Jess dressed with care for work. She wound her hair into a knot and pulled her suit jacket on. She may or may not have a job. Texting your boss that you have a family emergency, then disappearing for two weeks without an explanation was not usually acceptable. Lolly said on the phone earlier, though, that she only had to say that it was an emergency and that it was personal. Beyond that, the witch could not legally force answers out of her. Jess blew out a breath and smoothed her hands over her skirt. James left just after her clock sounded. His was an early shift today, but he promised to stop by for lunch if he could.

***

Jess checked her face in the rearview mirror again then hurried inside. She should be at her desk in less than 10 minutes, and she did not want to be late. Ms. Lansing could be a real pain in the ass about tardiness. Jess hurried down the hall and into her office. It looked the same. Pressing the on button on the computer, she arranged her suit jacket on the back of the chair while she waited for it to come on. Suddenly, Ms. Lansing stood at her desk, glowering down at her. Even her hair was particularly spiked and sharp-looking today, but not as much as her gaze.

“So you decided to grace us with your presence, I see. Where have you been, and let me warn you, the excuse had better be fantastic or you are fired,” Ms. Lansing nearly screamed.

Jess felt the wolf get restless and try to rise up. She took a deep cleansing breath to back the scary beast down. James had practiced this with her until she felt comfortable, but that was at home, and now it wasn’t as easy.

“I had a family crisis and had to fly to Florida. It’s personal, but it’s over now, and I am ready to return to work.”

“Not good enough. Get out.”

Jess raised an eyebrow. “No.”

Ms. Lansing gasped.

James strolled into the office then, and Ms. Lansing whirled on him.

“What do you want, James? I am disciplining an employee.”

“Is that what you’re calling it now, Margaret? It still looks like bullying to me.”

James rounded the desk and kissed Jess chastely. “I just wanted to see that you arrived safely, sweetheart. Are we still on for lunch?”

She nodded and smiled softly.

“She won’t be here for lunch. She’s fired.”

Lolly cleared her throat from the doorway. “Margaret, may I see you in my office?” Lolly smiled at James and Jess, then nodded hello.

“In a moment, and we can discuss Jessica’s replacement,” Ms. Lansing hissed.

“Jessica has discussed her absence with HR, and the matter is considered closed. Your behavior, though, well, we should discuss that privately. Come along.” Jess had never loved Lolly more than in that instant.

“Looks like Margaret is in trouble.” James smirked. He sounded like he was taunting someone on the playground, and she giggled.

“It seemed like you knew her.”

He nodded.

“Did you date her, James?”

“I did, yes, for a moment. We went out twice, and it took me six months to get rid of her. She’s your boss, huh?”

Jess made a face and nodded.

“That sucks. Can you do anything else? Margaret is going to be extra tough on you now.”

Jess rolled her eyes. “When isn’t she? It’s okay. I’ve been working on my backbone, and if she gets too nasty, I’ll let my furry friend handle the witch.”

James chuckled. “Dan Dan’s for lunch? It’s been a slow morning so far and hopefully it will stay that way, so keep your furry friend under wraps, okay? I don’t want any rabid animal BOLOs going out.”

“You aren’t going out anywhere with a gun, are you? I mean, I don’t have to worry, do I?” Jess bounced her knee nervously.

“No, sweetheart. No worries. I’m supervising, filling out paperwork, and learning my new duties. I will be in the office all day. If you have time, come over and see my new digs. I should go.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. “Behave, and I’ll see you at lunch.”

“Okay.” She watched him walk out of her office and saw Ms. Lansing pass by a moment later. She didn’t stop or even glance into Jess’s office. “Curious,” Jess thought out loud. She picked up her phone and texted Lolly.

Are u busy?

Mocha time? Lolly quickly texted back.

Please, Jess answered.

Lolly popped her head in the door seconds later and grinned at her. “Come, girlfriend. I want the 411 on Officer Cutie Pie.”

Jess giggled and hurried after her. They chatted quickly while they walked slowly to the coffee bar. Jess caught Lolly up on James, and Lolly caught her up on Ms. Lansing. “She will not be harassing you, Jessie girl. I made it very clear that any contact had better be professional or I would file for disciplinary action on her bullying butt. I get more complaints about her than everyone else in the building combined, and I told her it stopped now. You are a good worker and an excellent employee, so she has no business giving you bullshit.”

“Thanks, Lolly, but she will find a way. I just found out that she dated James for a little while, and I think she still wants him. He thinks that she is going to make it hard for me.” Jess selected her coffee and creamers, then pushed the buttons on the machine. It worked perfectly for once.

“I’ll keep my eye on her, and don’t worry. On the record and officially, if she does anything that you think is out of line or harassing, you let me know and I will open an investigation. Off the record, I would love to get rid of her. She was never management material, but she was sleeping with my boss at the time.” Lolly made a gagging gesture, and Jess chuckled. “He’s retired now, so she is on her own.”

Jess sipped her coffee while Lolly filled her cup with tea.

“I was wondering, Jess, if you would be interested in her position.”

Jess stared at her with her mouth hanging open.

“If it were to become vacant, I mean. I think you would be a good candidate.”

“I don’t know what to say, Lolly. I never thought about managing.”

“Well, she’s set you up nicely. You know how to do everyone’s job, and you’re a nicer person than she is. Margaret isn’t a manager. She’s a boss, and she behaves in a bossy, bullying way. A manager inspires and directs their employees, helps them grow professionally. I think that more than a few people in your department would flourish under your direction. Think about it. It won’t be this week, unfortunately, but hopefully it will be soon.” Lolly winked at her.

They went back down the hall in comfortable silence. Jess was considering what Lolly had told her, which was basically that she was going to get rid of Margaret Lansing. Good riddance to bad rubbish, Jess thought.

She met James for lunch a few hours later and filled him in on the development.

“That’s great. I think with that new backbone of yours and the skills that you already have, you are a great idea. Kudos to Lolly!” He clinked his teacup to hers and smiled at her.

Jess thought about it. She still wasn’t sure if that was what she wanted. All she knew was that she wanted him right now.

His smile turned predatory. “I don’t know where we can go, sweetheart, where we won’t be on surveillance.”

Jess pouted.

“As soon as we get home, though?”

Jess nodded and he grinned.

“Maybe after, Big Red can come out to play. You need to run.”

Jess blushed.

“I love it when your cheeks blush like that. You are so beautiful, Jess, and when they do that, you glow.”

She scoffed, and he chuckled.

“I’ll make you blush more later.”

“You’d better.”