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1
ROSE
My fingers run across the ergonomic keyboard as I touch-type the latest code while shifting my gaze between the two monitors. On one black screen, the chemical elements get attached and removed in the large cyclic organic compound. On the other screen, I glance through the report that summarizes the effects of the potential drugs developed by these modifications.
A knock on my door startles me, and I jump in my seat. Oscar Hawthorne, chief of staff at Elixir Inc. and my boss and friend, peers at me.
Oscar takes a few steps into my office. “I thought you were off today, Rose. Aren’t you working over the weekend for the live release of your code? Is someone from your team supporting you?”
Heat climbs up my neck, and I rub it through the thick flannel collar of my shirt as Oscar hammers me with questions. My gaze jumps from his perfect face to the cursor blinking on the computer screen.
“You know, I…work best alone.” I hate giving him the same bland response every time and busy myself with adjusting the perfectly aligned monitor to hide the humiliation that is likely palpable on my face.
A moment passes, but I don’t look up. I’d hate to see the disappointment on his face.
“What are you working on?” He perches on the chair to my left. Placing his beloved silver Zippo lighter on the table, Oscar peers at the monitor.
Scooting to the edge of my seat, I turn the screen, ensuring he has a better view.
“I’ve developed a program that simulates chemical synthesis and generates results on the side effects and drug efficiency. It’s using the top three international drug databases to map the information.” I glance sideways to see if he’s following the discussion.
A proud smile lights his face. “That’s amazing, Rose!”
Giving my computer screen one last look, he settles back in his chair.
“Did you reconsider the promotion?”
“I… I can’t take it, Oscar. I’m happy being a data scientist. The new position you’re offering involves having direct reports beneath me. That requires a lot of…interaction.”
Glancing up, I notice his gaze glued on me, most likely wondering what twenty-seven-year-old engineer denies a promotion because it involves talking to people. But he surprises me.
“We can always redefine a role more suited to you.”
“It would be unfair to other employees who can”—I sweep my hand to the side—“do much more.” And by much more, I mean not hiding behind computer screens during discussions, their blood not running cold at the mention of presentations, or them not quaking in their shoes whenever someone calls their name in a meeting.
Thankfully, Kristy sashays into my office, looking pretty as always in her teal A-line dress and stilettos and putting a halt to the uncomfortable discussion.
“Didn’t I tell you he’d love it?”
“Why do you get to see everything first, even though I’m the boss?” Oscar leans back in his chair before crossing his arms over his chest.
“You might be the boss, but I’m the roomie. The best friend.”
He shakes his head before getting up. “We have a lunch reservation at Giovanni’s. If you’re both late, I won’t wait for thirty fucking minutes like last time.”
Kristy makes a funny face behind Oscar’s back before following him out of my office.
Luckily, today we managed to reach Giovanni’s, one of the most famous Italian restaurants in Cherrywood, on time.
“So, what’s new with management?” Kristy asks Oscar as the waiter brings our drinks.“Is Zander Teager’s trip confirmed?” I settle back in my chair at the reserved corner table in the back of the restaurant.
Oscar lightly nods, his gaze focused on reading the label of his soda can.
“You don’t have to be so tight lipped. It’s not like his travel is a secret.”
I bite my lip, trying to hide the creeping smile. If Kristy wants something, even a small piece of information, she’ll get it, no matter how.
Oscar shakes his head.“I don’t like gossip, Kristy. You know that.”
