Boss

My knuckles bent over the desk, with an expectant stare from my subordinate, waiting. Part of the job, I think to myself. She wasn't having it, we both were long past overtime, the wait staff having already left for the comforts of their own homes, leaving just the two of us to finish payroll.

Faye had all the same experience of management as me. Having her expertise made the numbers roll twice as fast, really saved my hide from those stressful nights when I had been going solo. We still left late during payday, but at least I wasn't lonely throughout it. I don't think she hates her job, but the longer I dallied the more emphatic her foot taps sounded against the grain of my desk.

I chuckle, "Sorry, sorry. I know. Last one." I hold up an envelope in hand, returning to the blank check under my pinky.

"You never give me credit, do you?"

I look up, "Oh, sure I do," I say, scribbling her name down, "... If I didn't have your help, I'd be here by morning."

Faye rolls her eyes, a comforting sight that she's taken us to be equals, if only behind closed doors. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you like torturing yourself. You never let me write the checks out. We'd get it done faster if you weren't so dour with principle."

"Yes, I'm quite dour." I fold the check into the envelope, handing it to her, "I hope your last name only has two T's, I always forget that."

Faye snatches the envelope from my hand, smirking as she stuffs it into her bag. "See ya, Boss."

"Hold up, before you go..."

I take a stand, fluffing a coat over my shoulder before greeting her at the door. She rolls her eyes, privy to my every thought. I tuck a finger under her chin, leaning in to grace the night on a high note. I hear her breath rescind as she takes her lips to my own. A lingering touch as my hand traces down to her bosom, but it's late, and we're both tired, so I stop.

She steps away, patting me on the shoulder, "Goodnight, Boss."

"Goodnight."