-“Buna Dimineata, Floyd” He groaned at the Siamese cat sleeping beside him. He tapped the alarm clock on his bedside table and shut it down.
-“Good morning, Floyd!” He repeated and moved the cat to wake him up. Atticus stretched his arms and scratched his cat’s head.
His room was still dark as he emerged from the shower; he checked his phone for the weather and got dressed.
His moves as he prepared breakfast were mechanic but graceful, like a dancer who had rehearsed for it, many times.
He was ready by 6 o’ clock, like he always was. He took the same train, at the same hour and arrived at the office at 7 am sharp.
-“Morning Atticus” The security guard greeted as Atticus got out the elevator.
-“Morning Luke.” He replied
This was his morning routine. He never got tired of it and he felt comfortable with it. Atticus had never been a big fan of changes.
After checking his e-mail and catching up on his work, he got up for the first time since he had arrived at work; that meant 8:10 am.
-“Nice seeing you’ve decided to join us for coffee break, Atticus.” Exclaimed one of his colleagues as Atticus entered the tiny office kitchen.
-“I ran out of diet sugar.” He grumbled and started searching the cabinets.
-“Atticus! Just the man I wanted to see. Glad you’re out of your office for a change.” A voice said to his back.
Atticus turned around.
-“Hey Charles” He said. “I ran out of Splenda.” He explained for the second time. “What do you need me for?”
Charles motioned him out.
-“Lets discuss it in my office. I have a job that could interest you.” Charles said.
Atticus pocketed 3 packets of the artificial sweetener and followed his boss.
-“Have a seat.” Charles motioned to Atticus. “I have a job offer you cannot refuse.”
Atticus frowned, but took a seat anyway.
-“Peter Green wants to restore an abandoned theatre.” Charles began.
-“Charles, I…” Atticus interrupted.
-“Don’t do restorations.” Charles finished the sentence. “I know, but I need you to do this. There are some issues I need you to take care of.”
-“Abigail is the expert.” Atticus said, mentioning one of his colleagues. “I don’t see why can’t you give her this job.”
-“Abigail is on maternity leave.” Charles replied.
-“Maternity leave?” Atticus asked. “I didn’t know she was pregnant.”
-“Doesn’t surprise me.” Charles said. “You hardly notice anything besides your work.”
Atticus frowned but didn’t reply.
-“You’re going to take care of this thing, that’s final.” Charles said.
-“I know very little of restorations.” Atticus grumbled.
-“I’m aware of that. That’s why I got you a partner.” Charles replied.
-“Partner?!” Atticus voice didn’t sound pleased.
-“Phil Williams is going work alongside you.”
-“Charles, you well know I work better alone.” Atticus said.
-“Yes, but I also know that this job is going to raise this office’s reputation to the roof. I will not send one soldier to fight a battle. Plus, Phil is newly graduated and comes with the added bonus of a fresh, clear mind.” Charles replied. “My word is final Atticus."
Atticus nodded and got up.
-“I see.” He said.
-“Phil will be here shortly.” Charles said, “You’ll meet her after lunch.”
-“Her?” Atticus asked, “Phil is a her?”
-“Got a problem with that?”
-“None” Atticus replied truthfully.
-“Good” Charles said. “I expect you to be in your best behavior.”
Atticus nodded and left the large office.
Back into his own, not very large office, he sighed. A restoration, the most boring job ever and a partner. Charles had had no consideration for him, this time.
After the job offer, he was distracted and he was working slower.
-“Hey chief!” Pedro, one of the office interns appeared at his door, a couple of hours later. “Boss needs you.”
Atticus nodded and got up, tying his dirty blond wavy hair; that reached his chin, into a ponytail and headed for Charles office.
The office door was open and Atticus stepped inside.
-“Atticus do come in.” Charles beamed. “Philipa this is Atticus Mohan. Atticus, Philipa Williams.”
Atticus shook hands with the girl in front of him.
She was a tall girl, though he towered over her with at least 6 inches, with long wavy chestnut hair and bright green eyes. She looked smart enough.
-“It’s a pleasure to meet you” She said, “I look forward to our work together.”
Atticus only nodded, looking uncomfortable, almost angry.
Charles scowled at him.
-“Don’t scare her away Atticus.”
-“It’s ok Charlie.” She replied, though her demeanor had changed.
After a brief discussion of the project Charles dismissed them.
-“Oh, and one more thing” Charles said, “Phil will be sharing your office Atticus.”
Atticus groaned silently and left without a word, followed closely by a frowning Philipa, who did her best to try and hide the disappointment of the man, Charles had talked so highly about.
-“You can set up there,” Atticus pointed to one side of the office. “There’s enough space for a desk.”
-“I’m sorry if I’m causing any inconvenience.” Phil said.
Atticus didn’t reply.
-“We have to leave the day after tomorrow to the construction site.” He said after a second. “You have today and tomorrow to arrange everything needed and review the blueprints.”
-“ I already have.” She replied. “And I though we were going to work together, I’m not your assistant.”
-“I’m not trying to diminish you work miss.” Atticus said, sitting on his chair and gluing his eyes on his computer screen. “This is just the way I run things”
-“I thought the whole point of me being here was to bring fresh ideas to your work.” She said.
-“As you’ve said, it’s my work. I think I know how to handle it.” He said, faking a smile. “I’ve been told you’re somewhat of an expert on restorations. That is the whole idea of this project and it will be your responsibility. I will only support your work.”
She bit her lip, looking awkward.
-“So, I’m going to… ask for a desk” She said.
-“Do as you see fit, miss.” Atticus replied.
He ignored the quiet sigh coming from the girl in front of him and her footsteps leaving the office.
-“Pedro!” He called and the intern stuck his head in.
-“Yeah chief?”
-“Could you please go ask Charles for Philipa Williams’ C.V?” He asked.
Pedro disappeared and came in moments later with a blue file in his hands.
-“Thanks” Atticus said, taking the file and opening it.
-“So,” said the intern. “Lucky day for you, huh?”
Atticus frowned.
-“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” He said.
-“You got a hot girl as a partner!” He said excited. “You are the luckiest guy in this office.”
-“Did you already finish those Renders?” Atticus asked ignoring his intern’s comment.
Pedro was taken back.
-“I was just about to.” He replied.
-“Then please, finish your task.” Atticus replied.
-“Yes chief.” Pedro said and rushed out of the office.
Five o’ clock came and Atticus was already leaving when he ran into his new partner.
-“You’re leaving?” She asked. “I thought you worked until 7”
-“I leave early Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.” He replied shortly.
-“But I though we were going to review the blueprints together.” She said.
-“No need for that miss.” He replied. “Have a good night.”
Philipa watched him leave and groaned in frustration.
-“Don’t worry dear. You’ll get used to him.” Said a girl beside her.
-“Yeah?” She asked. “I hope so, thanks.”