“Do you hate working with Eloise because you have to learn a new way of communication?” she asks, and I bite my lip. “Or is there something else?”
“I just hate her. She comes in, and she’s so comfortable, and she’s made friends,” I snap. “I’m angry that the team can get over losing Rosie and accept Eloise when she’s been a thorn in our side for the last few seasons.”
“So, you find it frustrating that the team has accepted Eloise? Did they not do that for you?”
I wince. “They did. It took longer, I think.”
Her soft smile feels grating. “Are you looking at it through a positive lens or a negative lens?”
I bite my lip. “Maybe negative?”
“It was a new change for you,” she says, “Change is very hard.”
The words echo in my mind. “You’re not the first person who has told me this.”
She huffs a small laugh. “That person was wise to remind you, even if it is difficult to hear.” I purse my lips in frustration. “But let’s look back at Eloise. I know that you two have some history both during college and professionally. Have you ever tried to talk with her outside of work?”
Embarrassment floods through me. “No.”
She hums, “Would that be something you’re interested in doing?”
I bite back the immediate no. “I have to get to know her to be successful in my position.”
“It may seem like a chore, but do you have something that you can do together?”
“We’re hiking the Grouse Grind with Brynn this week.”
“Excellent! What a fantastic way to bond,” Marguerite says.
“Over something traumatic?” I mutter to her delight. She snorts, something unbecoming but delightfully human.
At least I don’t have to worry that she’s a robot. “Well, they do say misery loves company, and if Brynn is there, then she can facilitate conversations and break the awkwardness up.”
“I’m not awkward around her.” The look she gives me flattens me. “I’m not!”
“Taylor, I know we haven’t spoken much, but I know for a fact that you’re awkward around her and you’re lying to me.”
My stomach sours. She’s right, and I hate it. “Fine. How did you…?”
“I’ve watched a few practices,” she raises an eyebrow, “I like to make sure that everyone is gelling well. It’s good for the team, and I like to see how everyone is working in case there’s an issue that crops up later on.”
My face drops. “So you noticed an issue?”
“I was expecting this call.” I cross my arms, not wanting to share how right she is. It’s rude that she is right. “Why does Eloise make you awkward?”
“Why does anyone make me awkward?” I ask, maybe a bit too quickly. “There’s just something about her?”
“She replaced Rosie.”
“There’s definitely that,” I mutter.
“So, you resent Rosie for not reaching out and you resent Eloise for being here. I think I’m going to end our meeting soon, but before I do, is there anyone else that’s currently weighing on you?”
“My ex-fiancé,” I mutter. She furrows her brow, not able to hear me, and I feel a little more comfortable. “No… No one. Hey, would you look at the time? You said you had to go? Well, bye Marguerite!” I shout, frantically tapping away at the end call button on my phone.
The silence in the car is oppressive for a moment.
I can’t tell if this is going to help or hinder, but I guess it won’t hurt in the meantime.
