Stats: Written: 4/8/18; Prompt: The Modern Typewriter; Time: 30 min. max – N/A

Prompt: You really have come a long way, haven’t you?” They glanced to the side, finding their mentor watching them with a soft smile. With unmistakable pride. Their stomach flipped.

“You really have come along way, haven’t you?” He glanced to the side, finding his mentor, his boss, watching him with a soft smile. With unmistakable pride. His stomach flipped.

“I’m about to be attacked, aren’t I?” His boss blinked in momentary shock before raising an amused eyebrow.

“No, just realized how far you’ve come since you’ve been with me. It isn’t always ideal, but…” They both turned at the sound of footsteps.

His girlfriend came wandering in, following her nose. She wore one of his casual tees and some baggy shorts.

“Sorry, am I interrupting?”

“Not at all, dear.” Their boss stood, taking his mug with him. “I’m off to do some work before heading in. I expect both of you to be there before me.” As he passed her, he gave her a kind smile, then disappeared down the hall.

She never could tell when his facial expressions were sincere.

“Coffee?” He flipped the pancakes, showing off a teensy bit.

“No thanks.” She came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Smells good.”

“They’re almost done.” He turned to kiss her cheek and then pulled out plates and utensils.

“Are you okay? You’ve been a bit off since you returned.” Leaning against the table, she crossed her arms as he finished making their breakfast.

“I’m-“

“Fine? ‘Cause you’re not.”

“I have a lot on my mind. Just trying to sort some stuff out. But, yes, I am fine.” He gave her a soft smile as he handed her a plate with a fork.

“Wanna talk?” Patiently, he shook his head, joining her at the table.

“No, I’m good, baby.” His endearment brought a smile to her face.

She let it go, believing in him and knowing that sometimes his vagueness stemmed from toning back his bluntness lest it offend her and other times was more about sensitive topics. Things he couldn’t share with anyone.

“So, how much time do we think we have before he leaves for the office?”