I lower the coffee pot down a little harder than needed, startling them all. The nerve of them to spit their venom behind my back and then act like scared little rats as soon as I’m here. I can’t let them do this to me, to my authority, and to Jake. It’s my personal life, myprivatelife.
I take a packet of stevia and a stirrer, gathering the little more courage I need, then turn to them again. They think I’m a harpy? I’ll show them what that’s like.
The temptation to fire Isabel and Larry is great, but I’ll need them if I want the report ready by the eighth.
“I let it slide last time because I believe in character growth and hoped you would abstain from gossiping about me again. I see that was naive of me, so this time, I will file a complaint with HR to let them know there’s an issue. And the next time I catch someone gossiping about me—or anyone in the office for that matter—they are getting fired. Is that clear?”
They say nothing, staring at me with their eyes widened and their jaws slacked. I can’t believe I felt so intimidated by them. They are nothing, just a bunch of overpaid adults with a high school mentality. They aren’t worth all the attention and pain I allow them to get out of me.
“Is that clear?” I repeat louder.
They collectively nod, some mumbling “Yes” along with it.
“Good. Now, go back to work. We have a new assignment, so we’ll meet in the conference room right after lunch.”
They scatter like the cockroaches they are, and I end up alone in the break room, feeling victorious.
Wherever this came from, I like it. It’s empowering.
I’m still not over it when I reenter my office with my coffee. Those threats I made weren’t just to scare them. I will actually enact them and reach out to HR with a detailed account of the incidents, as well as names. And if I hear more nasty gossip, I’ll ensure NexaCorp throws them to the curb, where they belong.
My phone’s waiting by my computer when I sit, so I grab it to check if anything happened during the past couple of hours. Hana sent details about her birthday to the group chat,The Timespushed an article in my notifications, and Jake texted. As soon as I see that last one, my heart races, and my lips bend into a broad smile. I open it before everything else and smile even harder when I read it.
Ladder Guy
We could still be in bed if you weren’t so rigorous about work.
With a small sigh, I send,
Me
Trust me, I wish we were.
Ladder Guy
Everything alright, red?
Me
People are idiots.
Ladder Guy
And it took you almost twenty-seven years to realize that?
Me
I always suspected it, but today is strongly confirming it.
Ladder Guy
Anyone bothering you? You want me to come and break some jaws?
I giggle again, truly entertained by his attempt at cheering me up. It’s definitely working.
Me
I’ll manage. It’s just frustrating because the day started so well. I was in such a good mood :(
