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Oh God he is going to start talking about work and test me again on some detail.
After a considered pause, he continues, “that I should be more appreciative of the work you have been performing.”
“Oh wow, I do love her,” I blurt out. It’s the God Honest truth. My words seem to have a softening effect on his face. He also seems a little surprised.
“How well do you know her, Miss Banner?”
Is he challenging my genuine regard for Pricilla?
“Well enough to know that she doesn’t take nonsense from anyone. That she knows handbags inside out, that she encourages other women to be badass…uh I mean successful.”
I can see that I have his attention. I keep going, “On my first day, she took the time to say some kind words. Did she have to? No. But she did. Those are the moments… Anyway, yes, I do love her.”
“You are open with your feelings, though that can be dangerous at work Miss Banner.” He looks into my eyes, creating an immediate pull, I am trying to ignore but it keeps pulling me. I want to talk straight.
“I don’t schedule my feelings Mr. Knight.”
He is taken aback by my words. “Very well said Miss Banner. Pricilla is all those things you observed. Uh she also mentioned that I …” he pauses.
Is he having difficulties saying something?
“She mentioned that I need to get feedback from the team about myself. She appears to be under the impression that people have difficulties approaching me. And that I am not appreciative enough,” he says looking at my face, “verbally that is.”
Is he attempting to be nice?
“So. Miss Banner, what you have managed to achieve in the few weeks you have been at Elysian has not gone unnoticed.”
I stay quiet not wanting to screw this moment up.
He is attempting to thank me. Why is this so hard for him?
“You are talented and hardworking, you delivered what you promised. We…I mean, I am glad you are part of the team.”
Wow! That was unexpected! More of that Please!
“Don’t look so shocked Miss Banner, I know what you think of me. I am also aware of some of the names employees have for me. I don’t live in a bubble.”
“Really?” I can’t help but challenge him.
“Mr. Grump, Mr. Chief Executive Snob, shall I go on?”
I can’t help suppressing a smile on that last one.
He is not entirely amused by my smile. “Now where you are sitting, Jessica was supposed to sit there, but she exchanged her seat with Jake. Jake probably asked you to sit here in his place.
I don’t even bother denying it. “How did you know?”
“Happens every time I travel with the team. No one wants to sit with me. I am quite used to it by now. They think I am all work and that’s fine by me.”
It is not fine at all. It hurts him!
“Did you know that once I made a speech, to the whole design team, about how we had improved our whole building. And guess what?”
Holy ravioli! I do know because Jessica told me that story.
“What?” I pretend shamelessly.
“No response. No questions about my speech. They wanted me to just go away. So, I did.”
