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For the first time since I walked in the room, Nolan’s smile vanished, and a scowl took its place. “This is for a digital art job. Where’s a computer? A drawing tablet?”
Addie didn’t miss a beat. “We all work with our hands as well. Concept sketches, other things. This is the interview requirement, and looking at your portfolio, it shouldn’t be an issue.”
She and I watched as he scribbled his way through a recreation that looked nothing like his art or mine.
“That’ll be fine,” I stopped him when he had a rough concept in place. It was too painful to wait for more, no matter how much I wanted to see him crash and burn.
“I’m not done,” Nolan said.
This was where I’d say we’ll get back to you, and send him on his way to let him stress and stew.
Addie slid the notepad away from him and studied it. “Your work has potential, but it’s not up to our standards.” No pulling punches with her today. Or most days. “If you’d like to take a few classes, I can recommend some great teachers, and you’re welcome to re-apply in a year or two.”
Nolan turned red. I’d never seen that literally happen to someone who was angry. “This is a bullshit test. The environment is shitty and you sat and watched me the whole time. I don’t need to prove my skill because Dustin stole the art you already have. That is my skill.”
Anger surged inside me.
Addie covered my hand with hers, and smiled sweetly and Nolan. “You’re a liar.”
“Excuse me?” Nolan stared at her in disbelief.
“You don’t have the skill to do this job. If you want to steal someone else’s work, this isn’t the place to do it.” She set the notepad back on my stack. “This will go to our attorneys. If you threaten us again, they will tie you up in court for years, and we will not keep things quiet. Can you really afford that hit to your wallet? Your career?”
“Are you threatening me, you stupi—”
“Get out.” I had to cut him off because if he finished that sentence, I’d deck him. I was already looking for an excuse. “We’re done here.”
Addie’s sugary sweet smile never faded. “Have a lovely day.” She offered her hand.
He scowled and stormed from the room.
I followed to make sure he actually left the offices, then turned to Addie, who had come with us. I didn’t know what to say first. That she kicked ass in there. That I was so happy to see her. That I loved her desperately and I didn’t want her going back to anyone’s house but mine or Phillip’s?
“Judith is in Art and wants to see both of you,” Ivan said before I could pick an option.
“You were brilliant in there.” I told Addie as we headed to our offices. Everything else tried to push its way out, but would have to wait.
Her saccharine smile was gone, and now the exhaustion around her eyes and mouth was obvious. “Thanks. I was a little pissed off. Did it show?”
“I wasn’t even looking for that. Fuck him if he didn’t like it.”
“But don’t.” Her tone lifted and I glanced at her to see a corner of her mouth tugged up.
We walked into Art to find Judith had made herself at home at an empty desk and was chatting with Phillip. “How’d the interview go?” she asked.
“Addie handled it. The problem is gone.” There were few things I was more certain of.
Judith didn’t look convinced. “I’ve heard that before.”
I patted my sketchpad. “If he comes back, it won’t be an issue, I guarantee it.”
“Good,” Judith said.
“I get that you’re all pals, but in my world, boss sitting in the office doesn’t mean good things.” Addie sounded apprehensive. “What’s up?”
Judith gave a rare soft smile. “No beating around the bush, then. You all saw the announcement about funding, but in order for that to work, this department needs some changes.”
No shit. This was it. She was here to give me my job. Dustin Lane—Director of Art.It had an incredible ring to it.
