2024-08-05 “Sooner Than I Expected” by Merritt

I finished with my first site review and looked at my iPhone to find a text from Will Robinison. He wanted me to come by the office before heading to my afternoon assignment.

I got off the elevator on his floor and Hannah saw me. “Morning Merritt. I decided not to call you ‘New Guy’ anymore. What brings you by?”

I cannot even imagine why the words I said in reply came from my mouth. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd come have a look at your smile."

She seemed shocked and pleased, even though should could tell I was making a joke. "So, Mr. Robinson asked to see you again?

I nodded. We passed a few more pleasantries, then I went on.

His office was a space in the corner of the open floorplan work area for his group. It had partitions that could be used to close it off, but they were always open.

As I approached his desk, he stood. Before I got close enough for him to speak, I saw something on his desk that was very familiar. It was the 1984 graduation program from University of Georgia—in which would be his name AND mine.

He smiled. “Merritt! Thanks for coming by. Hope it wasn’t out of your way too much.”

“Good morning Mr. Robinson… I have a little extra time but I’m heading out to White Plains this afternoon.”

“Please call me ‘Will’… Now, you know I have had a familiar feeling about you since we first met. I think I know why.”

I had a feeling he didn't.

“I went to college with a fella named Merritt Gray. I’m betting that’s your father… Any chance I’m right?”

I stood there for an awkwardly long amount of time. Emma and I had decided to explain things to Addison and… Will, but I wasn’t thinking it would be today. I finally got my composure back.

“Do you have a few minutes?”

Will nodded. “Sure…”

“Sir, you said you double majored in engineering and physics. Maybe you can help me figure something out. Can we… take this to the conference room?”

Well, it went better than I had guessed. He didn’t immediately deem me insane. In fact, he asked if he could interview Emma, so I texted her about him coming to dinner—she was working the matinee today, so she’d be home about the same time as me.

I guess him not deciding I was ready for the crazy house—which was a thing in 1984—is a good start.

I have no idea where this is going to go, but there’s bound to be some movement now.