“Thanks, Edi.”
He released me, and I left with Konni’s coffee, startling two people who were hovering outside the break area.
“Hi, Sophia,” one said.“I’m sorry about the house fire.Do you and your mom need anything?Clothes?Bedding?”
“We’re actually okay for now,” I said.“Mrs.Steele felt horrible about the article claiming she paid me to leave Mr.Steele and took me shopping yesterday to buy some clothes for my mom and me.She’s a really sweet person, but if you ever have a chance to meet her, make sure you smile the whole time.There might be hidden cameras around.”
Their laugh held a tinge of uncertainty.Whether due to their doubt that they would meet her or that there might be cameras, I wasn’t sure.
Konni was waiting for me at his desk when I arrived with his coffee.He wasn’t alone.The VP of finance was sitting with him.Since the reinstalled lockable door hadn’t been closed, I continued forward and set the coffee on his desk.
“How many cups of coffee in a day are considered unhealthy?”Konni asked, looking at me.
“There are five pumps of syrup in that cup.So, one.”
The VP chuckled as Konni frowned at his coffee.
“Can I get you anything?”I asked the VP.
“I’m fine.Thank you, Ms.Elmantas.”
I left and shadowed Edi for the rest of the morning.The pariah feeling faded as I noticed fewer people avoiding me.
It wasn’t until lunch that I realized I’d been subtly managed since the second I left Konni’s side this morning.Edi’s appearance in the break room when I made Konni’s first and only coffee.The conversation with Edi that just so happened to be overheard.The conversation with the VP to explain why Konni hadn’t asked for another coffee.How one of the Snack Pack always happened to need the restroom at the same time I did.
The sudden team lunch, which included Konni, finally tipped me off.I wanted to tell Konni that he was being ridiculous, but realized I was.I’d told him I didn’t want to be smothered, and he’d arranged for me never to be alone in a very non-smothering way.
After lunch, I focused on improving existing projects.Specifically, the boutique project near our old house.The plan was good, but I saw additional opportunities within their budget.So I started mocking up a new plan.
Engrossed in my work, I didn’t notice how quickly the time passed.
“What are you doing?”
The sharp question pulled me out of my little world of design, and I looked up at Lianna.
“Working.What are you doing?”
My response triggered her in ways she couldn’t hide.Her face flushed under the perfectly contoured makeup, and her hands fisted.
“Lianna, get in here,” Konni called from his office.
She whirled away from me and stormed in.The door slammed hard enough to vibrate the glass windows beside it.
I looked at Edi.“Mr.Steele doesn’t want the door closed.”
He didn’t even hesitate to get up and open it wide, enabling all of us to hear Lianna’s raised voice.
“—sitting right outside your office.
“What hold does she have over you?First, you turn a blind eye to the data leak.Now you’re letting her do whatever she wants?What’s next, Drake?Do you even care about Steele anymore?”
Since Lianna hadn’t noticed the open door, none of us made a sound as Edi returned to his seat.
“What exactly is Ms.Elmantas doing?”Konni asked.
“She’s rewriting a marketing project that’s already been approved!”
“And?”
