The Boss Project by Vi Keeland

When the alarm I’d set to signal the end of our session dinged, Will slapped his hands to his thighs. “So? Did I win a prize?”

“You sure did. Your first session is over. You’ve won your freedom for another month.”

“Nice. Wasn’t so bad.”

Considering we’d spent the hour mostly discussing the elements of his job and not really any emotions or feelings, I was glad he didn’t think it was too painful. I had a learning curve and needed to take my time with these people to earn their trust and respect. But it felt safe to push my luck a little with Will, since he was so easygoing and friendly.

“Can I ask you one more question, Will?”

“Sure.”

“If you had a do-over in your marriage, would you work less and try to be present at home more?”

He looked me in the eyes and smiled sadly. “Yeah, I probably would.”



• • •



I couldn’t believe it was already seven o’clock. Between seeing my first patients, a meeting with HR to go over the corporate org chart, and writing my session summaries, the day had flown by. I flicked off my laptop and took out my phone to text my sister to see if she wanted anything on my way home.

Before she could respond, Merrick appeared at my door. His evening visits were becoming common, but since he worked on another floor, I had to wonder if he stopped down just to see me. He had his usual worn leather briefcase flung over his shoulder, and the bag was bulging again.

“So? You survived meeting with your first employees today.” He looked me up and down. “I don’t see any bumps or bruises.”

I pulled my purse from a drawer and plopped it down on my desk. “I think I made it out unscathed.”

“How’d it go?”

“Pretty well, actually. Only one person canceled, or rather, she rescheduled.”

“She? I take it that means Colette?”

I nodded. “She had to leave early because her son was sick at school.”

“But the others didn’t give you a hard time?”

“No, they were really friendly. We talked a lot.”

“So I can go tell my board we’re cured? We won’t be getting hit with any more lawsuits?”

I laughed. “Not quite. But speaking of lawsuits, I called the attorney you recommended, and I’m meeting with him tomorrow night.”

“Good. Hope it works out. Barnett is a good guy, but he’s also a bulldog of a lawyer.”

“Any chance you have a real-estate-agent referral, too?”

Merrick nodded. “I do. Nick Zimmerman. He’ll probably disagree with you when you tell him where you want to live, but he’s a great agent. I can send an email making an introduction, if you want?”

“That would be great. Thanks a lot. And as long as you’re so amenable, could we also meet tomorrow morning for a few minutes?”

“Can’t. I’m flying out first thing.”

“Oh. How long are you gone?”

“Five days. Is it important?”

“No, not really. I’m just trying to get a handle on the culture, and I can’t discuss my thoughts or opinions with staff or employees. I have to remain neutral and encourage them to talk. Joan from HR has been great, but she doesn’t have experience living in the action like you do.”

Merrick looked at his watch. “You want to do it now?”

I held up my hands. “No. I’m supposed to be helping people reduce stress. I don’t want to get in the way of what little free time you have.”

“It’s fine.” He nodded toward the hallway. “Let me run upstairs and drop off my bag and get changed. Did you eat yet?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Pub food okay?”

I nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

“There’s a good place a few buildings over. You can grill me again while we eat.”

“That would be great. Thank you.” I smiled. “Look at us making nice all on our own. I didn’t even have to threaten to tell your grandmother.”

Merrick shook his head. “I’ll meet you by the elevator in about ten minutes, wiseass.”

“Okay.”

Fifteen minutes later, we were already seated at a table. The waitress came by with menus and asked if we wanted to order a drink. I could’ve really gone for a glass of wine, but Merrick opted for water, so I followed his lead.

“So have my managers confirmed I’m the ogre you think I am?”

I shook my head. “No. Obviously anything said in session is privileged, so I can’t share specifics. But I will say that all of your people respect you very much.”

“Ah… So they think you’re a mole and are telling you what I want to hear.”

I laughed. “I don’t think that’s it.”

Merrick leaned back, resting his arms casually across the top of the booth. “People are talking to you, though? Not giving you a hard time?”

“The ones today did. I mean, therapy tends to start slow, so I don’t push or delve into personal things right away. We just get to know each other a bit.”

“Will liked you.”

“Oh?”

“We eat lunch together a few times a week. He mentioned you were easy to talk to.”