Author: Lisa Cline

 

 

Monday Morning at The Agency.  One year later

 

 

Lee and Amanda took their customary seats on the near side of the conference table.  Their fellow agents trickled in and took seats around the table.  Beaman sat across from Lee fidgeting, looking between his watch and the door.  Lee saw a smile spread across Beaman’s face, which had to mean that Francine had entered.  He looked between Francine and Amanda.  It was hard to believe that only three months ago they both had babies.  What was harder to believe was the transformation of these two women.

 

Amanda sat next to him, very professional in her navy suit, while Francine had rushed in wearing a designer jogging suit.  Her hair pulled back into a ponytail and devoid of makeup.  She came in carrying, not a briefcase, like Amanda had, but a canvas bag that contained her breast pump.  Lee recognized the bag; Francine had brought it with her on New Years Eve to the Agency Party.  That little boy of hers must eat like a horse; she had to excuse her self to pump every two hours. 

 

Lee looked at his watch and wondered what could be keeping Dr. Smyth.  The man was already fifteen minutes late, but who was counting. This never happened when Billy was the section chief.  He still couldn’t believe that Dr. Smyth stepped down to be section chief, giving Billy his job.  He never thought Dr. Smyth would take a demotion, especially one that was voluntary.   Finally the door opened and their boss came in, little Elvira sleeping soundly in his backpack baby carrier and pushing Butch in the stroller.  Who would’ve thought Dr. Smyth would end up a single father of twins.  The scariest thought is that they were the same age as his own daughter.  There must’ve been something in the water at last years New Years Eve party, it was like an Agency baby boom. 

 

Butch and Elvira Smyth, Donald Rockefeller Beaman and his own little Jennifer Ann Stetson.  He still wasn’t sure of Francine’s choice of nicknames, but for some reason Rocky seemed to fit. Lee had been so lost in thought that he didn’t realize that the meeting was already over.  At least the two hours seemed to pass quickly.  Francine approached him.  Oh no, not more of Rocky’s accomplishments.  According to the proud Momma, he was a child prodigy in everything.  After a few minutes of how wonderful her tyke was Lee noticed a perfect way to get Francine out of his hair.

 

“Um, Francine.  You’re leaking.”  He nodded down at her t-shirt.

 

“Oh my gosh.”  She pulled her jacket closed, covering the wet spots at her breasts and rushed out of the room and headed for the bathroom.

 

This promised to be another interesting year at The Agency.