Husband With Benefits

"She’s been with us for a week, and this is the time she chooses to get in? Always late."

Dave looked up from his work, his expression calm as he regarded Grant, who was pacing the office like a caged lion. With a deliberate lift of his eyebrows, Dave said, "Grant, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this worked up about someone before. What’s going on? Sure, she’s been arriving late, but it’s not like she’s slacking off once she gets here."

"Remember, she did mention she’d have to come in late all of last week due to some personal reasons. Maybe those reasons have carried over into this week. Besides, her ideas have been solid, and from what I’ve seen so far, her execution has been just as strong. Isn’t that what we care about most? We’ve always prioritized quality work over clock-watching, so why the sudden shift in tone?"

Grant stopped pacing for a moment, and turned to face Dave, "Why the shift in tone? Really? That’s what you’re asking me? Do you know what she is doing? She is setting up a bad example. It’s almost like she is thumbing her nose at us."

"We’ve got an important meeting with the distributors today, Dave—one that could make or break this quarter for us and future investments from the Frost’s themselves—and she’s nowhere to be found. Do I need to remind you that she took the presentation model home last night? If she doesn’t show up on time, we’re going to look like unprepared fools in front of our biggest opportunity givers.. That’s what’s going on!"

Dave leaned back in his chair, "I get it Grant. You’re worried. But so am I. The stakes are high, and the timing couldn’t be worse. But we should give her the benefit of the doubt. She’s new to us, but she hasn’t given us a reason to think she’s irresponsible. Let’s wait a bit longer before we panic."

Dave leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Hmm. You know, the person who really needs to figure out a Plan B here might actually be you—something to deal with that little problem you’ve got going on."

Grant froze mid-step, narrowing his eyes at Dave. "What are you talking about?"

Dave snorted, shaking his head as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "Oh, come on, Grant. Don’t play dumb. I’d have to be blind not to notice. The way you look at her? It’s like you’re a man lost in the desert, and she’s the only oasis for miles. Or maybe a tall, cool drink of water you’re dying to get your hands on." He raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as Grant’s face darkened. "It’s painfully obvious, my friend."

Grant’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. For the first time, he looked genuinely flustered. "I—what? That’s ridiculous!"