Complete Me

by Gray, Khardine

  If so then her team was suffering for it. She hated to think that it was that.

  "And this here guy is a spy." Tim narrowed his eyes looking back to Zane.

  She observed Zane and remembered how he'd been so focused on Gina throughout the whole meeting. It was he that suggested getting help from the other departments, and he'd genuinely seemed surprised by Sam's comments.

  "He doesn't seem like a spy." She decided to say.

  Their attention was drawn back to Gina when she laughed. "You do realize that I'm a geeky scientist and you're... whatever you are. It's like high school quarterback meets chess club." Gina chuckled. She held a beautiful long stemmed rose to her chest and tilted her head to the side, allowing her long dark curls to drift down her shoulders.

  "And you are by far the sexiest geeky scientist I've ever seen with your amazing wild curls and beautiful golden eyes."

  Tim and Lexie both exchanged looks. Zane took Gina's hand and kissed it.

  "And skin that reminds me of chocolate, which now I know feels unimaginably soft like fine silk from China."

  This guy was good.

  "China?" Gina asked, dazed.

  "Place of the finest silk in the world. Go out with me, goddess."

  He really was good, Lexie thought with a smile.

  "Okay," Gina replied. That answer required no further encouragement.

  "Great. Pick you up at six." Zane gave her hand one last kiss and then stood up to go. He stopped as he got to them and smiled. "Hey Lex and," he looked Tim over. "Joker, but in a very cool way. Love the hair."

  He winked at Lexie before proceeding towards the door.

  "He can burn in hell, that's what," Tim smirked. "I do the comic book references round here. Lex." He mimicked his voice. "How damn original. You should have insisted that he call you Dr. Ramone. Or the next time he might just call you Lex Luther." He waved his hands at Lexie and then turned on Gina. "And you, you should have said no to his Armani wearing ass."

  "Tim, why should she say no?" Lexie snapped back. "Gina go on your date and have fun. You deserve it. And make sure you tell us all about it tomorrow."

  "No, what's wrong with you two?" Tim blazed. "We are in a crisis here, and you're here fraternizing with the enemy."

  "He's not the enemy. Sam St. John is," Gina replied shaking her head.

  As their leader, Lexie should have said that he wasn't, but she didn't know if she really could say that.

  "Yes, and that's his second in command. They're playing with us." Tim remarked angrily.

  "So you don't think he could be interested in me?" Gina asked coming over. She looked hurt by the thought.

  "No, I'm not saying that."

  "Gina I know he's interested because he was totally making eyes at you during the meeting yesterday," Lexie giggled.

  Gina blushed. "Oh, you saw that too."

  "Guys, please. This is serious. Okay, go on your date or whatever, but it doesn't change the fact though that we are being played." Tim ranted.

  Lexie stared at Tim trying to work out what he meant. "Okay Mister, explain."

  Gina leaned onto the desk gearing up to listen while she sipped on the cappuccino Lexie bought her.

  "They want to see what we can achieve in ten weeks with the little resources we have. He's read the reports on the project and our department. Of course, he would, so he'd be armed to give us orders. He knows we're good and it anyone can achieve the impossible it's us." Tim explained sounding incredibly frustrated.

  "We shouldn't be expected to hurry our processes along just because we're good." Gina shook her head. "Being good should have better rewards. I'm still not sure how we can organize all this."

  Lexie rested against the wall and looked at them both. She wasn't sure how either, and it didn't sit well with her that the decision was going to be taken away from them in ten weeks.

  "Tim," she pulled in a breath. "I didn't thank you for sticking up for me yesterday. I was totally floundering, and I think I would have lost it."

  She knew herself. Lexie was a meek-natured person, but if anyone ever questioned her intelligence and judgment, she would set them straight in a way that they'd never think to do it again. It didn't matter who it was. It was her mistake not to be prepared for yesterday and think about the possible things that could happen with an acquisition of a company.

  "No problem. You know I'll always be there to support you." Tim nodded.

  "Me too." Gina smiled.

