“Yeah, sorry.” Giving her a small knowing smile. “My mind has been a little busy.” Not wanting to articulate any further, I left it at that.

Blushing slightly, she looked down at her plate. Was she thinking the same things that he was?

“Mmmm. This food is delicious Jasper. Where did you hear about this place?”

So we were going to talk about the food? Ok… “One of my employees recommended it to me. I thought to try it with you.”

“Hey, that reminds me. I wanted to talk to you about work. I am sorry it is right now over breakfast, but I have been meaning to talk to you for a couple of weeks now. Lately, James has been acting weird. He shows up to work an hour or more late every day that you are not there. Just over the past week or so, he works really late and I have no idea what he is doing there. I think that he is up to something, but I cannot put my finger on it.” Taking another bite, I could see the concern on her face.

Even though this wasn’t the direction I wanted our conversation to go, I am glad it did. “That is interesting. Especially the part about him staying late. I will check into it immediately. Bella, thank you very much for telling me. It is time that I start spending more hours in the office.”

James was the guy I hired and put in charge to run my company.  So I wouldn’t have to worry as much. Also so I wouldn’t have to go in that much. I trusted him with everything. What Bella was telling me sent up red flags, even though I didn’t know why. Bella was right, James shouldn’t have needed to be staying late. What was he up to?

“I am sorry that I brought it up. Especially today.” She looked embarrassed and regretful.

Poor thing, she thought that I was upset with her.

“Bella, please, please do not apologize!” Grabbing both of her hands in mine to hopefully help show the sincerity of my words. “If anyone cares as much for my company as I do, it is you. Please don’t think that I am upset with you for choosing this moment to tell me. I am happy you did because starting Monday, I will be working in the office full time. Oh, and if it is OK with you, I would like to move you from a clerical assistant to my personal assistant.”