Chapter 15: Salut

The elevator doors parted on the thirty-third floor, but I didn't immediately exit. I had to fight my slump against the wall that was greater than my desire to leave the metal lift. Yet, I did it because I had to.

Because I have to.

Devoid of energy, I ignored the replica painting on the wall and paced down the hall. Again, Badone wasn't in her office.

So not much has changed...

But maybe she was in his again. I actually hope she is, so that I know I'm not the only one on this floor with him. But alas, I wasn't a lucky girl. Through his sliver of a window, I could see him and only him. Moving past my disappointment of a missing French woman, I was met with the green-eyed stare through the office window. Underneath that biting stare was a malicious grin.

What is so amusing?

My fingers had already wrapped around the handle, but he immediately waved his index finger at me. He held me there for a few seconds before nodding that I come in. Pursing my lips, I exhaled while quietly sliding into a space I didn't feel comfortable in. My head hung low, and I didn't anticipate on lifting it.

After shutting the door quietly, I muttered to the ground, "Yes?"

Not a second could pass before I heard, "Yes... what?"

Hearing the condescension in his tone, I had to go against my own wishes and lift my head. My eyes were wide as I gawked at him in awe. I couldn't believe my ears; he couldn't be serious. Did he really expect me to succumb to this kind of behavior?

"Ms. Young, I can afford to purchase more subsidiary tech companies. So what is my name?" he pushed.

My expression was blank, and my lips were slightly apart as I was still reveling in disbelief. After firing me and then knowing I didn't have too many quick options outside of this job, this is how he chose to treat me. I felt low already, but I didn't think I wouldn't be able to feel like nothing at all in front of him.

Worthless is the word I'm looking for.

I lowered my head, and blinked once to fight the pricking.

My voice was weak and it cracked, "Mr. Leoné, how may I be of assistance to you?"

I clasped my hands behind my back to stop them from shaking.

"Ada," he softly called. His voice didn't sound so amused anymore.

"Yes... Mr. Leoné?" I whimpered.

His silence was forcing me to regard him again. Again, there was that look on his face; it was identical to what I saw the last time we caught sight of if each other. It was clear that he didn't know what to say. There wasn't anything for me to return even if he had something for me. But with all of this anger inside, I was too tired to think on it. It didn't matter what he was thinking. I just wanted this horrible day to come to an end.

He turned his eyes down to his desk and faintly questioned, "How has your first day back been so far?"

"I have a lot of work... to catch up on," I answered with irritation.

Shame-filled eyes took another glance at me. "What are you doing for lunch?"

Narrowing my eyes, I scoffed at his nerve. I took in a breath before angrily sighing, "I've been invited to have lunch with Chris and Renee. I suppose it is a 'Welcome back' lunch."

As an uncontrollable lull took over the room, I returned my attention to my feet.

"Do you want to return back to your desk?" he muttered.

"Yes, I would very much prefer to return to my desk right now, sir," I answered without hesitation.

I didn't think at all on why he decided to even ask that damn question, nor did I give a fuck about his soft inflections.

"Okay," he softly replied, and I was gone in a flash.

*

My stomach was singing at my desk, and I kept looking at the clock every handful of minutes. I was so hungry, but once I heard "Lunch, babe?" I lost my appetite again.

I turned around to see Renee beaming at me, and I felt so bad turning down her and Chris's plans. I just couldn't do it. I wasn't ready to answer the inevitable questions yet.

Renee rushed into my cube, and asked, "You crammed with work?"

"I'm so sorry there is so much to catch up on," Chris added with visible remorse.

I shook my head, "No, no. I caught up with most of it. I just..."

All of a sudden, my words were caught in my throat and tears were brimming.

"Oh shit," Renee muttered, before yanking at my hand and hustling me to the bathroom.

After, I finished blowing my nose for the second time in silence, I dabbed at my running eyes. I wouldn't allow myself to have a massive meltdown again. Her lips pursed, but her eyes were smiling. Renee looked like she was going to point out something, but she was definitely hesitant to do it.

"You're one of those," she noted. "One of those people who still look really pretty even when they're upset."

I scoffed with a smile to dismiss her, but I ended up laughing pretty hard at her next bit about her claim to wearing so much eye makeup so that pretty colors will run down her face if she cries.

"What's really the matter, Ada?" she finally asked after we both settled down.

