Everything Is Blue

Chapter 11

All morning, Kimbra's mind was assailed by doubts. Even spending most of her time in the Research and Development department didn't distract her.

What if he didn't actually want you there? Or maybe he feels sorry for you. Yeah, he's only inviting you because you're a friendless loser. Way to go Wulfe, you're officially that person now.

She never imagined this is where her life would end up. Going to a baseball game with Bud Flud, her sponsor. It wasn't something she would normally have bothered with. But like they say, there is a first time for everything.

An uncomfortable thought pushed its way into Kimbra's mind.

Maybe it was a punishment date.

It's not a date. We're just two adults going to a baseball game together. It. Is. Not. A. Date.

Then what was it?

Just a sponsor and the head of the project department trying to get on better terms with one another. Nothing more.

Maybe I won't think about you anymore. I have work to do.

Her grip on her clipboard tightened.

Maybe I won't have to keep wondering. It's really nothing, and it's ridiculous to keep pondering over such a matter.

In hindsight, it was almost funny. A year ago, she didn't think much of the man behind that bright smile and annoying commercials. Now she had no other choice but to think about him. Here they were. On the thin line of barely tolerating one another to somewhat of a friendship. The thought of having another friend did pique Kimbra's interest. She didn't have many of those.

She wished she didn't let the fear of getting hurt stop her from making friends.

Could Bud end up being her friend?

Bud had an inflated idea of himself that was the size of Jupiter. He didn't come off as the type of person to be a very good friend. He'd always put himself first. Never the one to care about your achievements or life. Not unless he could interrupt and talk about himself, somehow. He couldn't see anything but his own dreams.

Am I ever really gonna be able to handle that?

Still, she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps this month will be different. But she didn't really expect a change. People like Bud Flud don't usually change. They liked to be stubborn and remain in their ways.

Wait...that sounds like me.

Before heading into her office from R&D, Kimbra stopped by the break room to pour herself a cup of coffee. As her heels clicked down the hall, other employees flinched a little. They clearly had been goofing off and weren't expecting one of their higher ups to drop by.

They weren't good for much, were they?

The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans wafted into the hallway. Caffeine should make the workday easier to get through. Some days she loved what she did, and felt useful to humanity. Other days she felt like nothing they were doing mattered in the slightest.

Doubts often clouded her mind. She'll never let it get in the way of her job. Someone had to do it, right? Eleanor up in diagnostics sure couldn't. Myles down in the lab? Nope. Not a single living soul in this facility could do what she does. If you looked up the word 'brilliant' in a dictionary, her name would appear right beside it.

Okay, that's a lie. I'm easily replaceable. Just don't tell my boss that.

Kimbra stepped into the empty break room, internally grateful that meant she didn't have to strike up a conversation with someone. The place was certainly quieter without her boss around. He was at the other end of town in a big meeting. Around this time, he'd be in here making hot chocolate (coffee caused his blood pressure to spike) and chatting anyway to anyone who would listen.