Burning Bridges (Part I)

Chapter 8

I wake up Monday morning, more tired than I ever was. I kept waking up in the middle of the night and had trouble falling back asleep each time.

I can't wait to get to work and put my mind to good use. I remember I left the car in the company garage since Friday and curse myself for not going to pick it up the entire weekend. I get dressed quickly and am out the door. I decide to take the subway and the entire time I keep checking my phone. Nothing from S. Well, I shouldn't expect anything, I broke it off and what is he supposed to say anyway. I rationalize the conversation from last night, and I can't help but feel a ping of disappointment, of sadness. This is for the best, I think to myself, it's better to put an end to it now, before anyone's feelings get hurt. It was supposed to be a fling anyway.

I get to work immediately on the sketches for the Viaduct. I'm buried deep in calculations when Kate knocks and enters.

"Good morning, I just wanted to see if you needed anything." she says.

"Good morning Kate. No I'm fine, thank you." I smile.

"Brooke find you well on Friday?" she asks.

"Oh yes, yes. Thank you for that. I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye, I was feeling a little sick and dizzy."

"It's fine, we all got pretty wasted. I stayed in bed the entire day Saturday." she says and laughs.

"I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, I am right outside."

"Sure thing. Thanks Kate."

She excuses herself and I continue working. A little while longer Sam bursts in my office without knocking.

"I don't like these projections. And the timelines for each phase need to be changed. Also, I need the supplier certificates for the materials by the end of the day." he says and throws a bunch of papers on my desk.

"I'll have the certificates ready, but I believe the timelines are in accordance with the deadline. If we shorten them I am afraid..." I start talking, but he cuts me off.

"I say they need shortening. I have the greater experience and I don't appreciate being questioned. You can save that for the boyfriend."

So that is what this is about. "The Boyfriend". First of all he is being unprofessional and out of line. I doubt he would dare speak like this to a male colleague. Second of all, who is he to me to think that I care what he thinks of my personal life. I decide to take a stand, it is about time.

"And I don't appreciate having my personal life brought up at work, especially since it has nothing to do with it. I also found it very inappropriate how you acted on Friday and I would appreciate it if you respected my boundaries. I also understand that you have the greater experience and it would be a great opportunity for me to learn, if what you offer is constructive criticism instead of offensive onslaughts."

He turns red in his face and I see his true colors now. Everything I felt since I met him has been valid. I also believe that he is the reason why Leila quit after such a short time.

"You can't speak to me that way, I am your superior." he says angrily.

"I realize that. I have no intention of starting trouble, so I suggest we keep our contact minimal and strictly professional." That should do it.

He says nothing, just squints his eyes like a cat, turns and leaves. Kate comes in right after.

"What was that all about?"

"Just clearing the air."

"I don't think he'll let this go so easily. No one speaks to him that way."

"I think it needed to be said. I'm not one to sit and take bullshit from overinflated egos. My friend Jesse taught me that."