The Cherished Wife

It was Janet's shot. It was her chance to shine and get some face time with Charles. It was a golden opportunity.

"If I rock this, Charles has got to notice me. Who knows? He might just take a chance on us," she mused with a hopeful smile.

Becky's lips gave a quick, involuntary twitch. She could not help but think Janet was living in a fantasy world. However, Becky kept her cool, her face a mask of calm. "Look, Ms. Scott, could you maybe head back to work? I've got a ton on my plate, and if I don't get through it, I won't have a second to help you out!"

"Oh, sure, Becky, you do your thing. Um, any chance you could point me in the right direction, or..."

"You'll find all the records and stuff from past annual meetings over at HR. Why don't you check with them?" Becky suggested helpfully, hoping it might actually be useful to Janet.

from the project department. "Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman's asking for you upstairs. He wants to chat

Becky glanced at the clock-11:30 already. She shook her head, puzzled. What was Charles up to, calling Noelle

not just a one-time thing. Lately, Charles seemed to have made a habit of summoning Noelle around lunchtime, claiming it was for work. Becky could not help but wonder if their boss was losing touch with reality. Noelle, just off the phone herself, shared the sentiment. She was starting to think Charles was a bit off his rocker, always

when Arya looked up, her eyes

an embarrassed grin. "Not at

do you run off to every afternoon?" Arya leaned in, her

casting a chilly glance at Arya. "How

sheepishly. "I'm not gossiping, just looking out for my fellow

but I'll