Like Nobody's Business

Try a Little Tenderness

Merry Christmas, don't be rude. Say it back

Nayeli Binns

I looked around the small room trying to find the only person I'm comfortable talking to in the group of people. We were called in this morning for a meeting and no one has an idea of what it could be about. By the looks of it, some females didn't really care about the meeting, they were in fact perfecting themselves for, I'm assuming, the man of the hour.

I smiled when I finally saw Stormi enter the room, she walked right over to me and sat in the chair I saved for her.

"How more obvious are they going to be with wanting to fuck the boss?" I was shocked by her choice of words and quickly look around if anyone heard, thankfully no one did. "Look at these idiots, he's not gonna be anywhere near here probably in his office that I'm sure is nowhere near the first floor."

"No one even knows what this is about," I responded just as Mr.Nixon entered the room, his suit looking dapper. I ignored Stormi whispering 'fucking hell' to herself so I could listen carefully. It must be important for him to be attending this meeting.

He was greeted with a pleasant good morning by everyone and he politely answered, I watched as his eyes scanned over the room until they landed on me. Neither of us smiled nor wave—I didn't because his gaze was making me nervous—and I'm sure the exchange made everyone else uncomfortable. I flashed him my smallest smile and raised my eyebrows as to say 'stop staring'.

"She is such an attention whore." A random voice blurted, it wasn't very loud but everyone definitely still heard it.

"You need to leave." All laughing came to a stop at the harsh tone Mr.Nixon's voice held. The stranger frowned at him with a half-smile, still, she has nothing to smile about.

"Alexander I was just kidding." She chuckled nervously trying to play off the embarrassment.

"You address me as Mr.Nixon and Mr.Nixon doesn't do jokes. You dare to pick on someone else about something you're literally guilty of." The fact that I'm embarrassed for her I can only imagine how she feels. We watched as he slowly demolished her self-confidence, you could see the exact moment he did. She smiled faded and her shoulders slowly became slumped.

"I don't expect to see you again," he confirmed that she was fired and as she left the room some of the girls began glancing at me. Why? I don't know either, it was HER who called ME a whore.

"A man of my repute can destroy any chances you have in this working world so try me when I say I dare anyone who thinks drama is accepted here, I do not want my employees harassing each other." He glared at the girls but allowed his eyes to soften when it landed on me. "Does anyone have anything to say about that?" He waited for a bold individual to say something. I could see Stormi smiling from the corner of my eye, she must really be enjoying this.

Eventually, we were informed that the purpose of the meeting was to create arrangements for transportation at the end of our shifts. Those who were interested are required to simply write their name on a sheet of paper provided. I guess this was done because most of us do not have a car to take ourselves home at the end of the night. It was very thoughtful of whoever noticed this and made the effort to make it easier for us.

Stormi left even though I begged her not to leave me here alone but after explaining why I didn't really force her to stay. I didn't feel like being in a room where half of the people are not really fond of me. Stormi reminded me that Mr.Nixon will for sure defend me if anyone tries to torment me, that's something that made me laugh considering what happened earlier.