Whispers...
593 Words
The restroom was never silent, not in a building where gossip spread faster than memos. Cheryl had only ducked in to fix her lipstick, but the voices by the sinks rooted her in the stall.
"Did you see the way he nearly spoiled his report today?" one girl whispered.
"Quite honestly, I could care less. I heard he travelled to that Mumbai party in Hawaii and—whew—he came back looking fine."
Cheryl rolled her eyes.
"Were women always this oblivious?" she thought, holding her breath to catch more.
"Yeah, but I still wonder how he doesn’t have a girlfriend yet."
"Not surprising. Whoever he’s tied to has a lot to work with. The way Cheryl pitched in just in time today? I admire their friendship."
"You sure she’s not the reason he doesn’t have a girlfriend?"
"Does that even sound right to you?" one of them said, laughing.
They left, heels clicking away. Cheryl finally stepped out, washed her hands, and caught her reflection. Does that even sound right? What’s that supposed to mean? she thought.
Despite warning Leo in advance, he had fumbled today—managing to survive only with his usual charm. Somehow, he’d pulled it off. Not that it mattered. She was still getting her worth out of it.
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Later that afternoon, the meeting adjourned. Papers shuffled, voices rose, and small groups filtered out the door. Cheryl packed her files, ready to slip away unnoticed—until Mr. Dan’s voice stopped her.
"Cheryl." His tone, always low and soothing, carried authority even in a whisper.
"Yes, sir?" she answered cautiously.
"No need for formalities. Have a seat." He moved to the small fridge, pulled out a bottle of wine, and then glanced at her. "Still don’t drink?"
She shook her head.
"It’s fine—orange juice for you," he said, pouring her a glass before lowering himself into the chair with a tired huff.
"Thank you," Cheryl murmured, clutching the cup.
"How have you been?" he asked, eyes narrowing in that fatherly way.
"I’m alright. Just… same old, same old," she replied, her nerves betraying her.
"Still no one to make you blush?"
"Sir!" Cheryl flushed.
"I’m getting old and worried, you can’t blame me," he chuckled. "I’ve seen how you work. Thank you, especially for helping Leo today."
"All in a day’s work," she sighed.
"Not even him?" he asked suddenly.
"What?"
"Has no one caught your eye? Not even Leo?" His stare lingered, weighing her down.
"I’ve just been too focused on work…"
"Not an excuse," he cut in. "You’ll have time soon enough. And maybe I’ll have to talk some sense into him too."
"What? Why?" she blurted out.
"The board of directors is coming soon."
Her pulse quickened. The board never met without serious cause. "Why on such short notice? Does Leo even know?"
Mr.Dan swirled the wine in his glass. "There’s a brewing case threatening the company. I’ve lost my negotiation edge with this illness. And—" he paused, eyes glinting with something she couldn’t read, "I plan to resign."
Cheryl froze, her glass trembling in her hand.
"But I thought it wasn’t critical?"
"Critical or not, I want to see my grandkids someday. Especially now that Nicole might be coming back."
"Nicole?" Cheryl echoed, stunned.
"Later," he waved it off. "For now, we prepare. The board mustn’t see us weak. But Cheryl…" His voice softened, weighted. "This company needs a legacy. And I need someone to carry it."
Her stomach knotted. Something was off—far more than retirement.
- Writer
