Encoding Love (BWWM)

///TWO

Walking into Lolland Software the following day was a different experience for Zora.

For one, the receptionist didn't greet her with her usual enthusiastic demeanor. Instead, Simone gave Zora one of those tight-lipped smiles. It seemed friendly but came off cringy because it didn't reach her eyes. Coupled that with the odd stare and a quick, monotoned 'good morning.' Zora could only guess what kind of morning she was in for.

Secondly, when she walked through the usually noisy and loud workspace, the entire floor simmered into hush tones. Those she passed regarded her with fleeting glances and evident frowns. Zora heard their whispers behind her back.

She groaned mentally. Wishing yesterday was only a dream, and today was the real deal. Because there was no way Zora could deal with the reality of ruining such a significant opportunity.

When she made it to her desk, she released a breath of relief. Thinking she had avoided any antagonizing co-workers. As if the devil herself had heard that slight reprieve, Helena appeared stifling any sense of liberation.

"You are a bold one." She pinned, her lips curved upward, smirking. "If I were you, I wouldn't have even shown up today."

The thought had crossed Zora's mind. But she wasn't a coward, and she didn't run from her mistakes. And even though she meant what she said, Zora was sorry for how unprofessional she was.

Zora gave Helena a tight-lipped smile. "How embarrassing. Should I go hide in the bathroom to hide my shame?" She bit out sarcastically.

She laughed condescendingly. "Oh, it's too late for that. I knew one day you'd bring down my career, but I had no idea you could get us fired." Helena huffed.

Zora's eyes widen. "Fired?"

It was the first time she considered termination. Reprimanded, put on probation, possibly demoted were all likely consequences. However, Zora never believed the situation was severe enough to get fired.

"Is that what Moira is saying? She's letting us go?"

Helena shrugged, crossing her arms under her chest. "I don't know, but it's possible. Nathan Klein runs this entire industry, and he could go after the company. So it would be a logical solution for Moira to get rid of you. I only hope she sees none of this being my fault."

"Get over yourself." Zora snapped. "No one is losing their job. I'm sure there's a way to appease Moira."

"You better hope so because she wants to speak with both of us in her office - now."

Iridescent hazel eyes regard both women in a conscientious matter. Deep golden skin looked radiant underneath the sun's glow filtering in through the windows. Long, wavy brown hair framed a slim and still naturally youthful face.

Moira Holland was an amiable and driven leader with a sense of humor and humility. She inspired her employees. Moira was remarkable at creating trust and support in the office. Her guidance and coaching were legendary in such a competitive industry.

For a young, twenty-seven-year-old like Zora, there was no other company that she would rather work for, where she didn't have to sell her soul to create software. But as she and Helena sat before their boss, she feared she would no longer have a place at Lolland.

"Let me start by saying, yesterday's demonstration was brilliant," she stated in a firm voice. Helena and Zora looked at the older woman, puzzled. "I was very proud of your work. Element exceeded every expectation I had."

Moira's words were comforting. Nathan Klein had called their software a copycat to his somewhat functioning model. His words had served as fuel for Zora to revisit her initial plans and make more improvements. Nevertheless, she had high hopes for Element, and Moira validated every moment spent working on it.