When the Lights Go Out by Roxy Mews Page A

Fools’ Day was a tradition at Business Depot. Even as General Manager, the tradition usually involved a prank played on him. At least this year he was single. Explaining to his girlfriend a few years ago why he came home covered in glitter had been rough.
    He yanked down the pictures of Nicolas Cage staring bug-eyed at him as he went through the swinging doors that lead to the “employees only” area of the back room. Managing a retail store put him in the position to be everybody’s damn father. He ran a tight ship, but this was the one day of the year that the monkeys ran the zoo.
    The whispers and laughter he heard meant he had a surprise waiting for him in his office. Patting his shirt pocket, he was glad he’d remembered his spare pen. If all the writing utensils were encased in ice again this year, he was covered.
    “Hey, Mr. James,” Adam called on his way back to the lockers.
    Adam was one of the employees who’d been with Taylor the longest. He’d started working at the store as a teen and continued through high school and into college. Taylor would have talked to the kid about management, but Adam made it abundantly clear he was not interested in any responsibility outside of his Call of Duty Clan.
    “Hello, Adam. I don’t suppose we can forget about this whole April Fools’ Day thing and actually get some work done?”
    Adam laughed. “I put in extra hours to get those resets done last week, just so I can boost the comedic morale of The Fellowship of the Red Shirts.” He handed Taylor a pushpin, and slapped him on the shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t want to take me up on the offer of a beer tonight? You might need it after my award-winning pranks.”
    Taylor’s brow wrinkled at the pin in his hand. Adam gave him clues on occasion, and this looked to be the latest. Closing his fingers around the sharp object, he shook his head. “You know I can’t socialize with employees outside of the store. It’s not professional.”
    “I’m not asking you on a date, Mr. James.” Adam said. “Although I do think you could use one.”
    “Thank you for your concern.”
    Adam saluted and took off with a small bag slung over his shoulder. Taylor really didn’t want to know what was inside it. He took a deep breath and opened his office. Balloons began to float out. Taylor gripped the pin and began to pop his way in. The noise was loud since he hadn’t flipped on the store’s Muzak yet, but at least he had a little stress relief to start his day.
    After what had to be the hundredth balloon, Taylor thought a beer and some company sounded like a great idea. He just wished he had time for it. Still in his twenties, he was one of the youngest GMs to ever run a Business Depot. Studying the numbers and brainstorming on new ways to cut overhead sacrificed his social life a bit. Any potential girlfriend had to be just as driven as he was. The corporate headquarters was in this city, and Taylor had his eyes on an office job. A nine-to-five with bonuses and an office with a window sounded amazing. He wanted to be a part of the big picture and make real changes for the company on a nationwide level. Getting out of the trenches and the day-to-day stress was next on his to do list.
    Finding someone else as independent, career-savvy, and willing to put business ahead of pleasure wasn’t easy. The few times he did find someone to fit the bill…well, all that responsibility didn’t leave much room for passion.
    Taylor switched the pin to his left hand and kept popping. He was a good looking guy who kept himself in shape, but the most action he’d seen in the last couple of years was from the hydro massager at his gym. With the last pop, Taylor flipped on the sales-floor lights and storefront sign.
    Putting down the messenger bag he used as a briefcase and his travel mug of coffee, he was glad to see his pens weren’t on ice this year. They were, however, completely gone. In their place were Hello Kitty pens topped