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Manhandle?I’d never been accused of such a thing. With the history of how women had been treated in Tabiq, I was always very cautious of my interactions. Never wanted my actions to be misconstrued as anything improper.
Instantly, I let go of her arm and dropped my hands to the sides. “I am sorry. My intention was only to ensure you were steady on your feet.”
“As you can see, I am fine. Now if you’ll excuse me. I must be going,” she said, trying to slip by.
I liked her tactic. Smooth. A good try, yet it wasn’t working. She was not leaving with or without the laptop. Even if she wasn’t here to steal, she was trespassing on private property. My property.
Blocking her way so she couldn’t get to the door, I reminded her, “I am still waiting for an answer.”
The fire I had seen in her eyes faded. “I already explained.”
“Not to my liking. I understand you were here for the laptop. Why?”
“I told you. It was for Mr. Mayas,” she said.
“And is there a reason why he is not here retrieving it himself?” I asked.
Her eyes avoided mine as she replied, “He’s not feeling well.”
“So, he is sick?” I questioned. She nodded but said nothing. “And you’re here to bring him his laptop so he can work from home?” I asked. More nods. Still didn’t make any sense. Why didn't Almi know Trye was out sick? Why hadn’t I been informed either? She was spinning a good tale, but I wasn’t buying it. “And why haven’t I been informed that he has been ill? Don’t you think he should’ve called me?”
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a cell phone. “He had left his phone in the office with the laptop.”
The phone could belong to anyone. But if it was Trye’s, it was easy enough to find out. Reaching out I asked, “May I have it?”
She hesitated for a second, then handed it to me. I opened it and sure enough, it was a company cell phone. At least she hadn’t lied about that.
“Are you satisfied?” she asked.
Not at all.
“Maybe I should bring him the phone myself,” I stated.
“No,” she blurted out. I raised a brow and she added, “I mean, I wouldn’t want you to get sick too. Who would run the business if you did?”
I am sure she was not concerned with my health. But if Trye was ill, it would make sense that he chose to work from home. At least he was making the effort to stay on top of everything.
Handing her the phone I said, “I agree. Someone needs to be here. Do you have any idea how long he will be out?” So far, she hadn’t even said what Trye was suffering from.
“I...I would think he should be back in the office within a week.”
“A week!?” She nodded. “Has he seen a doctor?”
“I’m sure he is getting the care he needs. But if you’ll excuse me, I will bring him his things and he can get back to work, which I’m sure you will be happy about.”
“You make it sound as though I don’t care about his well-being,” I replied.
“I would never make such an assumption. Maybe you’re just feeling guilty,” she said.
Wow. A moment ago, the woman was acting as though I intimidated her, and now she was challenging my character. Either she was the bravest woman or just didn’t realize who I was.
“Trust me, I have no feeling or guilt. I have a business to run. Many people rely on me to do my job, so they have one. If...Mr. Mayas is unable to do his, then he can and will be replaced.” I forced a smile and said, “But please give him a message for me. I hope he is feeling better soon because we have alotto discuss when he returns.”
Her eyes were wide, and she looked at me in disbelief.No sweetheart. You’re reading me right. I am an asshole. It's called being the boss.
She cleared her throat and before leaving the office as I expected, she said, “I still need the laptop. I’m sure there is plenty he can still do remotely.”
“There is.” I walked over to the desk and grabbed the laptop and cord. I handed both to her. “Is there anything else I can get you?” I asked sarcastically.
