“I can do whatever I want, essentially. This lab is mine, and you are merely an employee. Now if that’s all, you can go on ahead and continue with your research. Another scientist will be found to assist you on your project. One that does not take advantage of company time.” He waved a hand in the direction of the door, and ice-cold rage flooded my veins.
He looked down at the papers in front of him, dismissing me even more rudely by already assuming that I would listen to him and leave. I opened my mouth ready to spew more anger and vitriol, but thought better of it, and instead spun around and walked straight out the door. Sometimes, it was better to hold back, even though you had so much you wanted to get off your chest.
Back in the lab, I burst in like a rushing train, and Stevie looked up from her computer. “Whoa, hold on there, pal. What happened?” Her eyes were wide as she stared at me. “I’ve never seen you look like this.”
I was sure I looked crazed with wide eyes and red cheeks.
“I just dealt with our sovereign leader, meant to lead us with justice and goodness,” I said in a sing-songy sarcastic tone.
I dropped into the chair next to her, and she took off her glasses and smirked at me. “I take it you mean Doc Fox.”
“Ew, is that his name now? Why isn’t it dickhead anymore?”
“I just came up with it now,” Stevie laughed. “What do you think? I thought all those super fancy scientist types would hate being given a nickname, you know? And it totally goes with his silver fox vibe.”
“I don’t know about that.” I leaned my head on my elbow on the desk. “He didn’t listen to anything I said. Just told me that he can do whatever he wants. It’s his lab.”
“Well, that is true, I guess. But annoying to hear.”
“For sure. And I didn’t help myself.” I scrunched up my nose, and Stevie’s eyes opened wide as she hit me on the arm.
“What? What?” she asked excitedly.
“I kind of ran into him on my way to his office, and since he wasn’t wearing an ID card, I thought he was a stranger, and I called out to Dave to ask who the guy was.”
“Oh my God.” Stevie put a hand over her mouth and started shaking with laughter. “That is the best thing I’ve ever heard. What did he say?”
“Not much. But he seemed pretty pleased that I got caught out like that. It was the single most embarrassing thing I’ve ever experienced,” I groaned and put my head in my hands. “It only gives him more power, too!”
Stevie patted me on the shoulder. “You’ll be all right. We’ve all been there. But… he is hot, right?” she whispered.
“Yes,” I said in a muffled voice from behind my hands. “That makes it worse too.”
* * *
BRAD
I watched the door for a few seconds after Cassie left. It was practically shaking with how hard she’d shut it in my face. So, this one was going to be a problem. I’d been a manager for years, and I had dealt with my fair share of difficulties, but Cassie was different.
No one I’d ever worked with before, especially not after their first time meeting me, had told me exactly what they thought about my managing. It was shocking and at the same time…respectable. But I still didn’t want to have to deal with difficult scientists under me. She could make trouble by getting others on her side if she told them what happened.
I’d better nip that in the bud as soon as I can.
Sighing, I looked down at the files again when my phone rang. I looked down and saw Camilla calling.
“Hey honey,” I said, my spirits lifting. “What’s up? Aren’t you at school?”
“Daddy, it’s a half day today, and we’re off tomorrow. I told you, remember?”
I took the phone away and cursed. When I put it back to my ear, I sighed.
“I’m so sorry, Cam. I’ll call the nanny to come pick you up. I totally forgot. Lots going on, you know?”
“I know. Are you handling all the scientists?” she teased.
Not really.
“Of course, sweetheart. You know me. Can’t wait for you to come in and start seeing what you like. You know I got this for you, so you could learn everything you wanted.”