“Hmm, I’m doing the induction day on short notice. I-I think she’s here to help me,” Horace says.
“What happened to Frank?” I ask behind my hand while the group patiently waits for me to continue my presentation of Infinio.
Horace shrugs. “He called in sick, apparently. Nia reached out to me this morning. I’ve not even had time to look through the agenda for the day.”
For fuck’s sake. The man looks like he’s about to cry.
I grit my teeth and growl inwardly. People.
I can’t have this man stutter his way through the first day of the new starters’ induction. What the hell kind of first impression is that of the company? I thought he was made of stronger stuff.
“Right, I’ll do the first part. Get across the content of it in the next break. Can I safely assume you won’t have a problem presenting your own team’s objectives?”
He nods his head vigorously. “Yes, of course. Thanks, Mark.”
Do I have higher priorities than talking to a bunch of new starters?
Yes. Absolutely.
Do I also struggle with delegation and trust?
Indeed, I do.
So here I am. Doing my least favourite thing.
My smile is stiff on my face, I can feel it, but I do my best to channel the charisma of Damian in his heyday.
“Our vision, and you should live and breathe this, is ‘infinite imagination, infinite possibilities’. What’s made us successful is that we’ve created worlds people don’t want to leave, and there’s something there for everyone. Keep that up.”
I shift, trying to look anywhere but the big brown eyes up front.
“We have a steep learning curve through a week of induction to all the departments. It’s important you get on board with our style and methods. This is what’s made our name, and our market share. You’ve been selected for a reason, but even the most innovative designers, fantastic storytellers, or astounding programmers have to be incredible team players. This is not a solo race. And note: this is not just work. This is life.”
A snort-laugh sounds from the front of the group, and my eyes go straight to the girl in yellow. Her hand covers her face, and her eyes go wide.
That’s it. I’ve had it.
CHAPTER FOUR
no lies
REY
The fifteen new starters sitting behind me on the steps have gone dead silent. I wish I wasn’t wearing a bright yellow dress today. And of course I’m here on the front row as if I belong here. Maybe I should sneak onto the sidelines or behind Horace. Although, he looks a bit like he wishes he could disappear into a hole as well. Wonder what Mark said to him.
And now, because I couldn’t hold back my laugh at the ridiculous comment ‘this is life!’ (purrrlease—it’s work, get over yourself), Mark has his eyes on me again.
“Horace, can you continue the intro about the company? I’ll be right back.”
Mark strides towards the group.
Towards me?
Fuck.
My stomach clenches harder with every step he takes in my direction. It’s happening in slow motion, and I increasingly have the feeling I might shit myself right here on the plush carpet steps.
“Come with me,” he demands in a low voice, and I know I’m not to argue, question, and definitely not dawdle. I walk-run behind him and his long legs out of the auditorium, wondering if this is it.
