Paris

Steven sat in his chair staring out the window. He knew he had to confront Sam about Paris and he didn’t know how to start the conversation. Sam walked through his office door. Seems like one could set their clocks by her punctuality. He liked that about her. Schedules are important and it shows poor form to make someone wait.

Sam started right in with the day, “you have an 8 am with John from HR to go over the new hires. Your 9:30 got bumped to noon, sorry you’ll have to take it in your car on your way to meet with Karen and Henry for lunch.”

“Can we chat for a minute after work?”

“No. I have an engagement after work. Is there something I can help you with now?”

“No. No, it’s about …”

Holding up her hand she cut him off, “Please don’t. You don’t owe me an explanation. I’m a big girl. Let’s just focus on getting you through this busy day.”

With a brisk turn about she headed out of his office. He wanted to explain how right she was … about him. About his much needed time off. He couldn’t remember the last time he did something for himself.

People think being the CEO of a company is cushy, sitting in the big chair, barking orders, collecting an inflated paycheck. It’s more like running a small country. So many cogs have to work together to ensure it doesn’t fall apart. So many livelihoods depending on Steven and him greasing those cogs to work in unison.

Between his career and caring for his ailing father, Steven hadn’t had a day to himself in years.

How could he apologize and thank her at the same time without sounding like frail. Would she think less of him as a many for admitting how heavy life has gotten?

He wanted to tell her he did show up to the train station. He saw her on the platform pacing, looking down at her watch. Waiting for him to turn the corner and maybe make it to the train right in time. She took one last look up and down the platform and slowly boarded the train.

Sam had tempted him with the train ride. “We can chat and no one will bother us, not even work because there’s no service under the channel. I get you all to myself for three hours.”

Instead he watched as the train pulled out of the station and disappeared. He got in his car and went to Hyde Park. He found a park bench close to the pond. Two uneaten bagels he bought for the train ride sat next to him in a brown paper bag.

“I don’t even know if she likes bagels.” He said out loud to his growing audience of quacking beggars. He pulled out a bagel, ripped a piece off and threw it into the growing flocked crowd. By the time he reached his last crumb his vigorous throws had dissipated to a toss.

Steven sat on that bench for hours. He forgot how much he loved people watching. The sounds of happiness all around him, besides the ducks who apparently didn’t get the memo their food funnel has dried up.

Once his backside couldn’t sit any longer, Steven took to the walking path. He thought about where his life is heading and what he still wants to do and see. The hobbies he’s been neglecting as well as the old friends he’s lost contact with. Relishing the time alone and peace of no one wanting his attention, he made a mental note to thank Sam for opening his eyes.