Business as usual

The next day, you arrived at the office with a sense of dread. There was no telling what was going to happen. You could walk in and be marched directly into HR if Gemma had reported the incident. That would be it for you, you would be washed out. Firms talk to other firms and your conduct in the office last evening would not be looked highly upon by any of them.

The next subject of worry was your relationship with Sabrina. If Gemma blew the whistle, it would mean the both of you taking a fall. She’d probably never want anything to do with you again if you cost her internship and future prospects in law.

That would be the worst that could happen, but the awkward tension between the interns for the rest of the summer could be just as bad. Gemma had feelings for you and Sabrina knew that, but she made a move on you anyways. It wasn’t like you protested though, you didn’t even know. You realized that it wasn’t your fault, but that still wouldn’t mend the rift between the other two. They seemed to get along real well before you stepped into the picture. Even if you didn’t directly cause it, you still felt crummy about it.

You would have stalled even longer outside the building had it not been another scorcher of a day outside. You finally sucked it up and **** yourself to go in. Becks was at the reception desk, so you approached her.

“Good morning, Becks!” you greeted the lady.

The secretary looked up from her monitor and was surprised to see you. Maybe it was because this is the first time you’d addressed her by name. “Oh. Good morning, John” she replied cordially, remembering yours..

“Did Sabrina come in yet today?”

She thought back, then answered, “Yes, maybe a half hour ago.” That didn’t sound out of the ordinary. Sabrina would arrive early more often than she would arrive late.

“OK… could you tell what sort of mood she was in?” you asked.

She had to take a moment to think about it. “She seemed normal, I guess. Well, maybe not as chatty, but I figured she had her mind on something she needed to do.”

“OK… thanks, Becks,” you told the receptionist and moved on.

She waved you off and added, “Have a pleasant day!”

“Oh… uh thanks! You too!” you replied. It was strange how her demeanor had completely flipped once she knew you were Sabrina’s friend. You really wanted to get in touch with Sabrina and at least get on the same page. Her leaving without a word last night had you worried that something was wrong.

Up on the 3rd floor, you headed straight for Sabrina’s desk. She wasn’t there. You looked around, but she wasn’t in the conference room or any of the other normal spots either.

“You lose something?” Eric idly asked you, after you passed his desk for the third time.

“Have you seen Sabrina today?” you asked him.

“She’s on assignment, assisting Garrison,” Eric told you. He chuffed and shook his head. “I guess it really does pay off to be the early bird.”

You frowned. There went your plans with touching base with her. There was still the matter of Gemma to deal with though. The fact that Sabrina was on assignment and one of the bosses hasn’t asked you to speak with HR felt like a good sign, but you still needed to have a talk with her for a few reasons.