I mean, the door to my office was shut, and I haven’t answered my phone all morning. I understand that we all need to vent sometimes, but I don’t have the time for this right now.
I sigh, as I listen to Andrew talk about the things he has to do. I stop paying attention when he mentions the words ‘flower shop.’ That is the absolute last place I want to be right now.
“Fine, let’s go,” I complain and grab my coat.
I figure it’s easier to let Andrew talk, and then maybe he’ll get it all out of his system and I can concentrate on my own problems. As we step outside, I am instantly reminded of where we are.
I’m starting to dislike it this small town. I miss the hustle of the big city. I don’t know why Andrew decided to expand our business here from the Silicon Valley.
There’s no market in Bloom Idaho for a tech company. We were doing better business back in California. Sure, there are tax benefits here, but we need customers.
We need a lot of things out here that we don’t have, I think to myself, as I try my best to listen to Andrew.
“So anyway,” he continues talking as we walk.
I look at him and feign interest in the conversation.
“Not only do I need to get some flowers for my mom’s birthday,” he explains, “I also need some for an employee who is back from maternity leave and needs a place to pump,” he admits, sounding a little ashamed.
That gets my interest a little. There had been news going around the office that Andrew flaked out on getting a pumping room for her until now that she’s back. Apparently, he and the HR manager got into a big argument about it earlier today.
“Even though I have to send her flowers as an apology, I still blame the HR manager for not reminding me about her needs earlier,” he complains.
I try not to laugh at him as we continue walking. His story has lightened my mood a little. Andrew drones on about the business, but I’m not in the mood to hear it. Being in this small town is kind of depressing.
I’m a man who’s used to the big city life and all the distractions that it offers. Especially those of a kinky sexual type. Back home, whenever I’d had a long day at work, or needed to let off some steam, I would always go to an exclusive club for billionaires, called Love in San Francisco, where you could buy dates or sex with beautiful women.
I would always buy a “pet” for a dominant/submissive relationship and be in them for a while until I got bored and moved onto the next one. It was an easy way for me to have my fun without any strings being attached. Emotionless, and no one gets hurt.
I’ve preferred to have them that way ever since back in high school when the girl I liked dumped me for my friend. I was devastated and vowed that I would never allow myself to feel that pain again. That’s why I don’t do traditional relationships.
I’m growing restless in this small town. I miss the club. I’ve had an idea in my mind the past few weeks. I would like to start doing auctions like that here in Bloom, but I’m not sure how to get such a thing started up.
I wonder if I should ask Andrew. He’s always been the brains when it comes to the business and legal stuff. I wonder how he’d react to it? Maybe I’ll talk to him about it.
He’s busy talking about the business, though, and how great the tax incentives are for it in this small town. He has a lot of hope and ambitions for himself. I’m sure he will turn it into a big success; I just wish I didn’t feel like we were stuck in the middle of nowhere.
“Yeah, it really was a great decision to move out here. I think a lot is going to happen to the company this year. I mean a lot of great things,” I encourage him.
I’m trying to soften him up, for when I tell him about my auction idea later.
“Yeah, I feel the same way,” Andrew replies with a smile.
“I still can’t believe the nerve of that HR guy. Arguing with you like that.” I shake my head, acting as if I’m on his side, although I think there is plenty of blame to go all around.
Andrew shrugs and says, “It will be alright, I guess. He just needs to learn his place.”
“Yeah, but at least you had the guts to tell him off a little,” I say, and laugh.
We slow our pace as we near the flower shop.
Andrew chuckles.
“You sound like you want something? What’s with all the compliments?” he asks, good naturedly.