“Yes, I was lucky, a miracle really, because my parents have permanent sticks up their asses,” Allegra said, and Shotgun spun around.
“Is that apple cobbler?” Rain demanded.
“Hi, Rain.”
“Hey, gorgeous girl. How’s it going?”
Shotgun stared at the vision in front of him. Allegra was more beautiful than he remembered, and she smiled.
“I’m good. How’re you?” she replied.
Shotgun reached out a hand, and Allegra shyly took it as he brought her closer to the phone.
“It’s going great. I’ve been offered a job in Bell Fourche, I’m going to accept it. It’s an extra twenty per cent on top of what I’m currently getting and has a shitload of employee benefits. Even better, if my formulas make it through clinical trials andare approved by the FDA, ENS will give me five per cent of all proceeds made.”
“You just spoke a completely foreign language,” Allegra teased as Shotgun continued to hold her hand.
“Rain’s a scientist. He works to create new pharmaceuticals. He just got one into FDA clinical trials. But his old place treated him like shit, so he’s recently accepted a job at ENS Pharmaceuticals in Bell Fourche,” Shotgun explained.
“That’s wonderful,” Allegra exclaimed.
“Yup. So, I’m going to be moving to your part of the country soon. I’m already house-searching.”
“Oh, I can help! I love stuff like that. Please tell me what you want, and I can whittle down the possibilities for you! When will you be here?” Allegra demanded excitedly.
“Need to work a month’s leave, but they owe me three weeks’ vacation, so I’m taking it. And…” Rain drew the word out, “I was required to go to HR today. They were highly concerned about my resignation.”
“Fuckin’ should be, especially with the shit you’ve been dealing with,” Shotgun growled out.
Allegra cocked her head and looked at him.
“Rain’s supervisor is a homophobic asshole. He’s racist, rude, and a bully. Rain wouldn’t let me intimidate him. Tell me you named Matthews and claimed a hostile working environment.”
Shotgun waited and heard Rain pause. Shit, had Rain ignored Matthews’ behaviour again? He was ready to drive over there and put the fear of God into the fuckin’ asshole.
“No,” Rain replied.
Shotgun exploded, “Rain! You can’t let Matthews get away—”
“Shut up. I listed all the reasons, including the fact that I’m bisexual, but was unable to declare that because of Matthews.”
Shotgun chewed his lip. Okay then. “Proud of you.”
“I doubt anything will happen; the man’s a genius, but I wasn’t the only one who gave their notice.” Now Rain sounded smug.
Shotgun stepped closer to Allegra and placed a hand on her waist. He left it loose in case she wanted to pull away, but Allegra smiled.
“More did?” Shotgun asked.
“Yeah. As soon as I announced I was leaving, seven others in my lab handed theirs in, citing the same reasons. They’ve also all applied to ENS Pharmaceuticals, whom I contacted and explained that they are my team. ENS has offered interviews to everyone and is willing to give us our own laboratory. My lab assistant informed me I was the reason they stayed.” Rain sounded overwhelmed and confused.
Shotgun smiled. “Because you’re a good guy.”
“You have to say that, you love me,” Rain quipped, and Shotgun laughed.
“Not all the time. Have you told your sisters yet?”
“No. Can’t you wait until I get a house?” Rain whined.
