* * * *
He arrived at work feeling refreshed and ready to face the challenges of the day, but he had no sooner sat down at his desk than Sharon called, wanting to see him in her office.
He tapped on the frame of her open door. “What’s up, boss?”
“Oh, good morning, Ben. Please come in and close the door.”
“I can imagine what you want.”
She gave him a distracted smile. “Yeah, the big boss wants to know whether you’re interested in my job. And I’m to relay another question. If you refuse to be considered for my job, would you at least be willing to do it on a temporary basis, as acting PIO while the county conducts a search for my replacement?” She got up and went to the table at the side of the room. “Coffee?”
Wanting to buy some time, Ben said, “Please.”
Sharon allowed him to sip his
