by Sloan Storm
“All right,” she replied. “What time?”
“Ten o’clock.”
5
Good News, Bad News (Fiona)
“Honey, no. I can’t allow you to get in any more debt on my behalf. What is it up to now anyway?”
I’d lived with my grandmother, Alice, since I was eleven years old, after the accident. As she finished speaking, I reached down and rubbed her on the arm. Beneath the soft sheer fabric, I gently squeezed her and felt the thinness of her disease-ravaged body. It was as if almost nothing remained of her any longer, in a physical sense that is, although she was hardly into her early seventies.
Swallowing hard, I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter, Grandmother. Whatever it is, it is.”
“No dear,” she replied. A frown came to her once pink-skin, now made gray and dull by the illness which ate away at her from the inside out. She’d battled cancer six times successfully during the past twenty odd years but recently we’d learned it had returned with a vengeance. Shaking her head, she continued, “I know it’s got to be at least half a million by now. Why are you keeping it from me?”
Actually it was $568,778, give or take a few dollars. But, it could have been ten million for all I cared. She’d lost her insurance coverage and as a result she’d been refused treatment a few years ago, since she lacked the ability to pay. If there was any chance of keeping her alive, I didn’t care how much it cost, I was willing to pay it.
But, she did care. And she was stubborn, not to mention proud.
“I don’t want to do anymore treatment,” she sighed, as her head, now thinly covered with fine, white hair, collapsed back into the pillow. “I’m tired, Fiona, and you’re going to go broke. You’ve already used all the money from your parents. That was supposed to be for you, your education and your future. This can’t continue.”
“Grandmother, please…” I begged. I’d kept my tears from her as I best I could over the years. But now, with each day that passed, it grew more difficult to mask my grief. “Don’t say that. You’re all I have left. If I lose you, there’ll be no one. And I’m not going to go broke. I should hear about the job any day now. If I don’t get that one, I’ll find another. Whatever it takes. I’m not giving up, and you can’t either.”
My hand fell away from her arm. I tugged at the sleeves of my flannel nightshirt, squeezing them into the palms of my hands.
Exhaustion overwhelmed her once again and my grandmother closed her eyes. It was about time for breakfast, and before I’d come in to check on her, I’d started a pot of coffee. The telltale aroma found its way to my nose and as it did, I glanced around the room to make sure things were as they should be.
Caring for a woman in her condition was almost like having another full-time job. Although she was able to get around with a walker, she spent most of her time in bed, resting.
I barely managed as it was, and I worried that if she were to get any worse, I’d have to hire a live-in nurse which, of course, I couldn’t afford. The good news was I had few days off while I waited to hear back on my interview from Hawkins Biotech, so for now anyway, I could take care of her myself.
I sighed a little as my eyes traveled back to her.
“Grandmother,” I began. “I’ll be right back. Did you take your medication?”
She nodded but didn’t speak.
A small smile came to my lips. She could be sneaky about it sometimes.
“Okay, I don’t need to check, do I?”
“No, dear.”
Just in case, I paused for moment and studied her face for signs of deception. Not seeing any, I nodded.
“All right.”
With that, I turned and walked out of the room. Our apartment was small but big enough for the two of us. I preferred to think of it as cozy. And anyway, it was all I could afford. My socks slid on the linoleum a bit as I exited my grandmother’s bedroom and walked towards the kitchen. But no sooner had I done so than my mobile phone started to ring. I continued to the kitchen, increasing the pace of my steps in anticipation.
“Please let that be them…” I muttered, as I battled a burgeoning swarm of butterflies in my stomach.
A moment or so later, I entered the kitchen and focused my attention on the chiming, buzzing device. Grabbing it, I noticed it was the number Mr. Doyle had given to me after the interview.
“Just once,” I whispered before answering.
“Fiona?” Mr. Doyle said, as his voice came over the line for the first time.
“Yes. Hello Mr. Doyle.”
“Oh good, I’m glad I got you. Sorry about calling so early in the morning like this. And please, it’s Colin.”
I’d already begun to pace back and forth as soon as I picked up the phone. With every word he spoke, I bit into my lip and squeezed my free hand tighter and tighter.
“It’s fine,” I began. “No problem at all. Mr. D… Colin.”
“Good,” he replied. “Yes, well. I’ve got a bit of news for you. I’m afraid it’s of the good and bad type though.”
“Mmm, hmm,” I muttered. Flexing my jaw in response, I bit down so hard with my molars on the inside of my cheek, I almost split my mouth open.
“Are you all right, Fiona?”
His words lingered in my ear for a moment. Was I? Aside from the overwhelming feeling of lightheadedness that struck me in that moment, I seemed to be. Just in case, I plopped down into a kitchen table chair and pulled my legs up to my chest, hugging them close.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I lied. “I’m sorry, Colin. Please continue.”
My hesitation hadn’t gone unnoticed. He followed mine with a moment or two of his own.
“Um, how about we start with the good news?” he said with a rising tone.
Great, way to go Fiona. Now he’s going to think you’re an absolute nut.
Cursing myself as I thinned my lips at my behavior, I let out a slow exhale. I did my best to make it subtle enough that I hoped it wouldn’t give him more cause for concern.
