked. “I know.”

“Morning, ladies.” Kristin, the world’s most cheerful boss, strode into the conference room wearing a cat-print sweater. “How are we doing on this fine Monday afternoon?”

“Kristin,” Alexys said with a grin, “it’s Tuesday.” Kristin’s smile vanished. “Don’t worry, I already asked your assistant to send out this week’s newsletter on conservation zoning.”

Kristin’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Ah, you’re a miracle worker. What would I do without you?”

“Die, probably,” Nat teased. Kristin rolled her eyes as she settled into her seat.

“It’s this new schedule they have us regional managers on. Working every other weekend has completely distorted my sense of time.”

Alexys propped her chin on her hand and smiled at Kristin. “Yes, because you had such a great sense of time to begin with.” Kristin’s brow shot up. Alexys grabbed the tin off the table and held it out to Kristin. “Cookie?”

Kristin’s eyes widened. “Are these from Harman’s grandmother?”

“Yes, I can’t get her to stop sending them to me.”

“And don’t you dare stop her,” Nat said, plucking a cookie with her perfectly manicured fingers. “The woman can bake better than anyone I’ve ever met.” At Kristin’s indignant scoff, she quickly amended, “Present company excluded, obviously.”

“Obviously.” Kristin snagged another cookie and checked her watch. “I need to get this meeting going. I’ve got to get back to my mountain of emails.”

Natalie winced sympathetically. “I don’t envy you that. I’ve got enough of a headache just dealing with my Wardens. I can’t imagine running a regional office.”

Alexys shrugged and, without thinking, said, “Hey, look on the bright side, there’s the notable lack of death-defying incident reports to file.”

Kristin took a bite of her cookie. “One of these days,” she said between chews, “you’re going to run this department. You’re probably more cut out for it than I am.”

Alexys’s heartbeat faltered. She tried to stay composed, but Alexys had been hoping for a promotion for the last nine months.

“Just say the word, boss,” Alexys said.

“She’d have the whole place running flawlessly,” Natalie chimed in.

“As opposed to …?” Kristin asked, narrowing her eyes.

Natalie, foot permanently in her mouth, smiled brilliantly up at Kristin. “As opposed to the absolutely incredible, irreplaceable boss that you are, of course.”

“Of course.” Kristin turned her bemused smile to Alexys. “Well.” Kristin connected her computer to the screen on the back wall. “That day might come sooner than you think.”

A few other team leads filtered in, and Kristin was quickly drawn into conversation.

Natalie wiggled her brows at Alexys and gave her a wide, conspiratorial smile.

“Don’t,” Alexys whispered. “I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

“But you heard her,” Natalie said, shrugging. Alexys shook her head. “It wouldn’t be the first time she’s alluded to leaving.” Nat kept her voice quiet and plucked another cookie.

“Hey, save some for the others, will you?”

Natalie ignored her. “Just last week I overheard her talking about New Mexico.”

Alexys gave her a look.

“I mean it, I think she’s serious. There’s a position open in the Roswell office, you know.”

A smile tugged at Alexys’s lips. “Roswell? Isn’t that where her family lives?”

Natalie nodded. “And being near family is always nice. Well,somefamilies.” She chuckled.