Julia--Proposition

The entire ride to the office, I am nervous. Mr. Springer attempts to make polite conversation, but I can barely say more than, “Yes,” or “no,” because I am so preoccupied trying to figure out what is going on.

We arrive at the building, and he escorts me up to the floor I know Jeff works on. Not that I’ve ever been here before. Jeff will probably be outraged when he finds out I am here now, regardless of what he may have told Mr. Merriweather. I go along, though. What else can I do?

Seeing Cindy’s friendly smile has me slightly at ease. My eyes are focused on her, not on the myriad of other faces I’ve seen as I come into the workspace. I had been searching for Jeff but did not see him. Now, as she greets me, I smile and return her embrace. Then, she calls to let Mr. Merriweather know I have arrived, and my stomach twists into knots. What could he possibly want?

Mr. Springer gives me a reassuring nod as I hear Braxton’s voice on the speaker acknowledging that he is waiting for me. We