A/N: Just a little diversion from something longer that I'm working on.
Jill's head came up suddenly when Denise stormed into her office and dropped a file onto her desk. "Everything looks in order for the Williams trial. Jury selection begins next Monday, don't screw it up."
Jill forced a smile in order to stop her, unprofessional, retort. "Thanks. I'll do my best," she answered instead and returned to her work. After a few moments she slowly raised her head again, realizing that Denise hadn't actually left. "Was there something else?"
"No." Denise answered uncertainly.
Jill brought her elbows to rest on her desk and studied her boss, "Is everything okay? You've seemed a bit off the last couple of days." She had the feeling this had something to do with the current absence of a certain redhead they both knew. So far Jill had been spared any concrete evidence of this very disturbing relationship, at least it disturbed her, so she could just pretend it only happened in her nightmares. However, the fact that Denise seemed affected by the separation, well that idea just made Jill's head hurt.
"Everything is fine. Why wouldn't it be?" Denise asked defensively.
Before Jill could get herself deeper into the unwelcome conversation her phone beeped, indicating time to meet the girls for lunch. "I have a lunch date," Jill said. "Unless there was something else?"
"No, that's fine." Denise answered, somewhat relieved. It's not like she wanted to discuss her love life with Jill anymore than Jill wanted to hear it.
As they stepped out into the hallway Jill spotted Cindy moving toward them, "hey stranger. How's your mom doing?" She asked as she pulled her young friend into a hug.
"She's fine." Cindy answered as the hug ended. "She's been through this before, she's a strong woman. Thanks for the flowers you sent. They were beautiful."
As they were talking Jill realized that Cindy's eyes weren't actually focused on her, so she shifted slightly to force herself into Cindy's sight line. It may have been childish and immature, but Jill could admit that she wasn't above such things, "I'm meeting the girls for lunch." She didn't wait for an answer she simply threaded her arm through Cindy's and walked them toward the elevator.
When the doors opened Jill stepped in, turned around, and waited for Cindy to step in. When she didn't follow Jill threw her hand up to stop the door from separating them.
Cindy gave a quick glance down the hallway, "you know. I just remembered, I had another reason for being here," she explained. "I'll catch up with you guys later."
Jill lowered her hand and let the doors close. Was it too early to start drinking?
Nofret: Just a little something. I can't make you do all the work.