AIDEN
Neil's excited cheer greets me as I step into my office on Monday. The balloons burst with a loud pop, sailing into the air, and my eyes twitch in reaction to the sudden sound.
"Welcome back, VP Mendes!"
I grin at his warm welcome and cross the remaining distance to my desk, where he is standing. I hang my suit jacket and settle behind my desk. "Thanks for the lovely welcome, Secretary Neil."
"It's my pleasure," he says, delivering a gallant bow.
"How have you been managing while I was away?" I ask.
"You're the source of our extra workload," he replies, his eyes flashing as he processes his words. "Oops! That came out wrong."
My shoulders shake with mirth. "That doesn't make it any less true."
Neil makes a contrite expression. "Since the day you stood up to him, the Pre
