Page 58 of Game Over

“Coming right up.”

I turned around and leaned back against the bar next to Allie. “This has a good turnout so far, huh?”

“Yeah, it does, and it’s still early. People weren’t lying; they really did go all out. Look over there.” She pointed to a stage in the middle of an area across from us. “They actually got a quartet to play, holy shit.”

“I can’t believe it.” The bartender came back up and handed us our drinks. We walked around, stopping to talk to people here and there. Allie introduced me to her department head, Celine. In turn, Celine wanted to introduce her to some other higher-ups, so she was whisked away to talk to them, and I didn’t want to impose, so I continued walking around and looking at all the decorations they put up.

Multiple standing tables outlined the perimeter of the gala, tucked between posts they erected and strung lights on. They had a few chairs for people to sit, which started about halfway and went to the back. The tables had various centerpieces with small pumpkins, autumn-colored leaves, and candles. On the right, they had a DJ playing music while people were still arriving, and in the middle of it all was a dance floor with a giant raised round stage where the quartet was setting up.

As I walked by one of the tables, a group of guys stood around it, talking and drinking.

“Yeah, dude, did you see her talking to Celine? Does she actually think she’s going to get that spot?” Surely they aren’t talking about Allie? Maybe someone else? I slowed my pace so I could eavesdrop some more.

“Fuck, yeah, she may have a nice face and great tits, but the rest? Nah man. You can put makeup on a pig, but guess what? Still a pig.” The blonde one with a bad receding hairline and beaked nose in the middle of the group said, and they all busted out laughing at his bad attempt at a joke. I settled at a table within earshot, pretending to take in the decorations and sip my drink. My heart was pounding in my ears as I continued to listen to them.

“Besides, no way would they hire some fat chick as a department head of a PR and Marketing firm. They need someone who looks like they’re in control and knows what they’re doing. She clearly can’t even take care of herself if she looks like that.” Well, this just wouldn't do. I’d be damned if I let some poor excuse of a man talk about my girl that way. I walked up and joined the group at the table.

“Hey guys, how're you doing tonight?” I tilted my bottle toward them in greeting, and they all did so back, saying they were having a good night so far. “Man, they went all out for this, huh? And have you seen some of the women here?” The one who I first heard piped up.

“That’s what we were just talking about. How some of 'em should’ve stayed home.” He smirked as he raised his bottle to his lips. Where did men find the audacity?

“Oh shit, yeah? Which ones? I’m new here, so I’m still learning about everyone. My name is Spencer, by the way.” They didn’t need to know that I was in IT yet, or that I had been here for a couple of months now.

The blonde, who acted as the leader of the group, stuck his hand out to shake mine as he answered me. “Well, it’s nice to have ya, man. The name’s Paul. We’re the top managers, so hang with us, and you’ll go far. Here, let me show you.”

He walked around to where I stood and slung an arm over my shoulders and spun me around. He reeked of cheap aftershave, and his hair looked like it had a pound of oil in it. “See that chick over there?” He pointed toward where Allie was still talking with her supervisors. “Well, let’s just say she thinks she’s going to get this big promotion coming up, but it’s for sure going to me. You want someone easy to look at, and, well, let's face it. She’s not it. She may be a good fuck, but that’s about it. Always has a stick up her ass too.” He patted my shoulder and let out a sleazy laugh. Red filled my vision. The others started laughing at what he said, and one piped up.

“Yeah, didn’t you say that you slept with her once, and that she’s been begging you since then for more?”

“Yup. She was new at the time, and well, I figured I’d do a little community service. Right, boys?” The group started laughing with him, all of them finding his disgusting behavior humorous. Clearly, this man had no shame since he continued, “It didn’t take much to get her into my bed and have her screaming my name. She was too needy for my taste, ya know? Besides, I'm sure everyone around the neighborhood has had a ride.” Another round of laughs. No one stood up for her or called him out on his toxic behavior.

I tilted my chin down and started to slowly laugh. This fucker didn’t know the first thing about her or where she came from.

“Oh man, you’ve really fucked up. Here’s some advice for you, Paul.” I grabbed his hand and threw it off my shoulder as I tried to keep my temper under control. “First off, you’re a disgusting pig and should learn some fucking manners. Second, a woman is more than what she looks like. She’s her intelligence, her courage, her heart. My guess is you’re a sleazeball who doesn’t ever do their job, and she doesn’t give you the time of day because, bud let’s face it, you’re so out of her league it’s not even funny.”

“What the hell, man? What the fuck did I do to you?” Shooting an accusatory glance at me, his voice rose and drew attention to those closest to us.

“Don’t ever let me hear Allie’s name out of your mouth again, or we’re going to have a problem, understand? That beautiful and insanely brilliant woman deserves any opportunities she gets, and I’ll make sure you’re not someone who’s in her way. Got it?”

“Dude, who the fuck even are you? If you want the fat chick, then she’s all yours. No pussy is that good.”

The shred of control I had on my anger snapped. I lunged forward, crowding his space, my glasses slipping down my face, and was about to draw my fist back, not caring if I was making a scene, when I inhaled the calming scent of coconut and felt a tug on my arm.

“Spencer, no. They aren’t worth it. He isn’t worth it. Let's go.” I looked over to her, letting her scent and presence calm me. I nodded my head and let her pull me away to a table at the back, away from people.

“Paul, seriously? Grow the fuck up. I’ll see you Monday morning with HR.” Allie looked down her nose at him before she steered us away from the group, and I tried to regain control of my temper.

“Are you okay?” She rubbed my face and adjusted my glasses. I took a deep breath. “You were about to lose your cool there, huh, lover boy?” Her low chuckle sent another wave of peace over my frayed nerves. I took a few more deep breaths for good measure.

“Yeah, I’m good. I don’t know what came over me. I haven’t gotten that worked up in a long time, but the way they were talking made me snap. They’re pigs. Actually, no. That’s an insult to pigs. They’re—I can’t even think of what they are, but they’re horrible.” Running my hand through my hair, loosening some of the gelled back curls, I’m sure I looked more disheveled.

“Yeah, they aren’t good people, and I wish they’d get fired already, but you know how that process goes. Pretty sure he’s related to someone higher up.”

“Do they act like this to your face? Is this normal?" My back molars ground against each other.

“Not directly, but underhanded comments are made, yes. Paul undermines me any chance he can and always questions the decisions I make. Since we’re back more at home than in the office, it’s easier to deal with him via email.” She rolled her eyes and went on. “I’ll be reporting him to HR, don't worry.”

“Well, I hope they get what’s coming to them. Pricks. I hope you didn’t hear much of the conversation.”