This Can't Be Love 2

Chapter 9: Clear The Air

At Walsh Industries, Aaron logs in to his email from his laptop. He sees the message from Mia that was sent to everyone in the company and nods his head. He clicks the intercom button on his desk phone and brings it to his face to make an announcement.

"Attention all Walsh Industries employees of The Northwest US Branch... As I am sure, you've all seen e-mail messages in the past couple of days regarding a matter that was to be kept personal. This will not be ignored. I'd like everyone to meet me in the main demonstration hall for a brief talk in ten minutes."

Down in the lobby, Mia tries to conceal her smile as she hears the announcement. She looks around and starts to see people walking toward the main hall behind the reception area. People come down from the stairs and walk past her, avoiding eye contact. Others come out from the elevators and head toward the main hall as well. Aaron then passes by her and taps the counter.

"You too, Mia."

"But there's nobody to cover the front counter..."

"No one shows up in person on a Saturday, Mia. If they call, the auto-answet will have them hold until you get back. They can wait, it'll be quick. Put a 'back in ten' sign on the counter, just in case, and come. I'm sure security will let them know you'll be right out."

"Right away, Mr. W--"

"Mr. What?"

"Aaron..."

"Thanks for remembering."

Aaron walks away from the counter and heads to the main hall. Mia logs out from the computer and walks in the same direction Aaron just did.

Over at the Demo Hall, a high number of employees are gathered. They are standing around patiently waiting and lightly chattinng among themselves. Aaron then takes to the center of the room and stands on top of a vehicle prototype to get everyone's attention.

"Okay... Let's make this quick... I know it's Saturday an things aren't that busy but I don't wanna keep you all too long. By a show of hands, who here has NOT seen the email measage from Brenda regarding her resignation?"

He pauses for a few seconds and looks around. No one raises their hand.

"Good. So you all saw what she had to say in regards to Myself and Mia. I've asked you all here to ask a simple question... So what?"

He looks around to everyone in the room for a few seconds. He then extends his hand out toward Mia.

"Mia, would you join me on top of the car, please?"

Mia approaches him and grabs his hand. He helps her up and she now sits on top of the car, next to where he stands. She has a look of doubt and slight embarrassment on her face. Aaron addresses the room again.

"Is there anyone who feels as though Brenda's reaction to this is justified? Anyone feel like my personal life affects their work environment? In other words... Does anyone have enough of a problem with the fact that Mia and I are seeing each other that you too would want to quit?"

No one answers, so after a brief pause Aaron continues.

"Good. I'd hate to lose more people over nonsense. Let it be known that if Brenda would have been just a little more professional, she'd still be with us. But hopeully all the questions on me being single and the whole topic in general will cease."

Mia smiles nervously at everyone. People are commenting among themselves but are afraid to speak out. Aaron hops down from atop the car and then holds Mia's hand to help her down as well.

"And back to work we go..."

Mia hugs Aaron and talks to him very low so no one can hear...

"Everyone is so scared to lose their jobs, Aaron. It almost makes me feel sorry for them."