“That sounds good.” I replied. “I’m um, sorry about that Colin.”
“Don’t mention it, Fiona. It’s understandable to be a bit nervous.” Reassurance laced his words, calming me as he continued. “Fiona I must say that of all the applicants we had for the position, you were far and away the best. So, without any further delay, I’d like to offer you the position.”
Without thinking, I slapped my flannel-covered hand to my mouth, stifling a gasp. I fought for breath as feelings of relief coursed through my veins. At the same instant, I sensed the heat of tears rush into my eyes. It threatened to put an end to my ability to reply without gulping air at the same time. But, mercifully, my swell of emotion went by unnoticed for the moment, as Colin continued to speak.
“And that’s the good news,” he said, as he readied himself to deliver the more unfortunate half. “The bad news is that we need you to start… today. I’ve received information that the company is moving forward with a major new project. After you go through a brief employee orientation, the CEO will address the team members, which includes you. It’s all hands on deck, Fiona.”
I shot to my feet. My tears gave away to rush of anxiety as the reality of achieving my goal hit me. What if I screwed up my first day, week or month? I’d always been the smartest person I knew. Now, at Hawkins, that was far from the case. Everyone in the lab, including Colin, was as smart, if not more so.
“Fiona?” Mr. Doyle asked. “Are you there?”
Cradling the phone to my ear, I pulled my free arm up, pressing my hand against the opposite cheek.
“Mmm, hmm. Yes, sir,” I stammered. “Thank you, Colin.”
“It’s my pleasure, Fiona. We can’t wait to get you in here and working with the rest of the team. Now how soon can you get here? The CEO will address the team at ten.”
“Oh I…” I began. “I’ll get ready right away. I can be in by nine. Is that all right?”
“Yes, Fiona. That’s terrific. I’ll schedule your
orientation. That should still give you ample time to get to the briefing.”
“Okay. Thank you again, Colin. I’m so appreciative.”
“It’s our pleasure to have you on board. All right then, so I’ll see you at nine?”
“Yes. I’ll be there.”
Soon afterward, we said our goodbyes. My near panic attack avoided for the time being, I put the phone down on the kitchen table and turned to tell my grandmother the good news.
Finally, a glimmer of hope.
It couldn’t have come soon enough.
After arriving at the office and going through the orientation Colin mentioned, all members of the lab team gathered for the CEO’s address on the new project, which I’d come to learn was known as the Link Protocol.
Colin offered me a seat next to him, which I happily took. I found his presence reassuring in the moment. With a bit of luck, some of his calm demeanor would rub off on me. After we’d filed in and taken our seats, I placed my planner on the table in front of me. Pulling out a pen, my highlighter and an assortment of labels I used for categorizing things, I readied myself to take copious notes.
Just then, Colin leaned in towards me. Speaking with a hushed tone he asked, “Mr. Hawkins. Do you know anything about him?”
I was a bit ashamed to admit I didn’t. But it was true. I’d only ever been focused on the science, my work. The politics of companies and the personalities of the people involved didn’t interest me. I only cared about putting my knowledge and passion to the test. If I hadn’t gotten the job I wanted here, I would have continued searching at a number of different firms until I landed it.
I shook my head.
“No,” I whispered back to him.
Colin nodded. “He’s a good man. Fair. I think you’ll like him. With your credentials, I have no doubt he’ll feel the same way.”
Around that time, the door to the conference room opened and a shapely woman with brunette hair pulled high and tight behind her head entered. She crossed the room with an efficient stride and as she did, the sound from her heels echoed, putting a halt to all conversation around the conference table. Clutching an armful of paper, she made her way to a podium at the front of the room.
Colin nodded and with a light whisper said, “That’s Holly, Mr. Hawkins’s personal assistant.”
Acknowledging him, I scribbled a reminder note in case I ever met her again.
Without looking up to face the group, Holly began to speak as she prepared the podium for the CEO’s arrival. “Good morning everyone. We will begin in just a moment or two. Mr. Hawkins got delayed on a call.”
After she finished, she looked up and headed in the direction of the table. Holly moved between each of us, providing a brief on the Link Protocol as she did. I thanked her as she passed by, and moments later she walked back towards the podium. As she did, a new person appeared through the entrance to the conference room.
Well, I should clarify…
He was new in terms of the people in attendance but he certainly wasn’t to me. Slackjawed, I froze in place as Gabe strolled inside and made his way towards Holly without a word.
Wait a second, he was the CEO? The pick-up artist from the bar? Seriously?
Just then, Colin leaned in my direction and confirmed my suspicion with a whisper. “That’s him, Mr. Hawkins.”
I nodded and at the same time, slumped a bit in my chair. Leaning back to at least partially conceal myself behind Colin, I alternated between disinterested glances at the protocol document and stares of disbelief at him. I happened to cast my gaze back to some of the other women seated at the conference table. All of them spontaneously began to primp and preen like lionesses at the watering hole.
I rolled my eyes at the spectacle.
Good lord.
Shaking my head, I glanced back towards Gabe. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He looked nothing like a CEO.
