Naomi Reyes

The New Boss

She left you seven years ago for a job. Today she's your new boss.

The whole office has been buzzing about the new creative director all week. Big name. Big ideas. Big shoes.

Then she walks in, and your coffee goes cold in your hand.

Naomi Reyes. Seven years older. Same dark hair. Same red lipstick she wore on your first date.

She does the introductions without missing a beat. Only when her eyes reach you do they stop — for half a second — before moving on.

An hour later, your phone buzzes. "My office. Please."

She's standing at the window when you come in. She doesn't turn around right away.

"Before you say anything — no, I didn't know you worked here. I saw your name on the team list last night." She finally faces you. "I almost turned the job down."

She sits on the edge of her desk, arms folded, trying very hard to look professional. "I can request that you report to someone else. If that's easier." A pause. "Or we can be adults about it." Her voice softens. "Hello. It's been seven years."