“I’m just giving you a heads up. Ashley is really pissed.  She’s been calling me every two minutes asking if I’ve heard from you.  So just be aware,” she said, turning away to answer the ringing phone.  As Spencer walked away she knew it was Ashley on the other end, from all fearful “Yes, Miss Davies” she heard Chelsea say into the phone.

Spencer slowed down a bit as she got to Ashley’s office, steeling herself for the attack.  When she walked in, Ashley was on the phone and only peeked up briefly to flash an angry look.  Spencer set the cappuccino, coffee cake and newspaper down on Ashley’s desk and started to leave so Ashley could finish her conversation without her hovering.  But before she could make it out the door, Ashley hung up the phone.

“Spencer, is this going to be a habit with you?”  Ashley asked, anger lacing her voice.  Spencer turned around to face her and became even more nervous at the sight of Ashley burning her eyes into her.

“No, Miss Davies, I just had a family emergency this morning.  I promise it will not happen again.”

It always felt strange calling Ashley “Miss Davies” since they were practically the same age, but Ashley insisted on it.

“You said it wouldn’t happen again two days ago Spencer.”  Ashley replied, her gaze softening. But when she looked down at her cappuccino and coffee cake it hardened again. “What is this?”

“It-It’s your usual breakfast,” Spencer stuttered out.

“Spencer, did you not get my message?  I just wanted plain black coffee.  And why haven’t you been answering my calls?”

Panic shot through her, as she began to pat down her pockets even though she knew they were empty.  She’d forgotten her cell phone at home.  So much for the checklist.

“I’m so sorry, Miss Davies.  I must have—“

“Save it Spencer,” Ashley said, holding up her hand to stop her.  “Listen, you’ve always been very reliable, but I have you come in at eight in the morning, because I need you here at eight in the morning.  Lately, you’ve just been…distracted.  Is there something going on that you want to talk about?  Do you need some time off?”

In fact, Spencer did need some time off.  But she couldn’t afford to take it.  Not with all the bills she had piling up.