Uneven Exchange by S.K. Derban

after more than an hour, Jake suddenly realized he had not seen Alexandra. Most mornings, even lately, she made a point of popping in and saying hello.
    He decided to test the water by buzzing Kathryn first. “Hi, Kath.” He tried to sound casual when she answered the phone. “Is Alex around?”
    “No, Jake, I’m sorry. Alexandra isn’t coming in today.”
    “Is she not feeling well?” Jake pressed.
    “Alexandra told me she was simply exhausted and needed some rest.”
    “Okay, thanks,” Jake said quietly before disconnecting.
    He immediately dialed Alexandra’s mobile number and let the phone ring until it went to voice mail. He then tried her home telephone number and received no answer. The machine didn’t even pick up. Instead of buzzing Kathryn again, he sped down the hallway to her desk.
    “She’s not answering any of her phones,” he announced when he arrived.
    “Forgive me,” Kathryn said sincerely. “I failed to inform you that she planned to unplug her home phone and turn off her mobile.”
    “What’s the point of unplugging her home phone?” Jake asked. “Why not let the answering machine take the calls?”
    “I don’t know, Jake. Perhaps Alexandra prefers not to hear the ringing.”
    Jake’s loud sigh sounded like a punctured beach ball. “Well now I can’t even text her,” he commented.
    “Maybe you should let her rest.”
    Kathryn’s quiet suggestion made him suspicious. He looked directly into her eyes before asking, “Kathryn, have you noticed anything different about Alexandra lately?” When she hesitated, he pressed, “You have, and especially since her vacation in Cozumel. Am I right?”
    “Jake, I—”
    “I know. Your proper English upbringing prevents you from interfering.”
    Jake’s comment brought a smile to Kathryn’s lips. “It’s not only my upbringing,” she explained quietly. Jake noticed her English accent sounded more prominent than usual. “Alexandra is my employer. It would not be right for me to discuss her personal life.”
    “Well technically, I’m your employer too.”
    “That is correct. Therefore, it is also not right for me to discuss your personal life.”
    “I beg you to discuss it,” Jake moaned. “Please, Kath, I’m desperate, and I could use your help.”
    Jake could see the reluctance on Kathryn’s face. He could also see the knowledge behind her eyes. “Kathryn, give me something, anything!” He dropped to his knees and cupped his hands in prayer mode. “Please, please, please.”
    Kathryn shook her head. “I don’t know anything about you,” she remarked. “In fact, I guess I don’t get men, period.”
    “What’s to get? We’re simpleminded.”
    “Too simpleminded.”
    “Then enlighten me.” He sat in the chair next to her desk. “I’m listening. You have my full and complete, undivided attention.”
    “Jake,” she spoke seriously, her golden-brown eyes piercing his. “Did you even have a clue how Alexandra felt about you?”
    “How she felt?” Jake asked, bewildered. “Why are you emphasizing the past tense?”
    “Simply because I honestly do not know where she is.” Kathryn swallowed hard. “Where she is emotionally, I mean.”
    Jake placed a hand over his heart. “Do you mean she might be ready to break up our partnership?”
    “No, of course I don’t!” Kathryn’s voice raised in exasperation. Seeming to fear that others might hear, she immediately lowered her voice. “Jake, you really are clueless, aren’t you?”
    “I’m clueless about what?”
    “About the way Alexandra feels—felt.” Kathryn threw her hands up in frustration. “I really shouldn’t be telling you this, but I simply do not think I can stand to watch the two of you drift even farther apart.”
    Kathryn’s comment ignited Jake’s brain. “Are you saying Alexandra has feelings for me?”
    “Oh, for goodness’s sake, Jake! You seriously don’t know?” Kathryn’s eyes widened in shock. “How could you possibly