Rude Boss

I reach over to press the Telecom button, ending the conference call. I say, “Phenomenal job, team. I think that went exceptionally well.”

No one says a word. They all sit there staring at me.

Mr. Cruz asks, “Are you feeling all right today, Mr. DePaul?”

Before I can answer, Mrs. Musk chuckles then says, “I was going to ask the same thing.”

Mrs. Zubar and Mrs. May are snickering amongst themselves.

I say, “I’m doing great. Why do you ask?”

“Um…” Mrs. May begins. “You’re usually not so—shall I say—chipper? This afternoon, you’re like a new person—a far cry from how you were this morning.”

I am in a much better mood this afternoon, coming off the high from my lunch date with Quintessa. She elevates my mood the way nothing else does. After all these years, I’ve never met a woman who could do what serotonin does to me. Imagine how difficult it must be for me to stay away from her. But, no matter how much I want her, no matter how happy she makes me, I can’t let her see it, just like I won’t let them know the reasons for my improved temperament.

I say, “It must be this opportunity. I’m always excited about the prospect of getting new business. More business equals more money, especially with Walbridge.”

“You got that right,” Mr. Cruz says.

“You all did a good job, and you’re free to carry on with your day,” I tell them, and I don’t wait for them to leave before I exit. I return to my office, close the door and stand behind it, amazed at what Quintessa is capable of doing to me. Part of it irritates me – that she has this hold on me – but what would I do with myself if she wasn’t here? I’d still be wondering, wishing and waiting for the chance to see her again, but thankfully, I don’t have to do that. She’s here – in my building, working for me. I can see her whenever I want.

I can feel her energy.

Admire her dark, espresso-colored eyes.

Smell her favorite sweet fragrances that I’ve committed to memory.

What irritates me at the moment is, I have no idea when I’ll see her again, and I’m not talking in passing at work. I want to spend a substantial amount of time with her and immerse myself in her life, so she knows my actions are intentional and that I want to be around her every chance I get.