Chapter 11: Far to late
Zeke remained seated at his desk, eyes fixed on his computer screen yet not really reading. His hand rested against his chin, and his face was shadowed with fatigue. A soft knock at the door broke his reverie. Andrew entered carrying a stack of files.
"Hey, boss," Andrew began, setting the documents on the table. "Was the consultation with Dr. Bennet not going well? Your mood’s been even worse today. Everyone’s walking on eggshells around you."
Zeke sighed and replied quietly, "The consultation went fine."
Andrew frowned slightly. "Then why do you look like you’re about to tear someone apart?"
Zeke fell silent for a moment before answering in a low voice, "I had a nightmare last night. It wrecked everything."
Andrew knew better than to press further. Sensing Zeke’s need for space, he simply nodded and paused. Then, unexpectedly, Zeke asked without turning his head, "Do you have a girlfriend, Drew?"
Andrew hesitated. "Yeah, I do. Why do you ask?"
Zeke slowly met his gaze, a note of disbelief playing across his features. "You don’t really look like you’re single. You seem... focused on work."
Andrew let out a soft laugh. "You think I’m destined to be a perpetual bachelor?"
Zeke shrugged. "I guessed as much."
Andrew chuckled and then took a seat across from him. "I’ve been with her for a year now. In fact, I’m planning to propose next month."