Laid-back Party

Liam settled himself on his feet and leaned in for a hug. His shoe let out a sharp, rubbery squeak against the linoleum, and for one suspended second, he was aware of his sweat soaked underarms.

“Oh uh hey Liam” Jack said.

Liam was stretched forward at an angle that evoked interpretive dance, or maybe, Michael Jackson, and his fingers were gripping Jack’s shoulder like the edge of a cliff. Not a hug by any means. A christmas tree twinkled behind him, and red and green streamers dove and rose from the gray panel drop ceiling.

“Liam. Liam, sir, are you ok?” Jack planted a hand flat against Liam’s chest. Righting him. Maya from Accounting turned to look, then very deliberately looked way.

“Jack, I just wanted to say th I wanted to say that ma–before the year ends– man that you’re a you’re a real asset to the team, Jack. A real go getter”

“Okay.” Jack got both hands on Liam’s shoulders. Steering him towards the nearest chair. “You want some water or anything?”

“I’m fine”. Liam said, much too fast, and it occurred to Liam that perhaps this was the key. That he needed to speak faster.

“Imfineandididnthavethatmuchtodrink”

“What?” Jack replied.

“I said I’m fine.” Liam blinked hard. “I don’t need water, Jack” he said the name forcefully, no stumble in it at all. “What I need you to know, Jack, is that you’re–”

He sat down.

“You’re–”

He stood up.

“You’re– I appreciate you as a, you’ve been a great employee this quarter and–”. He paused and stared at one of the shitty LED Christmas lights stuck to the wall. Liam’s eyes were wet now.

“Because people don’t say that enough at this company and and–” his voice broke “ and before it’s all gone and– I just need the–”

“Before what?” Jack asked. “Before what’s all gone?”

“You know what happened to Harper’s team last month?” Liam made a little poofing gesture with his hand. “And she and oh let me tell you she was a better manager than I am and now she’s gone and they’re gone and” He trailed off. Behind Jack one or two people had gathered to eavesdrop.