Stick to the routine

I usually just eat at my desk. I can disappear briefly to eat with a coworker, but I need to keep an eye on Victoria’s office to respond if she needs me. I should start asking Victoria if I want to leave the office to buy lunch elsewhere.

A long bathroom break is alright from time to time, but she is sure to notice if it happens frequently. I don't intend to start drawing negative attention to myself now.

It doesn’t take long to realize that was a good call. Victoria’s office door opens. She stands in the doorway expectantly, but she isn’t looking at me. She looks out into the cubicle farm. I turn to follow her gaze and see a head pop up. It’s a woman from accounting... someone I don’t know very well that sits next to Rachel. Cindy? No--her name is Sydnee. She looks in our direction, fumbles around in her cubicle for a moment, then starts walking toward us. Victoria disappears back into her office, leaving the door open. Sydnee walks past my desk without a glance.

“Close the door,” Victoria commands from inside her office. Sydnee obeys. I glimpse her ashen expression as the door closes. This feels like bad news. I look around to see if anyone else noticed that something is going down. Tom exits the restroom and is looking jovial. He notices me looking at him, smiles and wanders over to me with a wave.