The next morning I went into Cole's office for our scheduled check in on the counter proposal.
He was at his desk when I walked in but he stood before I had even fully come through the door. He looked at me in a way I was still getting used to. Direct and unhurried, like I had his full attention before I had even said a word.
"You look tired," he said.
"Good morning to you too," I said.
One corner of his mouth moved. "Sit down. I'll have someone bring coffee."
He said it like it was already decided and picked up his phone and asked for two coffees before I had even settled into the chair. I had not been offered coffee in this office before and I noted that without knowing what to do with it.
"Something happened last night," I said. "I need to tell you about it."
He sat down and lean
