Lindsay, though actually laying face-up on the squashed and cracked leather of her break room couch, was imagining herself laying atop a lounge chair, bathed in sunlight and about to be approached by a cabana girl asking if she'd care for another drink. In her mind, the salty air was intoxicating; in reality, the only thing she could smell was the putrid combination of microwave popcorn and tinned mackerel.
That meant Jerry had just started his break, and that she needed to head back her desk--rather the opposite of the beachside vacation she'd spent her lunch break daydreaming about.
Bummer.
"Hey, Linds, hope I didn't bother you."
"Nah, I gotta be heading back out soon anyway." Lindsay smiled at Jerry. He was always polite and kind, a little reserved but absolutely hilarious when he joined the group for happy hour. In her hand, Lindsay's phone had begun to ring, indicating the very same.
"See?" She laughed as she gathered up her lunchbox and bottled water. "You have a good break, though. Smells divine!"
Despite the too-short lunch breaks, working for the A. James Greenway advertising firm was pretty okay. Lindsay had her own office, catty-corner from her sorority sister and longtime confidant Mariah, and she was consistently reminded that her work was more than satisfactory and stayed fresh. Only hired just a year prior, Lindsay's sights were already set on breaking into the tourism department--something she'd been hoping for since graduating college.
Plus, the owner's son, Alexander Jr., was said to be some pretty sweet eye candy when he was around--though Lindsay hadn't had the pleasure yet. They'd all seen pictures of him, however, because AJ's dad was tremendously proud of his son's artistic talents. Hired on as a graphic designer as soon as he'd finished up college, AJ mostly worked from home. It was rare to see him in the office.
"Psst--I need you!!"
Lindsay had only just sat back down at her desk and tucked her lunchbox into her bag when her IM dinged. It was Mariah.
"What?!"
"I have a meeting in like five minutes."
"Okay, and?" Lindsay typed back. "What does that have to do with me?"
"Just come here. And hurry!"
Lindsay looked across the hallway at her friend and could see desperation in Mariah's face. She stood up and adjusted her skirt before darting over to Mariah's office, making sure it hadn't risen up too much when she'd sat down.
Out of habit, Lindsay quickly tapped on the door before entering. "Okay, what's going on?" she asked her friend.
"Girl, just please hear me out. I have a meeting like, right now, and I have got to pee so badly. I don't have time to go all the way down the hall!"
Lindsay knew exactly where this was going.
"Linds--remember that night at Delta O, when we were hooking up with those roommates and I really had to pee in the middle of everything so I asked you to--"