Chapter 9
“Casey Novak!” Munch said, getting up from his desk to greet her. He gave her a half-hug and kissed her on the cheek.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”
“It’s good to see you too, Munch,” she said.
“What brings you here? Are you back? How much did you miss me?”
“No, I am not back yet. And while I’ve missed some things, I’m just dropping off Noah for the party.”
“That’s right,” he said. “I heard you were - Olivia called it moonlighting.”
“Something like that,” Casey smiled.
“Babysitting with benefits?” he said and grinned lasciviously.
Casey shook her head. “And then there are the things that I don’t miss.”
“Inquiring minds want to imagine.”
“If you really want to know what kind of benefits, check the break room. I brought Liv’s contribution to the potluck.”
“What is it?” He said, already heading toward the buffet.
“Chicken with 40 cloves of garlic.”
“Seriously? Will you babysit for me next?”
“Don’t get excited, I was repaying a favor.”
“Some favor. Will you be joining us?”
“No, I headed out.”
“I thought you looked too good for our humble company, even though you and the little man almost match. Nice tie choice.”
“Well, it is a party. I had to dress up my favorite gentleman.”
“Sure,” Munch smiled indulgently. “That must be it,” he said. “So I hear you’ve been taking the little man out and about lately. Have you hit the Polar Express yet?"
“Just yesterday. How did you know?”
Munch choked on his drink and tried not to laugh. “I know everything.”
She eyed him through narrow slits.
“How did little Benson like it?”
“He got to climb around a real train and look out the windows. What kid wouldn’t?”
“Indeed.”
-