#mm001

I was on my office line when my cellphone vibrated itself out of its hiding place under my 2pm’s notes. I swiped to end the buzzing--Taylor knew better than to call on a Wednesday--and continued to listen to my colleagues quarrel. 

A minute later my assistant’s name took over my office phone. That too I ignored but suddenly felt uneasy. She also knew better than to call.

I turned to my computer, wedging the receiver between my shoulder and ear, and penned an email entirely in the subject line. 

What is it? It sent just as she entered the room. 

I raised an eyebrow and muted my end of the call. “Yes?”

“Sorry,” she whispered, “Taylor insisted she be put on hold. I tried to take a message. She said it’s urgent.”

I sighed, weighing my options, then stood and offered the young woman my phone. “Just listen. I’ll be right back.”

Outside my office door, I leaned over the desk and picked up her phone, not bothering to walk around and sit. 

“Taylor?”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” she started.

“It’s Wednesday.”

“I know. But I need you to come home now.”

“I’m in the middle-”

“Please.” The breathy, neediness gave me chills. “I need you to come home now.” 

I forgot to respond as I began making a mental list of who I was going to tell to do what as I ran out the door.

“Joanna?”

“Yes. I... Are you okay?”

“Please come home.”