"I'm just so stressed out. The boss and I got in a heated argument two weeks ago... and I was fired."

"Holy shit. Fired?"

I nodded.

"Why?!" Renee shrieked.

I answered, "I'm just too unprofessional."

She cocked her jaw and leaned against the counter, not bothering to hide her lack amusement. "You're nothing but professional at work. You pick up fast, and you're incredibly smart and follow protocol without issue. Unprofessional, Ada?"

I wish it wouldn't be so messy to just tell you.

But maybe I didn't have to seeing the revelation that was morphing her scowl into a look of realization.

"Oh my God... Mr. Leoné really likes you," she scoffed, leaning towards me.

I shook my head, "No way! It's not like that at all."

"Yes it is, Ada," she smirked. "Mr. Leoné must have really seen a lot of potential in you and your work and doesn't want anyone else, in the business, to have you. He fired you but somehow you're... back? It's kind of rare for him to admit to a mistake."

Mistake?

I played with the tissue in my hands and shrugged.

Renee poked at my hands, "Ada, you're great! You just have to believe it. Chris wants you here, I want you here, and clearly so does Mr. Leoné. Sooner than later, you won't just be the intern."

I looked to her in surprise, but she nodded with a big smile.

I was pleasantly surprised at Renee's words. Somehow, she managed to put a big smile on my face. Even though most other people were calling me a quitter, I had to keep going. I was lucky, but there was still a lot more to worry about the second I decide to leave the building.

"We all have our moments where it feels like one shitstorm after the next. But we can get through it. Now c'mon smart lady, let's go out to lunch," she finished with a shimmy.

That dance move could have only meant they planned on hitting up her favorite restaurant, but I had to turn down the request again when my cellphone rang.

I felt guilty that I couldn't go. Chris and Renee felt so bad for me that they postponed our lunch plans for another day and ordered takeout to the building. All day, I had to dodge their concerned looks. I couldn't give any real valid excuse as to why I wasn't willing to eat, except for that I was beyond stressed out.

All day I was waiting for the day to come to a close. The anxiety was killing me because I needed to get out of here as soon as it hit 3PM.

The clock was nearing the close of business, but as the heavens would have it, I received a phone call. I looked down to the landline to see Line 3 blinking.

"Yes, sir?" I answered quietly.

"A–" he began but held his tongue.

Several second had passed, which led me to ask, "Mr. Leoné, are you still there?"

Out of nowhere, his tone was abrasive, "Ms. Young, what did you eat today?"

I had my excuse ready, "We went to–"

"Don't lie to me. I had been receiving emails from Mr. Steineckert from noon until 2:46PM. Your group didn't go anywhere for lunch."

I closed my eyes and controlled my tongue. "Mr. Leoné... today has been a very rough reintroduction back into Leoné Investments. Luckily, I've caught up with majority of my work, and now, I have an appointment to make at 3:45PM today. Please sir... I must get going."

My voice was calm, but I couldn't say the same for my actions when I immediately hanging up. Not bothering to check if it was officially 3PM, my hand swiped up my purse, and I was out of the building and strutting down the sidewalk.

I was over him jutting into my business. When I needed a moment to myself, I had to demand for it and that was tiring. All I need is some damn solitude, and hopefully I would be able to afford it when I meet the landlord to the tiny, single studio apartment downtown.

*

"Thank you so much!" I said with enthusiasm, that disappeared as soon as I turned my back.

The place was okay, but big enough for me and a seven month-old kitten. The biggest issue was coming up with fifteen-hundred dollars a month sans utilities and water. I get paid well... well enough for an intern though.

I walked through the door to where I currently stayed and saw Greta in the kitchen. She was making dinner for her and George who was either tangled in her sheets, in our shower, or lounging on our loveseat.

"Hey, Ada," Greta eagerly greeted.

I simply walked past her and towards my bedroom. Of course, George was in our living room, and the TV volume was up high.

She quickly followed after me and tried, "C'mon, Ada. I'm sorry for what I said before."

I turned around with fury, but before I could say a word I squinted my eyes and looked at my closed bedroom door and listened.

"Did you two lock the cat in my bedroom?" I barked.

Greta looked off to the side and shrugged, "She kept coming around and hissing at us."

"So you locked her in there?! For how long?" I screeched, carefully pushing open my door.

"Oh great!" I shouted, seeing poop and pee on my bed.

It smelled horrible, and the little hungry cat jumped off of my bed and dashed into the kitchen.

