Professor Hot Suit
Brat…
Me
Seriously, I’m fine.
Professor Hot Suit
It’s okay to not be fine every once in a while, Mia.
For everyone else, sure. For me? Well, I don’t have the same luxury.
Nibbling on my thumbnail, I draft a dozen responses in my mind when another message pops up.
Professor Hot Suit
Take the day off.
Me
I don’t like handouts, remember?
Professor Hot Suit
It isn’t a handout. You have one week of bereavement leave written in your employment contract. Take it.
Me
Pretty sure when HR wrote the fine print for the policy, it didn’t include animals, Professor.
Professor Hot Suit
Not your professor anymore.
Me
My point stands. She was a dog, not a human.
Professor Hot Suit
She was family. But if you need me to bring Erika into my office so I can update the policy simply because you’re being stubborn, I will.
Me
Now you’re being ridiculous.
Professor Hot Suit
No, I’m being thoughtful. There’s a difference.
Me
Does this updated bereavement policy affect everyone?
Professor Hot Suit
If I say no, will you come into the office this morning?
Me
I think we both know my answer.
Professor Hot Suit
Fine. If it convinces you to take time off to mourn Pixie properly instead of shoving your feelings in a box, so be it. I’ll ensure everyone on the payroll understands their bereavement time now includes four-legged family members.
Me
So you’re saying you have something against fish and snakes?
Professor Hot Suit
You’re lucky I had to fly out to San Francisco today, or I’d come over and smack your bratty ass.
I glance at the ceiling where his penthouse is located, surprised by the tightness in my chest when I realize he isn’t up there. He isn’t close.
Me
You’re in San Francisco?
Professor Hot Suit
Unfortunately, yes. Had to fly out this morning for an emergency meeting. My brother-in-law was supposed to go but asked if I could cover for him at the last minute. However, I would have delivered your breakfast in person if I wasn’t.
My brows crease when a knock sounds from the front of the apartment.
Curious, I slip from beneath my covers and pad down the hall, opening the front door.
On the floor is a brown paper sack with The Bean Scene’s logo stamped on the front, along with a white paper cup. The comforting scent of coffee filters through the air as I bend down, pick the goodies up, and peek inside the bag. There’s a chocolate croissant and a small stack of BluRay movies. No note, though.
“What the hell?” I mutter under my breath. One by one, I pull the blue cases out and examine them more closely.
It’s a collection of Tinkerbell movies.
“What the hell?” I repeat with a laugh. Flipping the first BluRay around, I read the synopsis on the back, yet it doesn’t give me any clue as to what Henry was thinking when he picked these out for me. Or at least, I assume they’re from him.
My phone buzzes in my hand, and I bring everything inside, setting the contents on the counter.
Professor Hot Suit
Figured you could use a treat and some solid entertainment to help you get by without me.
Me
Tinkerbell movies are solid entertainment?
Professor Hot Suit
My niece loves them.
Me
You have a niece?
Professor Hot Suit
I do. She’s five and also has an obsession with all things pixie.
My mouth curves as the familiar burn sparks behind my eyes.
So that’s why he sent them to me. Pixie.
Me
I bet you’re a good uncle.
Professor Hot Suit
I’m the best. Now, enjoy your breakfast while watching the movies. If you decide your laptop isn’t big enough for you to fully appreciate the cinematic adventure you’re about to embark upon, tell David. He’ll let you into my apartment, and you can watch it on an actual television.
My heart pitter-patters away. I don’t dissect it or overthink my response to his thoughtfulness. Honestly, I’m too exhausted to care. I want to curl into a ball and marinate in my sadness, no matter how pathetic it is. Watching cheesy cartoons while sipping coffee and nibbling on a chocolate croissant sounds like a pretty freaking good way to do it.
Me
I’m only giving in because you’re basically forcing me to.
Professor Hot Suit
I suggest you start with the NeverBeast one. It’s my favorite.
Me
You’ve seen them?
Professor Hot Suit
I told you. I’m the best uncle ever.
Me
I believe you.
I hit send and wipe beneath my eyes, surprised at how something so simple can make me feel weepy. He’s being so thoughtful. So sweet, I don’t know how to handle it.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I type another response and send it his way.
Me
Thank you, Henry.
Professor Hot Suit
Don’t mention it.
I took a week off. From everything. No one in the Lions organization batted an eye, and Sammie was cool with it too. I have a hunch Henry reached out to both of them, telling them my situation.
He’s been gone all week but has made it his mission to reach out every single day. With texts, coffee delivered in the mornings, and dinners in the evenings. He even sent a copy of Marley and Me this morning and told me to press play at eight o’clock tonight. I wanted to ask why but restrained myself, following his instructions to a T. By 8:05 pm, I received a text from the devil himself.