Well, okay, aside from the expensive looking clothing and alligator-skinned loafers. And yes, he did carry himself with a look of a man in charge. He was at ease and unhurried, just like he was at the bar the night we met. As he turned away from us, I bit my lip while my eyes wandered down his backside. Beginning with his shoulder length, wavy brown hair my gaze moved from his broad shoulders, to his narrow waist all the way down to his tight…
Stop, Fiona. Right now. Jesus.
I broke my stare for a moment. On the one hand, I wanted to just start this meeting already so I could get to work. But on the other, I was petrified he might single me out once he began to speak. Quickly, I tried to think of every possible outcome and prepare a suitable reply for each one.
Yet as I mulled my options over, I found my urges tugged at me. Peeking through strands of my hair, I stole a secret glance at him. His suit, dark blue in color, had the faint hint of a shine to it. It clung to his body as if it were custom cut just to fit his muscular physique. His tight ass shifted back and forth as he chatted with Holly, presumably giving her the sorts of orders CEOs do.
As I at last broke my gaze upon him, I happened to look across the table at a couple of the other female lab workers again. Except this time, they’d caught me staring. Heat flushed to my chest, coloring me like a human thermometer. But before I could look away, both of them smiled at me.
One of them even wiggled her eyebrows.
I swallowed and sunk further into my seat, dropping my now clammy hands in my lap. As I did, strands of my blond hair closed in around my eyes, providing me a bit of respite from my shame. But the worst was yet to come. It was a matter of time until Gabe noticed me sitting here.
What would he do? Say? I fretted he’d make some joke or teasing comment at my expense, sending the entire gathering into a fit of laughter and leaving me humiliated in the process.
I couldn’t believe my luck.
All the possible comebacks to his imagined jibes jumbled together in my brain. I had no idea what I would say, or do. My attempt at a disappearing act didn’t go unnoticed by Colin. He leaned in towards me.
“Fiona,” he began with a voice barely above the sound of a whisper. “Are you all right?”
Snap out of it! Damn it Fiona!
I nodded and, after grabbing hold of the arms of the chair, straightened myself in it.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I replied, in a voice with volume that matched his own.
This couldn’t possibly get any worse. Turns out the man who’d hit on me twice with an impressive arsenal of charm was apparently my boss. On top of that, my coworkers caught me undressing him with my eyes and Colin, well, he must be second guessing his decision to hire me at all considering the way I was behaving at the moment.
But just when it couldn’t get any worse. It did. Much, much worse.
For no sooner had I returned to an upright position in my chair, than Gabe finished his conversation with Holly. As he did, he turned to face everyone seated at the conference table. Taking measured steps in our direction, he clasped his hands together behind his back for a moment and then began to speak.
“I’ll keep this discussion brief everyone. The document Holly gave to you will provide all you need to know about the new project, which we’re terming the Link Protocol. I’ll expect each of you to familiarize yourself with the details of it as it relates to your role in the project.”
As he started to speak, it was as if I witnessed a literal transformation take place before my eyes. Gabe appeared to be just as much at ease addressing a room full of people as he did making flirting small talk.
Just the idea of speaking to a large audience made me ill. But he rattled off commands with a mix of authority and elegance. It was as if he were talking to a room filled with his best friends. It’s not like he wasn’t irritating enough already with his charm and teasing.
Now this.
Bastard.
Frustrated, my worried state shifted a bit. As I listened to him speak, the reality was that if I hadn’t had the experience I did with him, I wouldn’t see him as anything ot
her than what he was in the moment.
The boss.
Gone was the barfly playboy. In his place, a confident, articulate leader who was more than qualified to be in the position he was stood before us. Whether it was rehearsed or spontaneous, an excellent, well-reasoned description of the work ahead of us flowed from his lips.
Yet through it all, I didn’t dare look up.
Instead, as Gabe spoke, I scribbled in my planner, taking notes about things I didn’t yet understand and would have to ask Colin about later. But as the seconds ticked by, I noticed him circle around behind the people seated across from me until he stopped in place.
Swallowing, I drew my eyes up towards Gabe without lifting my head.
Without so much as an awkward pause, the icy blue of Gabe’s eyes locked mine for a fraction of instant. In the very next, he glanced down towards my planner, then back towards me with a slow nod.
And if I wasn’t mistaken, he winked.
6
Digging (Gabe)
A few hours after my meeting with the lab team, I sat in my office thumbing through a stack of briefs related to the Link Protocol.
Still, she kept popping into my head.
I smiled at my good fortune she’d interviewed for a lab position. Not that it would have mattered much. I would have spent time in pursuit no matter where she worked, but with everything going on right now, I would have been delayed at a minimum.
But no matter. The way was clear now.
And the look on Fiona’s face when she sat at the conference table. I have to say keeping my identity a secret had been well worth the wait. I’m sure if anyone noticed me noticing her, she would have been mortified.
The idea of it brought a smile to my face.
But as I sat there thinking about the situation, it occurred to me I hadn’t gotten Fiona’s last name yet. Not only that, but I really didn’t know anything about her beyond our brief interactions. And when it came to my romantic interests around the office, I preferred to have every bit of information at my disposal.
