I Need to Forget The CEO!!

Chapter 13 - Hotpot and Hot Takes

The blinds from the window were opened slightly, causing an annoying glare to appear on my screen. I was trying to research Maddox Automotive, looking for history on scandals or incidents we were involved in. I couldn't find anything from August, 2013, making it harder to get dirt on Bryan. I decided I couldn't take the hideous sun-streak on my computer anymore, and walked over to close the blinds. 

"Ahh, Lyric, wanna step into the meeting room with me?" Bryan called out as I passed his desk, smirking and eyeing his desk mates. 

"If need be." I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Never mind, just realized you were in there already." Bryan laughed, with his companions whispering and snickering to each other beside him.

"Ha. Ha," I exaggerated, making my lack of amusement clear. "very funny."

"My bad..." Bryan leaned over his computer with a snarky smile and asked, "Why were you in there anyway? Alone with Mr. Maddox? Don't tell me—"

"That's enough, Bryan." I hissed, stepping away from his desk and proceeding to close the blinds. 

The rest of the afternoon was pretty straightforward. I did my best to gather as much information as I could, avoiding all the whispers and chuckles of passing coworkers. It was hard to avoid my stomach tightening with dread and anxiety. Carol, who I thought could be a real friend, was just as bad as the rest. As joyful as she is, she immediately took in any gossip given to her in a second. I mean, she is supposedly Bryan's ex-wife.  I felt like everyone's eyes were on me now, waiting for the moment I misstep. The clocked seemed to be ticking in slow motion, with the hours barely passing by. 

By around 7 o'clock, most if not everyone had gone home, leaving only me and Carol. I watched her type on her computer, curls pulled back into a claw-clip, bright red lipstick and an autumn sweater colored yellow. I'm assuming she noticed my staring, because she lifted her head and greeted me with a smile.

"Oh, hi Lyric! I thought I was the only one here!" She got up, making her way towards my desk. I closed out my tabs quickly, before she could see or suspect anything about my research.

"Yup, been busy all day." I replied, disheartened.

"Well, I'm about to leave, just wrapping up a few things. I'll see you in 30?" She asked me eagerly.

I was confused, because I don't recall any sort of engagement plans. "...in 30?"

Her eyes widened, lifting her hands up to lightly slap her cheeks. "Oh gosh! Don't tell me I forgot to invite you!!? I'm sorry doll... Oh gosh, well, are you coming to eat with us afterwork? We're headed to a hotpot restaurant! Courtesy of Mr.Maddox. He recommends we eat together at least once weekly." Her enthusiasm was almost infectious while she urged me to go.

"Well..." I hesitated, unsure of her sincerity. 

If Enzo recommends it, maybe it'll be best. 

"Sure!" I replied, hoping for the best.

----------------------------------------------------

"Lyric! You made it! I was worried there for a second!" Carol called out to me as I stepped into the private dining room, holding my coat and adjusting my hair.

Looking into the room, I saw all twenty department members. It was a bit intimidating, to be honest. "Of course! I was invited!"

Good, let's treat this with a positive attitude. 

Carol grabbed my arm and quickly pulled me deeper into the room, giving me no chance to properly observe anyones expressions. I might just be grateful. 

Carol brought me to the head of the table, causing my cheeks to redden a little. "Guys, this is Lyric. Mr. Maddox's new assistant. Say hi, Lyric!"

"Hello!" I awkwardly waved, everyone laughed, and Carol sat me down into the chair next to hers. Fortunately, Bryan was on the other side of the table with two other men from our office. 

Carol was seated across a man with glasses and a short-sleeve dress shirt, a little loose for his twiggy arms. Across me was a beautiful miss with bombshell blonde hair, blue-eyes, and the most beautiful face I have probably ever seen. 

"Hello, Lyric. I'm Alex." The nerdy man spoke, only for me to find out his voice was low and rather attractive. 

"I'm Rebecca," said the movie-star blonde, placing her perfectly manicured hand for me to shake. "Nice to meet you."

This is the Rebecca who kisses Enzo's ass? Why in the world is she seated here then?

"Hello," I cautiously grabbed her hand, firmly shaking it. I saw the dishonesty flicker in her eyes. I faked a smile to avoid conflict. "It's Lyric. Hi Alex, nice to meet you also."

"So..." Carol said, flashing that same gossip-hungry face from earlier. "What's it like working with Mr.Maddox? Under him and all?"

I felt my heart sink a little, realizing that's probably the reason for my invite. But, I still chose to answer. "It's great. He's teaching me a lot."

In the corner of my eye, Rebecca's face changed from a smile to a scowl. Quickly changing her expression to avoid notice, she began, "Really? I heard he's really mean..." She dripped with sarcasm, and when she spoke, it gathered the attention of those around us. "How come he's so nice to you?" Her eyes burned into mine.

Figures.

"He treats me like everyone else. Just the usual office stuff." I hissed back, taking a sip of the drink the waitress delivered to me. 

Rebecca crossed her arms over her chest, eyeing the company that joined. It was clear she enjoys the attention others give her, especially when it came to bullying. I could feel the tension rise in the room. Everyone was waiting for what was to come next.

"Oh really now." Rebecca's tone had a slight anger to it, which I'm assuming came from my ability to maintain my composure.

Before she was given the chance to speak again, Alex interrupted. "How long have you been here now? A week and a day, right?" He gazed at Carol across the table, eyes widening a bit, as if he was trying to alert her of something.

"Um..." I caught on to their distraction, realize he was trying to stop the storm before it happens. "Yes, only a week and a day. I'm sorry I haven't been around to introduce myself yet." 

"Oh, well, tonight is a great way to—"Alex was quickly cut off.

Now glaring, Rebecca snickered, "Only a week and you're getting special treatment! Wow! Wonder what you did to get that." She rolled her eyes and uncrossed her arms, making a gesture with her hands to add to her dramatics.

"What?" I asked, both agitated and curious. "First of all, I didn't do anything to get into my position, and, secondly, I don't get special treatment." I stood firm. 

I'm sure I surprised those around us because there were whispers and glances circling all around the room now. I'm not going to sit here and get accused of anything. I applied and got my job fair and square. Besides, me and Enzo... aren't dating. We just shared a few little moments... that's beside the point.

"You won't get very far here," she leaned forwards, openly expressing her anger toward me. "sleeping with Enzo will only leave you a whore."

Just before I was going to defend myself, a booming voice entered the room. "Excuse me?"