Gemotions

The company dress code was, to put it mildly, open to interpretation. I observed George, my successor, meticulously straightening his tie. It was a good tie, a very good tie. I almost let out a bark of pure laughter. I could feel a tick in my left eye.

"Just so you know," I said, trying to sound serious, "that tie has some significant history." I smiled, a completely genuine, unguarded smile, and gestured towards a coffee stain on the tie.

I waited for his reaction. I felt the grin grow wider.