Lunch Time
I arrived at the office at 7:45 as always, a few minutes early in case there's traffic. I swiped my badge and entered through the front. I work for mid-sized tech firm as an analyst and today was just gonna be normal day. A few Microsoft Teams meetings and some programs to review.
I did what I always do when I get to work, set up my desk, get the stuff out of my bag that I'd need, including my headphones. Working in a cubicle, the bosses didn't like radios or loud music playing, but allowed us to have Spotify on our work computers. I powered up the docking station and went to get a cup of coffee.
"Morning, Frank," Jim said in the break room as I was pouring a cup.
"Hey, Jim," I replied to my colleague who worked in finance.
"Did you watch the Suns game last night?" he asked
"Nah, I watched some Netflix," I replied, knowing he was more of a basketball fan then I was.
"Can't believe they couldn't beat Memphis," he lamented.
"It's early yet," I told him as I went back to my desk. "See ya, later."
He nodded as I returned and started checking my e-mails. I saw that a few products were going to final testing, so I knew I'd have some work to do. You know what it's like, somedays you're just sitting around, waiting for something to come your way.
"Morning, Frank," Stacey, my boss, said coming up to my desk.
"Morning, Stace," I replied.
"Are you in the 10:00 review meeting today?" she asked as I checked my calendar.
"No, I don't think so," I told her.
"I'll send you a link," she replied. "I think development is gonna try and do an end-run around us and I need backup."
"Sure," I replied.
"Thanks," she said as she went to her office.
I didn't mind pitching in on the meeting. Stacey was a good boss and only really only brought me into meetings when she needed to. I answered a few quick e-mails before I pulled up the code of a new software upgrade.
"Hey, Frank?" Melinda, my cubicle neighbor, said to get my attention.
"Yeah?"
"Can you look at this file I'm sending you?" she asked. "I think there's a bug, but I can't find it."
"Sure," I replied. "Just got it."
"Thanks," she said. "New tie?"
"Yeah," I replied, indicating the item I'd bought last week.
"Looks good," she said approvingly.
"Thanks," I replied, as I went through her program.
Three hours later, I was in the break room, grabbing a snack after going through Melinda's program and the meeting Stacey wanted me in. I saw Laurie, the receptionist in there.
"Hey, Laurie," I said, grabbing a muffin from the tray.
"Hi, Frank," Laurie said, giving me a smile. I learned long ago to always treat support staff well, so I always made sure to be kind to her. "We're getting pizza for lunch today, want me to make sure they get a Meat Lovers for you?"
"I'll eat anything," I said plainly, smiling at her and silently thanking her for getting my favorite.
"I'll make sure you get a couple slices," Laurie said.
"Thanks, Laurie, see ya later," I said, returning to my desk.
I sent over Melinda's program and was working on my notes from the meeting when Eric came up to my desk.
"Hey Frank?" he said coming up.
"Yeah?" I said, turning to look at him.