“Evelyn, are you serious?”
“Jack, I swear to you, every word is true. I am so sorry about the seminar and everything. My phone had no reception up in the mountains. That’s why I couldn’t call for help or let anyone know where I was.”
He makes an aggravated noise. I can picture him at his desk looking all pissed off. “Well, what’s done is done. At least you’re okay. I am very disappointed, however.”
“I’m very sorry, Jack.” Sorry, I almost died, dude.
“So will you be in later today? We’re short staffed now with you not here.”
“Um, I don’t have a car right now.” I swallow and take a deep breath before continuing, bracing myself. “Also, Jack, I was hoping maybe I could take two personal days while I get the car taken care of and kind of recuperate from this? I am exhausted from not sleeping and dehydrated. I would really appreciate it if I could take two days to recover from this. I could speak to human resources instead if you’d like.” Ha. I know that will get him. He doesn’t ever want any of his direct reports to contact HR.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary, Evelyn. It’s inconvenient, but if you need the time to recuperate, then we’ll do our best to manage. I’ll expect you here on Friday.” I hear a loud click before I can say thank you. Asshole.
I am thankful I have the rest of today and the next two days to rest and get my head together. Until then, I can put work out of my mind and just deal with the mess on Friday when I go back in.
I grab the laundry basket and walk through the condo, picking up the stray socks, towels, and other clothing Michael has left all over the place. I empty my travel bag onto the couch so I can wash all those wrinkly clothes, too. I pull out a big black sweatshirt—the one Storm gave me. I forgot to give it back to him. I hope he doesn’t want it back because it’s really big and comfy, and I love me a big cozy sweatshirt. I throw it in the basket and hope he forgets I still have it.
After I start the laundry, I vacuum, fill the dishwasher, throw out old food sitting in the fridge, clean and refill Halo’s dishes, and change the sheets on the bed. I feel like I’ve been gone for a month. I have no idea how Michael can manage to make such a mess in a small amount of time. Oh, and that reminds me I’m supposed to text him to let him know I’m home. I type a quick message on my phone and hit send.
Me: “I’m home.”
A few seconds later, my phone beeps.
Michael: “Great. I’ll be home tonight. The meeting wrapped up faster than I thought. See you then.”
I should probably call Amy, but I’m too tired to deal with her right now. She’s super hyper and will get me all riled up. So I send her a quick text telling her I’m home and safe and will call her tomorrow.
When the house finally feels back in order, I put on some yoga pants and get comfortable on the couch with Halo to watch a good movie and wait for Michael to come home.
The sound of the door slamming jolts me awake. I must have dozed off watching television.
Michael is in the room, his laptop bag and overnight bag slung over his shoulder. “Glad to be home?” he says, lowering his bags onto the chair.
I nod and cover my mouth to yawn. “I am. I feel so tired though.”
He sits on the couch next to me and lays his hand on my leg. “I’m sure you’re exhausted, Ev.” He plants a kiss on my lips. “I’m glad you’re home. Did you make any dinner? I’m starving.”
Eek. “No... There really isn’t any food to cook, and I don’t have my car, remember?”