  She appreciated hearing that. Last night she'd wondered if her own desires had gotten in the way of what they could achieve. There was always the chance that she could be wrong with her theories. Then she'd cost them time.

  Getting FDA approval in the first instance was hard enough. She didn't want to go through the whole preliminary trials again when all she needed was another couple of months to a year. One year of research could save years of pre-trials. It was something she felt very strongly about, but she needed their thoughts too as they were all in it together. This wasn't just about her.

  "You guys always support me. Maybe that's a problem. What do you guys think we should do? Tim, a few weeks ago you wanted us to get the FDA approval now. We all discussed it, but we all ended up agreeing with me. Do you still believe we should go ahead?"

  He smiled down at her and ran his hand through his hair. "No. I don't."

  "Even after yesterday? We can't run successful trials in ten weeks with the staff shortage we have. I don't see how."

  "We can. It's us. I may have wanted to get FDA approval before with what we have now, but Lexie, this department has run seamlessly on your watch for years. I'd never admit this in court, but you're by far more creative than me. You see outside the box. Always have."

  She smiled on hearing that. Compliments like that didn't come easily from Tim. Especially when he was a total genius.

  "Thank you. And you Gina."

  "You know I'm with Tim on this. I want what you want."

  She was grateful for their support and reveled in the shared moment of admiration. "You guys are the best."

  "We know." Tim smiled.

  "So, that leads to the question of what we're going to do. How about running a small test on two hundred people?"

  "Sounds like a plan. It's a decent size. We could use the ones that responded to the treatment the best. A higher dosage on them should have quicker effects." Tim nodded.

  "Yes. We could try them at the extra ten percent with the aim that if there are any significant changes, theory has it that an even higher dose would have astounding results." Gina added.

  Lexie smiled, loving the way they could think together. "Exactly. Then we shall hopefully be able to convince Mr. St. John that we need the time we want to push for a higher dosage approval."

  "I like it."

  "Now for our work here." Lexie sighed looking over to the filing rooms and research rooms. There was a lot of work to be done, and they were already behind. "There's a lot. Even if they give us help it won't be the same." And it would take time to train people.

  "We'll have to split. But is that okay? We've kind of always worked on Prometheus together so we could all take credit." Tim offered.

  Lexie's mind was already coming up with the resolution. "We all already have credit."

  "No offense Lex, but I'm calling dibs if we end up creating a bunch of super humans." He laughed.

  Gina smacked his arm. "This is no time for jokes. Dr. Strange."

  "Hey, I do the comic book references." Tim reminded again.

  Lexie smiled at them. "You guys should do the trials." They deserved to. They both deserved to focus on what they loved doing and not get drafted into doing anything else.

  "Us?" Tim looked surprised. "You don't want to go, or even rotate it?"

  She shook her head. "No, it would take more time. We need to get back on track, and the sooner we cross this bridge, the better. I'll take care of things here." And do the work of eighteen people plus her job. Oh, the fun.
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  "You're sure Lexie?" Gina asked. "There's so much to do here, and I know you. You won't leave till the work gets done."

  "It's okay." At least she didn't have a life to worry about. Her work was her life so it seemed fitting that she should practically live here.

  "How about we check back here each day to see if you need help." Tim offered quickly.

  "Yes," Gina agreed. "We'll all work together on this. I just need to factor in a few spare hours for my date." Gina laughed.

  Tim frowned. "As long as your fraternizing doesn't become sleeping with the enemy then I'm alright with that."

  "Tim chill out, and that is none of your business." Gina folded her arms and pouted.

  "It's not Tim." Lexie agreed wrinkling her nose.

  "Hey while we're on the subject, I think now would be the best time to break up with Ed." Tim beamed looking at Lexie like it was the very best idea he'd ever come up with. "It's simple just say you now officially have no time for him."

  Lexie winced, everyone seemed to have their own opinion on poor Ed.

  "Yes, it's perfect." Gina agreed nodding firmly.

  "Why are we talking about Ed?"

