Saying no to his offer may be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
I grab the last box of my belongings to take out to my Jeep and drop the report on top. Just as I’m rounding my building—my former building—I stop in my tracks.
It’s plastic-smile billboard man, William Moore. He’s standing a few yards away with his arms crossed over his chest and fake concern written all over his frowning face, talking to another man I don’t recognize. They are similar in height and build, both with salt and pepper hair, but William’s shiny hair is blaring in the morning sunrise.
In the light of day, he’s just as insincere as on his billboards. Something about him just rubs me the wrong way.Bad energy,Grandma Sue would say.
They don’t notice me as I pass but when I hear “Nathaniel” followed quickly by “Lite-Brite.” Something about their hushed voices and furrowed brows tell me they aren’t exactly singing Nathaniel’s praises. I stop. I can’t help myself. Maybe I’m a little nosy, but I’ve met the team and instantly felt protective of them.
I retreat into the opening of the building, blocking me from being seen. Don’t mind me just examining this wall. Definitely not eavesdropping.
“Listen, I like the kid,” says William. “He seems like he’s going places. But I just don’t know that he’s ready for this sort of responsibility.”
The other man scratches at his chin. “I have had similar concerns.”
Someone passes out the doors and I busy myself pretending to look through the box I’ve set on the ground. When they pass, I prick my ears to continue listening even though I dislike everything I’m hearing.
“Seems like they’re doomed to failure. I mean, I know we aren’t allowed to talk like this—it’s not PC or whatnot—but the little band of weirdos aren’t going to sell their ideas looking like that,” the other man says without a hint of shame.
I grind my molars and flare my nostrils. The morning sun, combined with the exertion of carrying the box and holding back my rage, causes sweat to collect on my forehead. I take a steadying breath.
“Oh yeah. Man or a woman. Pick one,” William says.
Oh HELL NO. Anger surges up in me. My hands glow as I ball my fists.
“Well. Nathaniel was given a chance. When this fails, it won’t be the lab’s fault.” This from the other man, who I don’t recognize.
“No. It won’t come back on the labs. The customer will probably pull the contract. Shemesh-Tek … I mean, what sort of name is that anyway?”
“It’s like I said. If they can’t get their shit together … well, they’ll learn how the real world works. The hard way,” William says. As though he is so old and wise. As though life hasn’t always made a way for men like him.
I’m shaking with anger. I think of the team. How this project could actually help make the world better. And these men, these snooty businessmen who probably don’t even understand the brilliance of Nathaniel and the team … GAH! It makes me so angry.
Fine. They don’t believe in Shemesh-Tek, but I do. I have rooted for the underdog most of my life. Just like Nathaniel. Just like Shemesh-Tek.
I won’t let these suits ruin that future. Anger pulses through me as I snatch up my box and stomp to my Jeep. I look down at my hands to find they’re glowing. Too bad if I went off now. I’d take these guys out.
How dare they talk like that? The gall. Nathaniel’s team doesn’t deserve this. Nathaniel doesn’t deserve this. Hell, nobody does.
“I should go and find HR,” I say to the picture of my grandparents.
If you think that’s best.
I can just imagine how that would go. Reporting that I was eavesdropping on the guy who owns half the town.
“Ugh.” I squeeze the steering wheel and throttle it, causing my upper body to shake back and forth. “It’s not fair. They’re good people. It’s a good project.”
Grandma Sue gives me that same patient look.
“Frick. Frick.”
I start the engine and drive to the other side of the base. All the while my brain is spinning. More and more anger bubbles on the surface as I go through security.
I grab my box and Ferngully from the passenger seat and stomp all the way through the corridors of the classified building Shemesh-Tek calls home. I stomp past the offices, aware of the ruckus I’m causing in the quiet building. I bang loudly on Nathaniel’s closed door.
When I glance back down the hall, a few heads pop quickly back into their offices.
Nathaniel opens the door, and I’m bombarded by his warm scent and sunny smile. A flash of my dream jumps into my brain and I shove it away. Not the time. I am here on a mission and seeing his handsome earnestness pushes my resolve.
