Gina Calanni - How To Bake The Perfect Apple Pie

***

With Jack’s advice in mind I decided to bring my original candidates to Javier’s office as soon as I arrived at work. I tap on his door. There is a slight worry of Elaine being in his office with him. Javier opens the door and his office is empty. Good.

“Hey Javier…good morning.”

“Good morning, how was your first day?”

“Good. I wanted to give you my candidate list.”

He waves for me to have a seat and I hand him the paper with all of my original candidates listed.

“Are these the people you and Elaine decided on?”

“No, these are the candidates, I chose. I appreciate her input, but since this is my team, I think it’s best that I choose them. After all, I’m the one who will have to work with them, not Elaine.” I’m channeling Jack and it makes me feel confident.

Javier’s face forms into a duck expression and he nods. “I’m proud of you. This is another example of you being the right person to lead this team.”

“Thanks, Javier.” I nod, pleased I’d listened to Jack’s advice.

“Okay then, go get your team up and running. I expect great things from you.” Javier turns to his computer, effectively dismissing me.

I stand up smiling and exit his office. Now that my list is chosen, I’ve got to plan out how I’m going to lead my team. I take a deep breath. It’s going to be a long week.

***

Finally it’s Friday. I’m sitting at my desk viewing my Excel spreadsheet filled with numbers that lead into more numbers. After my meeting with Javier, I took all of these digits and formulated equations to help determine the positives and negatives for each member of my team. I now have the route to go down with them and I’m hopeful that it will be a success.

I’ve also managed to avoid Elaine for a couple of days. Surprising, considering I figured I’d hear about it after she learned I hadn’t taken her suggestions, but so far so good. I glance at the clock on my screen. It’s five after five, almost time for me to leave.

Little spurs of excitement form all over my arms and legs. I cannot wait to see Jack. I’ve been anticipating this day since Sunday when I kissed him goodbye at the airport, which was a bit awkward as my entire family was there. I couldn’t help it; I wanted to kiss him one last time and we are engaged. It wasn’t a major PDA, but it was worth it. He has the most kissable lips I’ve ever seen or tasted. I close my eyes. Mmm…not long before my daydream will become a reality. My chest tightens.

My daydream is interrupted by knocking at my door. I shake my head and roll the chair back. I make my way to the door and another knock taps before I can turn the knob. Impatient much? Who could it possibly be?

I open the door.

“Hey Lauren, can we talk?” Leena asks, as she pushes the door open.

“Sure, what’s up?” I motion for her to have a seat.

“Well gosh, um how do I say this?” Leena taps her fingers over her lips.

I glance at the clock. It’s ten after five.

“What is it, Leena?”

“Why didn’t you choose me for your team?” Leena glares at me. Her normally brown eyes have a red flare to them.

I inspect her face and stare directly into her eyes. “Leena, I think you’re a great employee and I value you here at Calstone Corp. Considering this and since we have been cubicle mates for the past year, I think it would be best if you stayed on Javier’s team.”

Leena rolls her eyes. “Right. So you think I’m great, but not good enough for your team?” Leena shakes her head and stands up. “Well you’ll regret this. I’ve seen your list.” She laughs as she exits my office.

Wow. I hope she doesn’t end up on an episode of Killer Women ; the anger in her eyes was beyond creepy. It’s now twenty after five—definitely time to leave. I shut my computer down and grab my purse from my drawer.

I’ve got forty minutes to make it to the airport and fall into Jack’s arms. And I’m ready to fall hard. It has been a killer week and that was before psycho-Leena walked into my office. I shake my head as I make my way to the elevator.

Elaine is striding down the aisle in my direction. Argh. Is it possible to exit the building without another confrontation? From the look on Elaine’s face, I’m going with not likely.

“Hey Lauren, I’m so glad I caught you.” Elaine grabs on to my arm.

“Ha, literally.” I eye her hand and then our eyes meet. She holds onto my arm for a second longer before she releases it.

“I haven’t seen you for a couple of days.”

“Yes, I’ve been busy organizing my new team.”

Elaine laughs. “Yes, so I’ve heard. I was talking to Javier…you know we talk every day. I mean…I think he has me on speed dial. Probably before his wife.” She laughs again.

I frown slightly. “I bet she wouldn’t appreciate that.” I stare at her.

“Huh…ah maybe not, but who cares? Listen, Javier told me you went with your original candidates and…though I appreciate the boldness…I think you’re making a decision that you will regret.” She flutters her eyelashes at me.

“Well, it is my decision, but I appreciate your concern,” I flat line my lips, wondering if this woman has ever shown any genuine concern in her life. “I’d love to chat more about this, but I’ve got an appointment.”

There is no way I’m going to mention Jack to her. I can only imagine the digging that will follow.

“An appointment, after five on a Friday? That’s odd. Who is it with?”

“Just an appointment.” I smile and press the down button on the elevator.

“Oh dear, it’s nothing medically related is it?” The false sweetness oozes from her voice.

“Nope, not medical.” I sigh as the elevator doors open. Yes. I couldn’t wait a second longer before I opted for the stairs. Which honestly I should opt for. I’ve got to figure out a way to be more active.

I step into the elevator and Elaine does as well.

“Well if it’s not medical what is it?” Elaine touches my arm. “Is it mental?”

“What?” I shake my head.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry, but if you need to talk, I’m here.” She digs into her purse and pulls out a card, pushing it into my hand. “Here, this is my guy. He’s fabulous, and tell him I sent you. Trust me, this guy can fix whatever is going on up there.” She points to my forehead.

The elevator door opens and I make a hasty exit. “Thanks, I’ve got to run. Have a great weekend.” I call over my shoulder.

“You too, sweetie. And give me a ring if you need anything.” Elaine winks at me.

What the French toast was that about?

I can’t even begin to contemplate that situation. I rush to my car and hop in. My desire to see Jack has only increased tenfold. I turn the key and back out of my parking space. I can’t get out of this garage and the same breathing space as Elaine fast enough. My heart is beating rapidly, like I just sprinted a mile or something. I pucker my lips and let out a deep breath. Calm down, Lauren, you don’t want to be frazzled when you see Jack. Mmm… Jack. My stomach flip-flops with butterflies of excitement.

The traffic is stop and go downtown and my heart is stopping at every pause to consider the reality of being with Jack in less than an hour. My office is located about twenty minutes from the airport. Getting onto the highway takes the longest amount of time, but finally I’m cruising down the 695 with the heat blasting on my seats. The leather is cold from sitting in the garage. As I’m about to exit, the seat is finally warming my legs enough to dampen the shiver.

I steer my car into the parking garage and find a spot on the fifth level. I hop out and rush to the elevator. Being in a darkened parking garage is nothing I look forward to. I tap my foot as I wait for the elevator to arrive. My phone shows its 6:00 p.m. Jack’s plane should be pulling in to the gates. I tense. It’s almost as if time has been standing still since I left him at the airport in Texas a week ago. So much has happened for me here at work, but all of it seems to be washed away as if my life doesn’t exist without him in it.