His lips purse, and at first I think he’s not going to answer, but he eventually sighs. “Group projects aren’t for everyone. There are some that seemingly thrive in independent work, but the moment they’re put on a multi-person project, their true colors show. I don’t want people here that aren’t open to new ideas. It’s completely fine to kindly shoot them down if you have reasons to back it up, but it also becomes readily apparent when several people are involved to see who isn’t pulling their own weight, or cutting corners. I don’t tolerate that, no matter how long someone’s been with the company. We can’t afford to become complacent or ride someone else’s coattails in this industry.”
Stretching my hand across the table, I give him a soft smile. “I appreciate your honesty, and can promise that I’m up for the hazing period of caffeine meal replacement and sleeping at the office until we get you back on track.”
Grinning, he takes my hand and shakes it. “Welcome aboard, Sabrina. I look forward to the anonymous complaints about you when you start showing people up.”
He withdraws a hiring packet from his drawer and passes it over as I laugh, and I skim through it before leaving, ensuring there isn’t anything pertinent that needs addressed. When nothing stands out, he calls down to security so that I can get my badge on the way out.
“So, two weeks?” he asks reluctantly and I cringe.
“I sort of... quit, when you called so that I could make the interview.” Giving him a quick rundown on what happened because I figure the full transparency will counteract how bad it looks that I quit without notice and lied to get out of work.
I'm immensely relieved when his face lights up, pleased. “Well, I can’t say I’m disappointed that you’ll be able to start tomorrow, though I do hope that working here won’t make you contemplate shoving your poor grandmother into traffic. We don’t require our employees to resort to such extremes; just fake a cold like everyone else,” he teases. “But we respond well to honesty, and would rather you take a day now and again if you’re reaching your breaking point rather than burn out. Oh, and, Sabrina?”
He escorts me towards his office door and I raise an eyebrow in silent question. “Use your vacation days. You only get one life, and while I adore commitment, especially when we’re in the middle of a hard deadline, your identity isn’t ‘Byte-ware employee.’ You don’t get bonus points for sacrificing every waking moment for a company. Travel, see the world, be happy. We thrive here because we don’t lock ourselves in cubicles for twelve hour days and work ourselves to death. We search for inspiration, live, and see what we can do that would improve the quality of life for people. Can’t do that if you’re miserable.”
Nodding, I clutch my packet to my chest as he guides me to the elevator. “Thank you for that. My mother is a firm believer of ‘if you have time to stand around with your head in the clouds, you aren’t working hard enough.’ I have to make a conscious effort to remind myself to stop and smell the roses, sometimes.”
He gives me a sad, understanding smile as I enter the elevator. “Then I do believe you’ll get along with your team famously.” Tapping the packet, he adds, “Let me know if you have any questions or issues, my door’s always open.”
With a nod of thanks, I head back to the lobby. Approaching the security desk, I’m surprised to see Cinjin leaning against the wall on the opposite side, scrolling on his phone. Immersed in what he’s doing, I manage to get my picture taken and badge printed without his notice, only drawing his eye when I approach.
“What are you still doing here?”
He gives me a confused look. “What were you going to do, run home? In this heat? Gross.” Tucking away his phone, he flicks my packet. “So, I take it that it went well?”
Unable to help myself, I grin. “Start tomorrow, so it looks like you’re stuck cleaning up after yourself like the rest of us lowly heathens.”
Chuckling, he leads the way back out to the parking garage. “Well, since you have the rest of the day free, you should come dress shopping with me.”
“What are you looking for?”
He rolls his eyes as we exit the elevator. “I told Emmy I’d take her today. I was on my way to the house to pick her up and switch to the SUV when you caught my eye.”
Guiltily, I point out, “You didn’t have to stay.”
He passes me his helmet, throwing his leg over his bike and waiting for me to climb on behind him. “If Bo didn’t shank me for abandoning you, Em would’ve. Not going to kill her to wait an extra hour to go to the store. Besides, she’s just going to ask for my opinion every five seconds and then ignore it anyway. She’ll listen to your suggestions, so maybe I won’t be stuck there all afternoon, now.”
I hadn’t even realized I’d been in there so long, the time flying by. “I suppose it’s the least I can do to pay you back for the ride.” Without anywhere else to put it, I sit on top of my packet of paperwork before tightly latching onto him.
“Nah, you don’t owe me anything, I was headed this way anyway. Besides, it’s not a burden to hang out with you. One might even argue it’s mildly fun,” he teases as he walks us backward out of the parking space.
“Me giving you the heimlich as you play in traffic is fun? You really need to get out more.”
“You raise the stakes,” he explains. “And I like a challenge. It’s like the difference between playing paintball, and paintball: capture the flag edition. One, the worst that happens is you get sent out of the game. It’s easy not to care if you get shot. The other, your teammates are relying on you. If you get shot, not only is the flag left unprotected, you let everyone down.”
Cocking my head, I peer over his shoulder, though the clunky headgear makes it difficult to get a decent look at his face. “Pretty sure you let your team down either way; paintball’s a team sport regardless of the stakes. No matter what variation of the game you’re playing, if you lose enough people on your side, the other guys are almost guaranteed to win.”
“Ain’t that the damn truth,” he murmurs. Revving the engine, the sound bounces around the parking garage as he navigates us out, cutting off the conversation.
