"Really? I didn't go either." Worried, she set her bowl down and tightly folded her arms.
"Yeah, but you had a good excuse. You called in sick Thursday and Friday."
"They might think that was just to avoid the picnic."
"Was it?"
"No, I was truly sick, although I'm not sorry I was. I hate their picnics. Everyone gets drunk, acts stupid, and says things they wouldn't say otherwise. Besides, the city buses don't run that late."
"I would have taken you home. Hanna won't let me drink and drive, you know."
"I know, but I thought you weren't going."
"We weren't, but we went anyway. I was afraid not to and I was right. Eat your lunch little Brit, you're looking too thin."
She crossed her eyes, picked her salad back up, and put another fork full in her mouth. As soon as she swallowed, she said, "Last year, you were sick and I ended up riding home with Nicole. I assure you, I never want to do that again. She nearly had a wreck."
"You told me about that."
"I probably did. How can they fire someone for not going to a party?"
"They can't, not legally. They sure won't put that down as a reason in her file - that's just what they told Colleen."
"You talked to her?" Maggie asked.
"She called last night to say she is fine. She already found a new job."
"How?"
"She started looking a month ago."
"Good for her. We usually don't hear from anyone after they walk out the door."
"Nicole probably bumps them off so they can't talk."
Maggie playfully shoved his shoulder, "Does not."
"Does too…probably."
"Have you started looking for a new job?"
"Sent my resume out this morning."
Maggie stuck out her lower lip. "I shall miss you so."
"I know."
She laughed and when she tried to shove his shoulder again, he leaned away so she couldn't.
"How's that axe-murderer boyfriend of yours?"
"He's not my boyfriend; he's just someone I talk to online."
"You need to get out more. I've got a friend…"
"Thanks, but no thanks," she interrupted.
"Why not? He's a nice guy and comes highly recommended."
"By who? You?"
"Yes me, and my wife. What more can you ask?"
"Well, if Hanna says so, then he does come highly recommended."
Jim wrinkled his brow. "I can't see it, but she thinks he is handsome."
"In that case…"
"Then you'll meet him? We could have dinner at our house."
"Thanks, but I don't want to date anyone just now."
"Because of the axe-murderer?"
"Maybe."
Jim chuckled, tossed his apple core in the trashcan and looked to see what else he had for lunch. "Bet he's a lazy bum, at home sharpening his axe as we speak."