“It’s not a bad time is it?” Blair asked.
“No. I just got back from getting Ethan a smoothie before his call.”
“That nasty matcha spinach protein one?”
“That’s the one. I want to eat vegetables, not drink them. To each their own.”
“He used to always ask me if he had any left in his teeth after,” Blair said. “Sorry, but if you’re that concerned over it, don’t drink it.”
“He hasn’t asked me and it’s the third time I’ve gotten him one.”
“He won’t ask you. I told him he could look in the mirror in his bathroom or on his phone. Good lord, I hope he’s become more self-sufficient.”
She laughed. “He’s good. I don’t even get food for him that much. I ask him or pick things up weekly to keep in his fridge.”
“I’m glad to know that. You aren’t there to wait on him though I did it. That’s on me. He got lazy and doesn’t need to.”
“I’ve done those things in the past for other bosses and I wasn’t their assistant. It’s fine. I don’t have a problem with it and it gets me stretching my legs. Now if he wants them in the dead of winter, that might be another story.”
“He won’t,” Blair said, laughing. “Before we get to what I need for what Ethan has me doing, tell me how things are going there. We have chatted little more than email.”
Because she wanted to respect Blair’s time. There hadn’t been a reason to call or text. Nothing that was an emergency.
Maybe Ethan was doing it, but she wasn’t. Blair was working on other projects that she’d take over another time, but for now was thankful she didn’t have to deal with it.
She was busy from the moment she came in until the moment she left and that was still not operating at the job fully.
“Things are going great. I want to say smoothly, but I don’t know if that is the case. I’ve had a few hiccups. Made a mistake my first day on my own and had to redo a report.”
She confessed it to Blair now but hadn’t wanted to back then. Didn’t sound like Ethan had said anything either.
“Those things happen. I should have told you that you have to be on your toes with data from others. I’m sure it’s not malicious by any means, but everyone makes errors.”
“I think it was an honest mistake. She had the right one on her computer and just attached it wrong. I was more concerned over her attitude but didn’t let it pull me in.”
“Heather is testy. She’s always been that way. She’s been looked over for promotions and has posted out for other jobs and not gotten them. She wanted yours but wasn’t even qualified. I think she just wanted something else. Anything else.”
“Why not just look for another job elsewhere?”
“I’m not sure anyone will hire her. She’s got a permanent puss face and an unwarranted chip on her shoulder. Even when she’s being nice I think she rubs people the wrong way. I’d bet she is a horrible interviewer.”
“Makes me wonder how she got hired.” She was glad to hear that her judgment wasn’t far off on Heather.
“She knew someone. I’m not sure who, but it was someone in the department. I think early on she was a decent employee, but the more she gets passed over, the worse she gets.”
“I’ve limited my interaction with her through email and it’s been fine. But she stopped me in the hall and asked if Norris was related to me. That people are wondering if I’m his daughter as my name is close to what he’s said his daughter’s name is.”
Blair laughed. “I’m not surprised it’s being put together. It took longer than I thought. If it were anyone else, it would have been out by now, but since it’s Norris, no one will ask him.”
“And most are tiptoeing around asking me. I don’t overextend myself with friendliness, but I’m not mean.”
“I get it. I still talk to plenty there and they say you keep to yourself. Don’t even go to lunch or try to make connections. I said you’re just shy and not everyone is there to make a friend. I didn’t have anyone to go home to, so I’d go out with coworkers. They became my friends.”
“Yeah, I’m not looking for that here. It only causes trouble and gossip. I’m used to being alone anyway.”
“Everyone is different and I pointed that out.”
“Have you heard anything else? Anything bad?” She wanted to ask if there were any rumors about her and Ethan, and though she hadn’t seen nor talked to Mitchell since he found out, he admitted he’d been clueless to it.
