He recognized her right away, her aura of authority, the way she seemed to be the center of gravity in the room even though she was tucked in a corner hunched over datasheets, and he took his time observing her as he slowly approached.
Mia’s frame was swallowed by her lab coat, her choppy platinum bob hiding her profile, but Wyatt got the distinct impression that her delicate features, which he’d seen in headshots, were completely misleading.
“Doctor Bissonnette?” Her face turned up, and he forgot what it was he wanted to say. Her eyes were a blue so dark that they seemed almost purple, mesmerizing despite the disinterest in them.
“Yes?” Her bored tone, accompanied by a distinctively French accent, snapped him out of his daze, and he smiled, stretching out his hand.
“Wyatt Jenkins.”
“I know,” she replied with that same flat tone, ignoring his hand. It struck him as oddly impolite of her, but he dropped his hand and kept his voice kind and conversational.
“I’m flattered.” Wyatt leaned on the edge of the table, eyeing the papers in front of Mia. “I’m a huge fan of your work.”
“Are you, now?” Mia’s eyebrow arched in skepticism, and she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs.
“Yes, your theory on modulated perceptions with regard to genetic disposition was one of the most fascinating papers I’ve ever read.” Her neutral expression hadn’t changed an inch, not even a flick of recognition in her eyes. “Your ability to combine both psychological and physical studies in genetic research is awe-inspiring.”
“Unique?” she prodded, and Wyatt nodded, glad she took his compliments at face value and hoping this is a first step to establish a working relationship as equals.
“Absolutely.”
“Well, not unique enough, it seems.” She collected her papers with a resigned sigh and calmly stood, her willowy frame making her no less intimidating than if she stood a foot taller than him. “I’ll see you at your welcome party tonight, Doctor Jenkins.”
“I’d like to have a chance to speak with you beforehand.” Wyatt straightened, facing her with the full intent of blocking her path. “We’re going to be working closely together, we should at least have a formal conversation on the future of the hub.”
“Of course.” Mia nodded tightly, leading the way toheroffice. It was unconventional, considering their respective roles, that they weren’t meeting in his office, but Wyatt didn’t want to do anything to further aggravate her so he dutifully followed, patiently waiting for her to hang her lab coat on a hook beside the door.
“What can I do for you, Doctor Jenkins?” Mia asked once they were seated on opposite sides of her desk.
“Well, you’ve been in that lab longer than anyone, aside from Professor Flinch,” Wyatt paused at the flash of anger and hurt in Mia’s eyes, wondering what he had said that caused such a reaction and considering his next words. “I’d like to receive a full breakdown of the staff, projects, existing and potential funding, any lab intrigues I should be aware of.”
The last request was said in an air of jest with a smirk to go with it, but Mia didn’t seem amused. Instead of answering, she bent down and opened a drawer, pulling out a heavy binder.
“It’s all in there, including protocols.” She slid the information his way. “I suggest you go over the files and we’ll set up another meeting for any questions.”
“Does this include the intrigues?” Wyatt tapped the blue cover of the binder, trying his luck at joking again, only to receive an offended scowl.
“There’s no intrigue in my lab, Doctor Jenkins.” Mia wasn’t even attempting to warm up to him, and as much as it was starting to get on his nerves, Wyatt forced himself to stay calm and reply with a tight nod. “Anything else?”
“I’d appreciate you calling me Wyatt.”
“If you insist.” There was no enthusiasm in Mia’s smile, just the odd sense that she was doing the bare minimum to onboard him, and not gladly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to call it a day and get ready for that party.”
“Of course.”
They walked out of her office in silence, Wyatt going to stand next to Giles as they both watched Mia walk away.
Once she was out of sight, Wyatt turned to Giles. “What’s her problem?”
“Mia was being groomed for your position,” Giles explained. “She feels ripped off, considering you only got it because of who your dad is.”
Wyatt could only assume his gaze reflected the surge of anger he felt at the words when Giles cringed.
“I earned this position, fair and square, through hard work.” Wyatt could hear the building anger seep into his voice. He could have handled Mia’s resentment at being overlooked, but her spreading rumors that the family name was his only merit for being here was unacceptable.
“I know, I’ve read all your publications, you’re a brilliant scientist,” Giles hurried to reassure him. “But that’s what Mia feels.”
“Well, Mia will have to learn to live with my being the boss.” Wyatt didn’t wait for Giles to reply, just walked off into his own office and shut the door behind him, immediately starting to pace.