Page 41 of Matteo

“Matteo is not one to throw compliments around. He said your presentation was remarkable.”

I feel myself blushing. “He said that?”

“He did.”

I’m stunned into silence because I don't know what to make of that. I don't know whether to believe it or dismiss it. I'm still confused about how Matteo sees me after everything that's happened in the elevator and the interview.

I have a feeling he’s as confused as me. Still, my heart pitter patters at the thought of him saying something nice about me without him knowing it would get back to me.

I'm inclined to almost believe it.

“You don’t brag about yourself, do you?” Alex continues.

“There’s nothing to brag about,” I say with a smile. “This is what I know. What I do.”

A pregnant pause ensues, and I feel like Alex is waiting for me to elaborate, but I don’t.

“We need more women down here. If you were a guy, you’d be bragging away.”

I shift in my seat, feeling uncomfortable. I would never brag about myself, or my skills.

He scratches his beard. “We should go out to lunch one day, just to get to know one another better.”

My initial reaction is to be wary. To know that smiles and friendliness mean that someone wants something, but Alex seems different. Affable and friendly, but not in an overbearing way. My gut doesn't harden in warning.

“Sure. I'd like that.”

“I'll get Sonny and Joel to come as well.”

“That would be nice.”

This is slightly unfamiliar territory for me, and the idea of workplace connection is new to me, but getting invited to lunch is a good thing, I tell myself, especially the idea that Alex is doing this for me as a way of introducing me to the team. He’s just trying to make me feel welcome, and I should be grateful for it, not paranoid.

I've become so used to moving through foster homes and people without settling anywhere, without belonging, that this idea of people wanting to get to know me better, wanting to spend time with me and make me feel welcome, is alien to me.

“Maybe not today, because I'm sure the boss is keeping tabs on you and you've got work to do. A security audit, from what I understand.”

“To start with, yes.”

“Let me know if you need anything. I’m always happy to help. I have an open-door policy, so don’t hesitate to pop in if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Alex. I appreciate that.” My heart feels all soft and gooey. He reminds me a little bit of a young Arthur.

“Let's go to lunch on Friday. It'll be a nice end to the week.”

“Sure.” I like the idea of that. I like it very much.

“And, Elizabeth. Don’t make a habit of always having your lunch in the lab. Go out. Get some fresh air. Get some sun into your eyes. Meet people.”

“I won’t,” I promise, feeling more relaxed and happier. It does beat working all alone from home. It’s not so bad being around other people. Having company, not feeling isolated. I’m starting to feel not so bad about coming here. And also, Alex has been so welcoming. He has a caring ease about him, and I’ve taken a shine to him already. He’s such a stark contrast to Matteo, who is cold and controlled.

“I’d better get on with it. Nice meeting you, and remember, if you need anything, I'm over there.” He points to his office. “Welcome to the tech lab, Elizabeth.”

He gives me a reassuring smile, and I feel so much better. Uplifted. I think I'm going to like it here.

Unfortunately I end up having lunch at my desk. It's my first day, and I'm still getting my bearings. I'm not going to make a habit of this. I pull out my homemade cheese sandwich, a small, bruised apple, and a small bag of nuts. I also have my stainless steel insulated water bottle that I keep topped up throughout the day.

I take my sandwich out of the plastic container when I hear someone behind me.