Chapter 24

I knew that Keith was returning to the department today. I hadn't, however, expected to see Keira Ford. I recognised her immediately from the photos on the website and bulletin boards, and she looked just the same - all long blonde hair and legs. It was hard to shake off the stereotypes and remember that she was also a very successful and highly intelligent academic in her own right.

She looked a little lost right now, however, standing in front of what was now my office, a box of journals and papers in her arms.

"Um... hello?" I said, shooting her what I hoped was a friendly smile.

"Oh, hi," she said, grinning nervously. "I, um, seem to be a little lost. This used to be my office but I guess it's not anymore."

"Right. Wait, are you... going to be working here?" Okay, now I was confused.

"Yes, I'm Dr Sinclair's assistant. Um, Keira Ford," she said, shifting the box awkwardly to offer me a hand.

I reached automatically to shake it. "Er, hello. I'm Alex Webb. I'm... well, I'm Professor Sinclair's assistant," I said, hoping it was clear that my emphasis was meant to make the distinction rather than rub it in her face that my 'boss' outranked hers - although Keith Sinclair being her boss seemed a little nepotistic at best.

"It's nice to meet you. I guess that would explain you having the office," she replied with a slightly forced laugh. "I know it was silly, just showing up like this - I guess I was sort of on autopilot."

I nodded slowly. "I'd, um, invite you to share, but..."

"Oh, no," Ford said with a nervous laugh. "That's okay. I'm sure there's another workspace available."

"Right. So... you're returning to work in the department, then?"

"Um, yes. Just for six months or so, to help Dr Sinclair with all his projects. It's going to be a busy time."

The Summit loomed in the back of my mind, and I again felt guilty for being so preoccupied by losing our project when Kathryn had so many other stresses to worry about. "I see. Well, welcome back."

"Thanks. I guess I'll... go see Sarah and find out where I'll be staying."

"I'll see you around, no doubt."

The blonde gave me another uncertain smile, hefting her box. "No doubt."

 

It was the afternoon before I managed to get along to Kathryn's office, and now, knocking on her closed door, I wasn't even sure why was there, or what I was going to say.

"Come in..." By the time I had pushed open the door Kathryn was looking up expectantly. She gave me a smile, sitting back in her chair. "Alex. Finally, someone I'm glad to see."

I hoped my smile wasn't too obviously relieved, and I took the liberty of entering and closing the door behind me. "How're you holding up?" I asked, moving across the room to sit down.

"Hm? Oh, fine. Is everything okay out there?"

"Yeah, you know, people are still running around like headless chickens but I think they've figured out that it's not actually the apocalypse. Yet."

She nodded, pursing her lips in what I knew was an expression of annoyance. "Good. Because we're just going to lose more time and money until everybody gets back to normal."

I made a face. "I'm sure it'll work out fine. I..." I cleared my throat. "I saw Keira Ford earlier. I didn't know she was rejoining the department..."

"As Keith's assistant."

"Um. Yeah." I narrowed my eyes a little at Kathryn, trying to make out her expression.

She looked distracted, only glancing back at me after several seconds of gazing towards the door. "I'm fine, Alex. I've had months to adjust to this and besides, I'm an adult. I can deal with a little intra-office 'weirdness'."

"All right," I said, nodding, "sure. Sorry."

"Are you okay? I know this must be strange for you."

I smiled a little. "A little. Mostly I'm worried about you. I mean, well..." I found myself trailing off - that somehow hadn't come out quite right.

Kathryn's expression turned softer, and she smiled slightly, leaning forward in her chair. "It might have been more difficult a few months ago... but it helps, having a friend close. I know it's going to be odd while things adjust, but... I just want what's best for the lab."

I felt that tingle at the tips of my ears again. It helped that I was around... it was hard not to read... what?... into that. I internally cursed myself that I couldn't keep a friendship with my boss of all people simple in my head. "Well. Okay, good. I mean, me too."

"Of course you do," Kathryn said, giving me a somewhat strange look.

"Well." I smiled again, sure that my cheeks at the least were now a little too pink for my liking. "On that note, I have some analysis to do, so I guess I'd better..." I made to stand up.

"Mmhmm, of course. Oh, before you go - Wednesday, after lunch. Can you make a meeting?"

"Sure, email me a diary entry?"

"Of course. Thank you, Alex."

I stopped at the door, turning to smile at her again and shrug. "For doing my job?"

"For being here," she said with a fond smile. "And for doing your job. Well."

My pulse was still skipping a little as I reached my office, my breath coming out in a big sigh once the door had closed safely behind me. This whole 'crush on the boss' thing was becoming a little less fun and a little more distracting.

 

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