Richard

I enter the last Creator meeting before the holiday break. While the employees might take time off, I’ll be working day and night to finish up my presentation for the board.

Jenny stands at the front of the room and everyone nods in my direction as I take my seat. I scan the room, searching for the one woman I can’t get out of my head. Maya’s usual seat is occupied by a different Creator.

A pressure pushes against my chest, making my breaths ragged. Jenny doesn’t say anything about Maya’s absence.

The first Creator presents on some decent idea that will never make it out of today’s meeting. I’ve already vetoed it in my head.

The door creaks open behind me. I turn to find Maya entering silently, minus her jangling backpack. It throws me back to our first meeting. A ghost of a smile tugs at my…