Read Better Than None for Free Online

make up for my time out
of the office. It was so still and quiet I was able to get lost in my work and
focus on my computer screen.
    “Good morning, Steph.” Marty said from my doorway, making me jump.
“Sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you.”
    I laughed nervously. “Sorry, Marty. Just didn’t expect anyone else here
this early.”
    He laughed genuinely. “Me either. So what are you doing here at
the crack of dawn?”
    “Just making up for the time I’ve taken with my mom. I don’t like being
the new girl and asking for time off.”
    He shook his head and took a deep breath. “Stephanie, we have a problem
here.” He said sternly and I thought, this is it. I’m going to have to choose
between my mother and my job.
    “I’m sorry, Marty. I swear this isn’t like me. Honest. I wouldn’t take
the time if it weren’t for something really important. I know I haven’t been
here long enough for you to know me, but I promise, I don’t take this job for
granted. But my mom is everything to me, and, and I have to be there for her.
And I understand if you can’t—”
    Apparently, Marty didn’t want to hear any more of my rambling excuse as
he interrupted me and said, “Enough.” I opened my mouth to try to explain more
but he just stared at me. His look alone made me sink back down into my chair.
    “Stephanie, do you really think I’m the kind of person who would be
upset with you taking a few hours off to care for your mother?”
    I opened my mouth to speak, but he continued talking.
    “Because if you do, then that’s our problem. Do you understand me?”
    “I think so.” I said softly. I was so rattled by everything I wasn’t
thinking clearly.
    “Jesus, Steph.” He shook his head and then came all the way in and sat
down. “Let’s start over, okay?”
    “Okay.” I still wasn’t sure where he was going.
    “How’s your mom?”
    “Huh?”
    “You just said you’d only take time away from work if it were serious.
Which means, it’s serious.” He paused so that I’d get it through my thick skull
before he asked again, this time speaking slowly and deliberately. “So, how is
your mother?”
    I wasn’t used to talking about my personal life with anyone, much less
my boss. But I was so touched that he asked and that he seemed genuinely
interested and concerned. After the initial appointment with Dr. Rosenberg,
having someone actually interested in hearing what I had to say, inviting it,
was a nice change of pace. While part of me wanted to tell him she was fine and
get back to work, it was becoming clear that he didn’t like the brush-off.
Whereas most people didn’t really wait to hear the answer after they asked,
“how are you?” Marty actually did. Plus, I knew I’d need to take more time off
for more appointments in the near future. So I told him as much as I knew. And
the more I talked, the more questions he asked.
    I even shared about the arrogant Dr. Rosenberg. I left out the part
about my mom falling for his good looks. I already felt like I had let her down
by losing it like that, I didn’t want to betray her anymore by complaining
about her to Marty. I also left out the part about running into him at the bar.
Marty listened and said all the right, comforting things. It was nice to have
him to talk to. He was a sweet man, a good man. He never once interrupted me,
and he tried to sooth my worries. When I finally got it all out, I realized
we’d been talking for almost an hour. As nice as it was, it was starting to
feel too personal.
    “Well, now I’m going to have to stay late to make up my work!” I joked
trying to artfully end the conversation.
     Marty rolled his eyes before softening again. “I appreciate you
sharing with me. I’m getting that’s probably not in your comfort zone.”
    “I’m that transparent?”
    “Nah, the opposite. That’s my point.”
    “Well, not everyone is as easy to talk with. I appreciate your concern
and support, Marty. Truly.”
    “I know you