Forty-one

Jei Clementine is stalling. I don’t know why. Ed passes me another file to append my signature, I do that and return it to him. We continue this in silence that’s interrupted by the growl of a stomach. A guilty smile spreads on his lips, I peek at my wristwatch. 6:30 pm. Way past lunch time and closing hours. 

“Have you eaten?” I ask. 

He adjusts in his seat, touching his tie as if to receive strength from it. “No.”

I push the rest of the files aside. “We will continue tomorrow. You can leave.”

An uncomfortable pause passes between us. He sets his pen on the desk. “I am fine.” His stomach disagrees, growling embarrassingly loud and Ed’s cheeks redden. “We can continue, I will eat later.” 

“You can go, Ed. We will continue this tomorrow.” But he doesn’t stand. His lips twitch like he is holding back his words. I sigh. These guys act like I