Breakfast was a disaster for Patricia. Most of it was because of her grandma. She never imagined the people from the community would actually show up at her office.
She barely drank half her coffee before giving up on the rest of her meal. Setting her cup down, her face darkened.
"I'm heading out."
Marian blinked in surprise. "Miss, should I pack something for you to take along?"
"No, it's fine," Patricia replied, snatching her purse and heading for the door. Marian rushed after her, but Patricia was already gone by the time she reached the entrance, the car pulling away from the curb.
If Jackson had been driving, he would have noticed Marian running after Patricia. He would have stopped, rolled down the window, and asked what was wrong. If he heard Patricia hadn't eaten, he'd insist Marian pack up the leftovers, claiming they were for him, then spend the whole drive to the office trying to talk Patricia into eating.
But this new driver Mr. Padilla hired just wasn't Jackson. He didn't really know Patricia, and there wasn't any warmth between them. He was all business, a little too stiff, and not great at reading a situation.
Marian wandered back to the dining room, looking unsettled. Johns caught her eye and noticed she wanted to say something.
"Should we tell Mr. Padilla?" Johns asked.
"If we do, they're just going to argue again," Marian said quietly.
"But if we keep it from him and he finds out later, he'll blame us."
Marian hesitated. Between getting scolded by Mr. Padilla and watching the two of them fight again, she would rather risk the scolding. All that arguing just wore their relationship down.
"I'll call Jackson and ask him to bring Miss something to eat. What do you think?"
Johns nodded. "Yeah, that's probably the best way."
Patricia had just stepped out of the car and was heading toward the elevator when Jackson suddenly appeared from around the corner, holding a McDonald's bag. He moved so quietly it was almost spooky.
Patricia startled. "Where did you come from?"


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