Page 10 of Fated to Her

I turn my computer on and check a few emails before Cyrus’s phone buzzes on my desk. A text message is sent to everyone’s phone for an emergency meeting in Boardroom 3. It is the largest in the building, more like a hall, and is mostly used for functions. Eli and Cyrus step out of their offices.

“Addie, are you still coming with us?”

I nod, getting up and making my way over to them.

Eli has a folder full of papers tucked in his arm. We make our way to the third floor to see people filing into the boardroom. Even the security guards are attending, meaning they will have had to lock the building up while everyone is in the meeting.

The crowd of people parts as Eli and Cyrus stride in, heading toward the stage. Cyrus grabs my hand, tugging me after him, and Bella and Taylor look around nervously as they sit at the front. I go to sit next to them but Eli calls me over.

“Hand these out for me, please,” he says, handing me a folder of papers.

I turn back to everyone as they take their seats. I open the folder to see it full of pamphlets on workplace bullying and sexual harassment. I peer up at them, but Eli is too busy eyeing the crowd of people. There are roughly 250 people crammed into the room, and those are only the ones rostered on today.

I pass handfuls of papers to the first person in each row, telling them to pass them down the line.

“It has come to our attention that some employees have been acting inappropriately toward their colleagues. So, in light of this information, we will be discussing this type of behavior—behavior that will not be tolerated.”

Cyrus fiddles with the projector before pulling a screen down on the wall behind Eli.

He then goes on to explain an anonymous drop box will be set up in an office that only he and Cyrus will have access to, and the main floor manager—hopefully, Bella if she accepts the promotion. A mail slot will be put in the door with a box, so anyone with any complaints or even suggestions to improve things around the workplace can use it. Those using it won’t be singled out as the box will serve two purposes.

We then watch a few workplace bullying and harassment videos, explaining what is and isn’t appropriate behavior.

A few people become visibly nervous, and a few women have smirks on their faces as they outright stare at some of the men. But it isn’t just the men. The women working here can also become quite catty toward each other. Even a few women I know who are bitches and known to sling threats or names at others, are sinking in their seats.

By the time the meeting is over, it’s almost lunchtime. Eli eventually dismisses everybody, the room clearing quickly. I head over to Taylor, knowing we usually have lunch together, before Eli calls Bella over. She looks at me nervously, and I give her a reassuring smile as she follows him. Cyrus, however, comes over to Taylor and me.

“Come, I want to show you something we had done while the meeting was on,” he says.

He takes us downstairs to the ground floor walking us to the office Maya is usually in after school. Only it has been completely transformed. Colorful pictures hang on the wall, and there are toys, a drawing station, egg chairs, and even a daybed.

“Your mother told us you would have to take Maya more soon. That her shifts are changing again.”

Taylor nods, gazing into the kids’ play area.

“Well, now she has somewhere to play while you work, and I will give you the key since you’re always down here anyway. So, anyone coming in with kids has somewhere they can play.”

Taylor nods.

“We have also organized a driver to pick her up, so you don’t have to use your lunch break anymore,” Cyrus tells her.

“You did this for Maya?” Taylor asks, seemingly shocked.

“Yes, she is our niece,” he says, looking at me.

I’m a little stumped by the comment, but it also makes my heart do little backflips that they consider my family theirs.

“It can be used by anyone if they have to bring in their kids,” he says, handing her the key. She takes it, then hugs him tight.

“Thank you,” she says. She quickly steps back, realizing what she’s done.

“Shit, no contact. I’m sorry. I know we just watched that whole thing on harassment—”

Cyrus laughs at her, and so do I.

“I’m just going to be quiet now,” she says, her cheeks turning red.

The elevator doors open, and Bella comes running out excitedly, squealing. She runs toward Taylor before spotting Cyrus, calming herself, and straightening her blouse like a sophisticated lady.