  "Because that guy is so lame and boring." Tim furrowed his brows. "I know you can find a better boyfriend."

  "He's not my boyfriend. We barely dated."

  "Lexie, you can't be barely dating someone for two years." Gina pointed out. "I think at that point your involved."

  Two years? Lexie had it at one, but ...she supposed it was indeed around two years.

  "Okay. I'm on it." She moved away from the wall and made her way up the stairs to get to her little office where she could indulge on her sugar before her hot chocolate got cold. Ed wasn't even on her list of priorities right now, but she'd break up with him the first chance she got. Right now she had to focus on her job here and all the things she needed to get done.

  * * *

  Cool jazz music filled the room. The chilling, rhythmic tones took Lexie's mind to a scene from one of the classic movies she loved so much.

  Like... Casablanca.

  It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and she was stretched out on Tamar's plush leather sofa with thin slices of cucumber's over her eyes. She had her fingers crossed that they'd drain the bags from underneath them and reduce the puffiness like Hayley said they would.

  The deep massage Hayley had given her earlier had loosened some of the knots in her back and eased some of the tension as well. It would work for a while, but if she continued with her crazy schedule, she'd ultimately need a new body. Or a rejuvenation chamber.

  Hayley was on the other sofa, and Tamar sat in the armchair with her feet bubbling away in a massage bath. All three of them were dressed in white robes with their hair wrapped up in fluffy white towels allowing the self-heating ginger and shea hair mask Hayley made to condition and strengthen their hair.

  "Anything else girls?" Jay asked. He'd been taking care of them all afternoon, serving up his own version of their dad's famous South American cocktails, which consisted of pineapples, grenadines, passion fruit, coconut cream, and grape juice.

  Lexie turned slightly and shuddered when her back muscles twinged. "A new back," she replied. She saw that Jay was laughing at her when she removed her cucumber slices.

  It was funny, but it wasn't really. Unknown to them all, Lexie had slept at work for the last five nights and the week before she'd worked every day.

  "I'd say don't work so hard but you won't listen," Tamar commented running an emery board over her glossy nails. Her hazel eyes filled with concern as she stared at Lexie.

  Lexie tried to straighten up but got even more attention when she winced as another sharp pain shot through her back.

  "I'll grab you a hot water bottle," Jay smiled.

  "Or a new back indeed if you've got one in the cupboard," Hayley added shaking her head. "That was a deep, deep, tissue massage I gave you. It should have worked. The fact that it didn't say's a lot."

  The last two weeks had been the ultimate definition of terrible. While Sam had gotten some additional help, they weren't experienced enough to do the jobs she needed to be done. That meant she had to get her more experienced staff to take the lead on the other projects while she did the administrative work like writing all the reports and reviewing test results.

  Tim and Gina were true to their word and had been there too helping, but it was all getting too much for all of them. Lexie felt like she was on the verge of a burnout. A massive burn out.

  "It's work." Lexie met her accusing stare.

  "Really?" Sarcasm poured out of her voice. "How about taking some time off and join me in my world." Hayley nodded. "You could help me with my Spa retreat."

  "Spa retreat? When did this come about?" Tamar looked excited. "It sounds amazing."

  "Thank you." Hayley sat up now, beaming. "Well, I had to step up my game now that I have two very successful sisters and our angel brother in law."

  Jay rolled his eyes. "Does that mean you want another drink?" he teased.

  "Well since you're offering, how could I possibly refuse. Could I have some extra coconut?"

  "Yes, ma'am. Let me get you one too Lexie."

  "Thank you," Lexie replied.

  "What's going on with you Lexie?" Tamar asked, focusing on her when Jay left them. "You seem to be working more than usual."

  "And you look awful," Hayley added raising her eyebrows.

  Lexie slumped back into the cushion, too weak to argue. What she needed was sleep. She planned to go to work tomorrow for a few hours, but maybe she should stay in and catch up on sleep.

  "Mom's been asking about you," Tamar stated.

