Late Start

Michael

My first interview wasn’t until nine. Normally I would have arrived at the office by seven. Today was different. I stayed up until midnight, catching up on all of the work that I missed while I was in Bar Harbor. I wanted to hold onto that last bit of vacation, so I took my time getting ready. Being the boss definitely had its perks.

I chose one of my favorite Italian suits to wear today. It was comfortable and that’s what I needed to get through all of these interviews.

On the way down to the lobby, I decided to treat myself to breakfast and I knew exactly where I wanted to go. While I enjoyed the fresh selections of food in Maine, I missed the typical New York staples in my diet. And the one at the top of my list was Beth’s Bakery.

My phone lit up with emails the second I stepped outside. My driver, Constantine, was standing by the car waiting for me. The cold breeze chilled me and I hustled to the car.

“Good morning, Constantine.”

He tipped his hat to me. “Hello, Mr. Carrington. I was surprised you wanted a later ride.”

I chuckled. “Let’s just say I’m still in vacation mode.” At least it still seemed like it to me even though I spent a majority of yesterday working. “I won’t be making it a habit, though.”

Constantine indicated for me to get in the car. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Sir.”

I was finishing up an email when the car slowed to a stop. I glanced up and saw the familiar blinking neon sign in the shape of a coffee cup.

Constantine had read my mine.

I clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You know me too well, my friend. Do you want anything?”

Constantine shook his head. “No thank you, Mr. Carrington.”

I got out of the car and stepped up to the curb. Other New Yorkers bundled in scarves and thick coats briskly walked on either side of the street headed to their own destinations.

The wind whipped around us, weaving in from between the buildings. I shivered and headed toward the bakery.

Inside, the blast of heat made my eyes water. I unbuttoned my coat and smoothed out my tie underneath. If I was in here too long, I knew I was going to start to sweat.

The line was almost to the door. I recognized a few of the regulars and nodded at one who made eye contact with me. An older gentleman who consistently ordered a dozen rainbow bagels each time I saw him in there.

If it was any other day, I might be annoyed with waiting. Today, I didn’t mind. I continued to work on my phone while I waited. Sandra didn’t call out sick today, but I doubted she was much better. Once the interviews were over, I would send her home for more rest. We were about to get busier with the Christmas charity coming up and I needed everyone healthy and able to work.

When I reached the counter, a familiar young woman took my order. I think her name was Amy.

“What can I get you?” When her eyes lifted to mine, she choked on the last word.

“Good morning,” I said. “I’ll have—”

“Sesame seed bagel with lox and cream cheese?” she interrupted, reciting my usual order.

I smiled at her and the tips of her ears turned bright red. “And two coffees.”

“Cream or sugar?” she asked.

I hated to admit that I liked the effect I had on her. I leaned against the counter, cutting the space between us in half. “One cream and one black.”

“One sec,” she said and crossed the space to the other counter where all the refrigerated items were. I moved to the side so another customer could order.

The next girl who took the woman behind me kept sneaking me glances. I smiled at her too. While making her order, she bumped her elbow into Amy. The two of them giggled and whispered to each other.

I was used to the looks women gave me. My expensive clothes and cars usually made heads turn. It made my life less complicated to go into a date not expecting anything long-term. I wasn’t looking for another wife. With the pressure off on the dating game, I was able to enjoy myself more. And I enjoyed being with women, all ages, shapes and sizes. Variety was the spice of life, and I wasn’t missing out. Not one damn bit.

After paying for my order, I thanked Amy and gave her a generous tip. She looked young. Probably in school, I liked to help where I could.

Outside, Constantine got out of the car when I approached it. He rubbed his hands together and blew into them. He managed to get to my side of the car before I could and opened the door.

I handed him a coffee.

“Thank you, Sir,” he said and held the cup between his hands for warmth.

I got into the car and opened up the paper bag immediately. The scent of the fresh bagel was delectable. I unwrapped my sandwich and I dug in. Even though I ate so much fresh seafood in Maine, the lox somehow tasted better here. I was home… thankfully.