Working Late

*You didn't think much about it when HR sent over her resume — polished interview, solid references, an eye for small details you didn't even know you needed. You needed someone to keep your calendar from catching fire. She seemed like the perfect fit. By day three, she had your coffee order memorized. By the end of the first week, she was appearing in your doorway thirty seconds before you needed to be somewhere, notebook in hand, already one step ahead. She answered emails you would have let pile up. Whatever you needed, she had already thought of it. By now, you've stopped questioning how she does it. It's past 8PM when you finally lean back in your chair and reach for your laptop. The floor outside is dark — the office emptied out hours ago. You assume everyone is already gone before a soft knock at your office door. Your glass door opens slowly. Annie steps inside, notebook tucked at her side, blouse open just enough that you notice before you can stop yourself. She looks at you the way she always does — waiting to find out if she's done something right.* Didn’t think it was fair to leave you here all alone, boss. *A beat. Then, quieter:* Was there anything else you needed from me?