  Lexie groaned. It was because she hadn't answered her mother's calls yesterday and this morning. She'd better go see her tomorrow then or else she wouldn't hear the end of it.

  "She's wondering if you're getting enough to eat," Hayley laughed.

  "I'll see her tomorrow," Lexie told her. To be honest she could do with one of her mother's grand Sunday meals and some motherly love.

  "We'll be there too. Be prepared for a feast. She said you looked like you were starving when she saw you last, and it didn't help that you went AWOL last weekend."

  Tamar and Hayley exchanged sly glances, letting her know they'd been talking about the other subject on their minds. Sam. They'd tried to ask about him several times in the week.

  "What?" She asked the question although she knew what was coming.

  "We're just wondering about a few things?" Tamar cooed, fluttering her long lashes.

  "Like what?" Lexie prodded in a sing-song voice

  "Weeelll. Ed for example. I noticed you ignored his call earlier and on Wednesday when we went out to dinner. And on Monday when I met you for lunch." Hayley filled in with a crafty smile.

  This was the problem with having observant, definitely, don't miss a thing, sisters. Lexie winced. It wasn't that she was ignoring Ed, she just couldn't deal with him right now. And she was supposed to be breaking up with him too. That required tact and sensitivity. She couldn't do either right now.

  "Would this have anything to do with Sam?"

  And there it was, the main subject. Tamar and Hayley started to giggle, or cackle more like. Like witches.

  Lexie closed her eyes tightly. She didn't want to talk about Sam. All of this craziness at work was because of him, and his high, and mighty attitude. She hadn't seen him since the meeting. That was nearly two weeks ago now. Since she didn't know what to expect from him, she thought it best to keep her distance, and he certainly hadn't made any form of effort to see her either. It was pretty clear he didn't want to know her in any other way other than professional. Despite the front, she put up, deep down she was disappointed. She'd spent so many years thinking about him, putting him on this pedal stool and comparing every potential guy to him. Now, this had happened.

  "I don't want to talk about Sam."

  "Lexie," Tamar said giving her a knowing look once she opened h
er eyes. "That is ridiculous. You know not to mix business with pleasure. He was just doing his job."

  They were all aware of what had happened, and while they hadn't taken sides, they'd been more understanding towards Sam.

  "It's unreasonable," she protested.

  "Are you for real? The guy comes along and does his best to save the company you love so much from going under. Your project alone is worth only God knows how much, of course, he was going to ask you to speed things along."

  "That's not the point," Lexie argued.

  "The point is, you thought he'd be different with you," Hayley grinned.

  "No." Yes... she had, but she'd never admit it. Sam treated her as if she was ordinary that day. As if she was his... employee, and since she actually was, she needed to remind herself of that and move on.

  "Okay, so if it's a no, then you should go see him." Tamar leaned forward and picked up her cocktail. "When there are problems at work you address the situation and try to fix it."

  So she was supposed to go see Sam and let him know she was on the verge of death because she was working too hard? The Sam she saw in that meeting would most likely tell her she had to wait it out until the full ten weeks had come and gone. She had eight more weeks to go. How on earth was she going to manage if she felt like this now?

  "It's fine. Things will work themselves out," she replied, looking away.

  "And I suppose you're going to let the hot guy get away from you?" Hayley smirked. Lexie looked back to her. She had that sly expression on her face again. "Tamar you should have seen him. The man is gorgeous. Like Hollywood gorgeous. Ahh like that Swedish actor we both loved off a few years back." Hayley gushed dreamingly.

  "Really." Tamar's eyes widened.

  "And you should have seen the way he looked at Lexie."

  Lexie frowned at her and rolled her eyes. "Hayley, you're seeing things again."

  "This is my observation, and it was correct. I'd say the same in court."

  Of course, she would. This was Hayley.

  Tamar's smile widened. "Are we ever going to meet Sam?"

  No. Not with the way things were going.

  "I don't think so," she replied.

  Her phone started to buzz on the carpet below her. Since she could see it was Ed again, she decided to let it ring out like she had earlier.