One Tuesday Morning & Beyond Tuesday Morning Compilation Read Online Free PDF Page B

to divide up a list of new investors before we call tomorrow.”
    A series of collective groans sounded from the others. “We should've done that tonight.” Eric folded his arms and frowned.
    “It's too late.” Murphy returned the paper to his file and closed it. “Let's meet for breakfast tomorrow at the café downstairs. Seven o'clock.” He looked at the others. “Does that work?”
    There were nods of agreement from around the room as people reached for their palm pilots and day planners and penciled in the morning meeting. The group dispersed and headed for their private offices where some of them would spend another hour working their computer files.
    Eric walked to the parking lot with Trish O'Reilly, the newest member of the team. They were halfway to their cars when Trish slowed her steps and cast him a long look. “Who was on the phone?”
    The question caught Eric off guard.
    He made it a point not to get into his personal life at work. But something about the late hour and the relief of having wrapped up the meeting made him feel like talking. Or maybe it was simply the fact that he wasn't looking forward to going home and facing Laura. He stared past the parking lot lights to the sky beyond. “My wife.”
    Trish stopped walking and crossed her arms. Her bag hung from one shoulder, and for the first time Eric noticed how young she was. Not more than twenty-seven, and not bad looking.
    She narrowed her eyes and said, “How do you do it? Keep her happy with all the hours you put in here?”
    “Well …” Eric remembered Laura's tone from earlier. “It's not easy.”
    “I know.” Trish let her gaze fall to the asphalt parking lot for a moment. When she looked up, a certain vulnerability filled her eyes. “My husband filed for divorce yesterday.”
    “Wow.” Eric set his briefcase down and slipped his hands in his pocket. “I'm sorry.”
    A single tear fell onto Trish's cheek and she dabbed at it.
    “Hey … it's okay.” Eric felt suddenly awkward. “You'll find someone else.” Without knowing why exactly, he moved closer and hugged her. Not an intimate embrace, but the sort of loose hug people gave at funerals when they didn't know what to say.
    Trish stayed in his arms for several seconds and then pulled away. “I'm sorry.” She sniffed. “I didn't mean to lose it.” Her eyes met his again. “I love working here, really I do. But sometimes I wonder how any of us can do both. You know, have the dream job and the perfect home life.”
    “It's all about sacrifice.” Eric took a step backwards and reached for his briefcase again. “My wife likes the life we live, the house, the trips, the cars. She doesn't complain very often.” He pictured Josh and his buddies enjoying themselves at the pizza parlor. “Sometimes I miss out on the family.”
    “Sounds like you have it figured out.”
    “Yeah.” Doubt nibbled at the heels of Eric's conscience. “I guess.”
    Somewhere in the distant places of his mind, Eric wondered if Trish was interested in him or merely looking for a friend in light of her personal troubles. Either way, he wasn't interested. He didn't have enough time for Laura and Josh, let alone a diversion like Trish. They talked for another few minutes, and then Eric nodded toward his car. “I better get going.”
    “Yeah.” Trish gave him a sad smile. “Me too. See you tomorrow at breakfast.”
    “Tomorrow …” Eric's voice trailed off. He'd promised Laura he'd go in late tomorrow and share breakfast with her and Josh. Now he'd have to leave earlier than usual. Why hadn't he thought of that when Murphy brought it up? He could have insisted they stay late tonight rather than meet so early in the morning. “Seven o'clock, was that it?”
    “Yep.” Trish took a few steps toward her car. “Hey, Eric. Thanks for listening.”
    “Sure.” He moved toward his new model black Mercedes. “Anytime.”
    Five minutes later he was driving by Albertson's supermarket when he