Dating For Decades Read Free Page B

cliché if I’ve ever heard one), but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m still pissed off about the whole situation.
    “Fair enough. Did Terrence bring you up to speed on the Pilot Project?”
    “Yes, he has. I’m very familiar with it and want to share some ideas with you.”
    I’m not sure why he thinks any of his ideas would sway any of mine, but whatever. I’ll push through this, let him present his thoughts, and make him think he’s the one coming up with the final plan.
    “Sounds great.” My stomach grumbles. If I don’t feed this belly of mine, I’ll be passed out in Lucas’ lap. “I have a meeting,” I lie, “but let’s chat soon.”
    I thank Terrence and let myself out. Once back in my office, I slump over my desk. This can’t be happening. A hot, young professional has come in to prove he can do a better job than me. I’m damn good at what I do, but I can’t compete with a fresh graduate who has learned the latest and greatest technology. I yank open my center drawer. Chocolate. Where is it? There has to be a piece in here somewhere. A little refueling will help me through this. I find what I’m looking for and rip apart the wrapper, snapping off a bite.  
    Co-managers. You’ve got to be kidding me.

Chapter
    Three

    I’m not sure how Shannon gets anything done around her house. With a ten and a twelve-year-old boy, her house reaches obnoxiously loud decibels. She’s sitting on her couch, coffee in hand, her legs pulled up on the cushion, and I’m on the sofa, my legs crossed, furiously working on my iPad. Meanwhile, Jake and Jordan are wrestling on the floor in front of us. Her house is like a second home to me, and I don’t hesitate to make myself comfortable.
    “How do you do this?” I ask, glancing at the battling boys as I swipe through my emails.
    “I let them work out their differences on their own.”
    Soon one of them will kill the other, I’m certain. Kids never were on my radar and they still aren’t. I never felt a motherly urge my entire life. Maybe the fact that my mother wasn’t much of one contributed to that. I work. I don’t mother. Jake screams, which Shannon ignores. “How can you even think?” I much prefer silence to work. Well, at least library quiet, not yelling kids.
    She laughs and sips her coffee, letting out a loud “Aah.” I’m wording an email and trying to type as she responds. “After a few years, you drown it all out. The shouting and stuff puts me at ease. If they’re not making noise, that’s when I need to worry.”
    A message comes through that one of our servers is down. I don’t want to deal with this right now. I came over with the full intent of enjoying Shannon’s company, but, as usual, work calls. I forward the email onto the supervisor, Julian, at the help desk with detailed instructions on how to handle the situation. Yes, I’m aware my supervisor can manage this without my assistance, that’s why I hired him, but I don’t want to have to end up going into the office to fix this if he misses a step. I ask him to email me when he’s done.
    “Do you ever put that thing down, Cassie?”
    “What? My iPad? Sure.” I open a few more emails before deleting them. Then I toss my tablet on the seat next to me.  
    “Don’t.”
    “Don’t what?” I reach for my purse, which is on the couch.
    “Don’t get your phone. You’re trading your iPad for your phone, which, honestly, is basically the same thing. Shut down every once in a while. Unplug .” She pulls her dark hair back and twirls it to one side.
    “I do. From about midnight to five.” I dig in my purse and pull out the phone.
    Shannon pushes off the couch and grabs my cell from me, not saying a word as she tosses it back into my purse. With her free hand, she picks up my purse and brings it back to the sofa with her, clutching it at her side.
    “What are you doing?” I need my cell. If I can’t stay connected to work, something can go wrong and I can’t fix