My Boss

“I did, Mr. Bloom. It's called Ravishing Ruby Red. The salon says it suits my complexion.”

My voice sounded weak in the silence of the office, the other desks around me completely abandoned of their workers in the dim office light. The darkness beyond the windows outside warned of the hour and I knew I had to get home soon lest I get scolded by appearing totally inept at finishing my work.

“It certainly suits your complexion. Good job,” Devon said, and then quickly added, “Do you have those reports finished?”

I stammered over my response, my knees shaking beneath the pencil skirt that was brand new in my attempt to appear more professional. This was it. I was about to get that verbal lashing. I knew it was coming and I watched as his mouth open in preparation for the words to pummel me.

“If you don't, that's fine. I have another project for you to complete,” he said while I tried to formulate my response.

“I'm sorry, sir,” I blurted. “I was so overwhelmed today with the Richard accoun