9

We were in the conference room, the clients were settling in. I was sitting next to Nayel, just taking notes. Winston and John from IT were put in charge of presenting this one for the Johnson Centre clients.

Winston walks into the room greeting everyone, our eyes meet and he flashes me a warm smile, I smile back as he proceeds to the front.

40 minutes into the meeting I feel my phone vibrate on my lap. I carefully pick it up looking to see if anyone is looking at me, it was a text from Jared. I was about to open it when I saw Nayel scowling at me. I gulp and mouth a quick sorry and put the phone back on my desk.

Less than 5 minutes later, my phone started vibrating yet again and it was Jared. I started to freak out, what if something happened to dad? What if something happened to him? I look over to see Nayel already looking over at me grimacing.

I move my seat closer to him, "It's an emergency can I please take it?" I ask.

Nayel huffs in frustration as my phone started vibrating again meaning Jared was calling again.

"It's your world, we're just living in it right Maria?" Nayel snaps at me, his voice lowered.

The panic was rushing through my veins, I don't ask him again I just slowly get up and head out of the conference room. I know Nayel is going to be furious with me but I just don't care, what if something happened to my dad?

I press to answer and bring the phone to my ear, "Hello? What happened? Is dad alright?" I didn't realize I was crying until I felt a tear fall down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away.

"Dad's fine, You used my charger when you were here, I need to head back to campus where did you put it?" Jared asks lazily.

The anger rushes through my blood, "Are you fucking kidding me? You kept calling I was worried sick something happened to dad. I'm probably going to get fired today and it's your fault" I snap at him.

"Your boss is a jerk, might as well quit while you're at it or wait actually get fired so he owes you one month's salary" Jared jokes.

"Fuck off," I say about to hang up.

"My charger?" Jared whines.

"I don't have it, it's somewhere in the house. Stop bothering me and look for it yourself." I say hanging up.

I was walking back to the conference room but the doors opened and everyone was walking out meaning the meeting was over. I smile politely at the clients and say my goodbyes as they head to the elevator.

Nayel glares at me angrily as I grab my stuff from the conference room and go back to my desk before I'm approached by Winston.

"Hi" He smiles.

"Hey" I smile, "You were great today. You should be a salesman instead of a lawyer"

Winston smiles, "Maybe if this law thing doesn't work out, I'll consider it."

"How's your dad? Is he still in the hospital?" Winston asks. I had offered to show Winston this bookstore in my neighborhood which sells the best classic novels on Saturday but I ended up going to Charlotte so I texted him telling him the situation with my dad before I got on the plane.

"He's doing alright, the doctor said he needs to lay low for a few weeks so I've banned him from going to work" I smile as we reach my desk.

Winston touches my shoulder, "If there's anything you need, let me know"

I smile, "thanks".

Winston walks towards his office and I see Nayel was walking behind us, he goes straight into his office.

I pick up the notes from the meeting and knock on Nayel's door heading inside once I'm given permission.

"These are the documents and notes sir," I say handing it to Nayel who nods.

"Why was Winston asking about your father?" Nayel asks abruptly, looking at me, it felt like he was staring into my soul.

"He had a heart attack on Saturday" I state plainly.

Nayel's features soften, "Is he alright?"

I nod, "He's going to be fine he just needs to take care of himself, he's an HCM patient, it's a heart condition so he needs to be extra cautious and take his medications regularly"

"Is he still in the hospital?" Nayel asks, his tone reeking with sincerity.

"No he was discharged the same day, luckily it wasn't that serious," I say.

"Is that why you were late today?" Nayel asks.

"Yes, my dad's in Charlotte so I went to see him and then I booked my flight for NYC on Sunday and I was supposed to land at 4 am but they kept delaying the flights which is why I didn't tell you. Well I did text you from the plane but I think it never went through and it was too late, I had a responsibility that you trusted me with and I was very unprofessional and I let you down, I'm sorry" I ramble on/

Nayel's eyes soften, his face filled with regret and sorrow, "No Maria, I was too harsh with you this morning. I'm sorry" My eyes widen. Did Nayel Jefferson just apologize to me? What?

"What?" I blurt out.

"I was very insensitive, you're a great worker and you never take days off like this I should've known something was up. I'm sorry for yelling at you. Don't worry about the clients. It's not your concern" Nayel smiles at me weakly. This is the first time in 2 years he's apologized to me. What is happening?

"It's alright" I found myself saying.

"I hope your father has a safe recovery, if you need some time off I am willing to give you some paid vacation days" Nayel offers.

"No thank you, sir, I'm alright. I just need to get back to work and forget this whole thing ever happened, it was all just a big scare." My lips press together into a tight smile.

Nayel nods, "Well that offer stands if you need it."

"Thank you" I smile at him.

This might be the most normal and heartfelt conversation we have had since I've been working for him. Wow. I feel weird.