Page 56 (1/2)

Jon nods "Take whatever ti without you – barely"

He smiles I realize he means that as a compliment and wants me to know that I'm an indispensable part of the executive team My staff can hold up my end for a few days

"Thanks" I turn back to my laptop and the reports I have to review "Maybe we should ht now, I need to check s"

He nods "Okay," he says, and leavesthe door behind him

I sigh and turn my attention, such as it is, towards my email I've read some of them from my external access, but haven't really answered any Now I have work to do, and it's a welcome relief from worries about my mother

After about an hour of work, I get a fresh cup of coffee from the staff room Liza, one of our employees, comes up to me and offers her personal ishes for my mother

"Jon told us all about it, hoished he could have come back with you on the plane but hefor you, not to have him with you You must have been beside yourself"

"I was, but I was glad to get home as fast as possible"

"I think it's so sweet that you two are finally getting together"

I frown "Who told you that?"

She shrugs "I thought it was co it"

"Did Jon say so?"

She shakes her head "No, but he really didn’t have to We already know"

"What do you think you know?"

"I'm sorry" She blanches, and now I think she's worried that I'll getpersonal "I didn’t realize you didn’t want people to know…"