That was it. I didn't care anymore. It didn't matter if they were doing this on purpose to get me to leave. Starving my cat and making her suffer–for God knows how– long isn't okay.

I was hoping I didn't have to do it. I didn't want to take the first place I saw, but that small studio apartment was going to have my signature.

"Ada," Greta tried again, but I threw daggers so sharp she widened her eyes.

I threw down my purse and kicked off my shoes in preparation to take care of the mess.

"Let me help," Greta insisted.

I shoved on hand on my hip and used the index finger of the other to point while I fervidly advised, "Maybe it's best that you don't."

"But–"

"I am not going to do this with you today, Greta!" I shouted over the blaring television.

*

The following morning, I was at my desk earlier than usual. I wanted to finish up my work early so I could leave prematurely and head to a gym in the Southside to see if they had any part-time job openings. Though I could afford it for a while, there was no way I was going to survive at that studio apartment without a second job, in the long run.

"Good morning, Ada," I heard a confused tone from behind.

Swiveling around in my chair, there was my surprised manager looking at me.

"Morning, Chris," I weakly smiled, but he signalled for me to hurry in following him into his office.

As soon as the door closed, Chris confessed, "So, I spoke to the boss yesterday about your departure and return."

"Oh, God," I whispered.

Chris put down his bags, "I'm not sure what happened. He wouldn't tell me anything except that you needed the time off."

What?

He continued, "I just wish you had told me."

I just let it out. "I was fired, Chris."

"Yeah... I know because Renee told me," he said remorsefully. "Why?"

"I really wish I knew why myself. But what makes less sense is that I'm back," I awkwardly laughed.

"Yeah, because Mr. Leoné must have realized he fucked up. That's rare."

"Really? But firing me was–"

"Stupid, and I could tell he knew it when I first requested to address him about it when you said you quit. At first, I thought he was stressed out, but he was obviously more disappointed... clearly in his actions."

"I don't know why. I'm disposable, or at least I'm supposed to be."

"Well, it's not so easy to say that when you lose recognizable talent." Chris admitted. "He must have let you go at a time he shouldn't have been around anybody. He needs to take a break."

I murmured, "Doesn't he have vacation time?"

Chris laughed a little before saying, "No. I mean he does, but he doesn't ever stop working. He's not old and losing his mind already."

"Oh," I let out with zero enthusiasm.

"Alright, let me not keep you anymore. But remember we have a meeting today at nine," Chris happily reminded me.

I nodded, and I uncomfortably scurried away. Yep, we had a meeting, and I was mad about it. The reason behind my anger walked through the door in a dark blue suit with a slate gray undershirt. He had the nerve to try to catch my eye before reaching the table, but I focused on the notepad and stack of papers in front of me.

I didn't care if that fool was in the room. I just had to suffer through this hour long meeting and the rest of the day. I thanked God that the hour went by quickly, and I was walking out of the boardroom as soon as the meeting let up.

"Ms... Young," the big man called.

I stopped in my tracks and let the others pass to their freedom. He signalled that I come closer with two fingers. Walking closer, I held tight onto the folders and notes. Through my peripheral, I could see Chris watching us as he slowly packed up and walked out of the room. When it was finally just the two of us left, there were intense green eyes glaring at me without remorse.

"Yes, sir?" I droned.

He straightened his back and asked, "What are you doing this afternoon?"

The skin underneath my eye twitched, "I have an appointment at 12:15."

"Another appointment? What is going on? Are you ill?" he asked with urgency, his stiff demeanor was slightly loosening up.

I parted my lips to answer him, but then I kept them together. Looking away, I had hoped that I could just go back to my damn desk.

"Are you going to speak to me properly?" he grunted.

My nostrils flared in frustration, but I refused to look at him. I had to let it up though. I did need the money if I wanted the apartment.

"I'm sorry, sir. I have just had a lot on my mind lately," I answered randomly.

He promptly surveyed my face, and failed at reading me.

"May I go?" I asked, finally looking him in the eyes.

He looked uncomfortable as soon as our eyes met and he removed me from his line of sight. Turning away from me and prodding at his tablet, I took that as my cue to leave.

"This tiresome bullshit," I whispered to myself upon exiting the boardroom.

Miracles were working. I returned back to my cube with a smile on my face, minutes after 1PM. I had signed the lease and Cinna Buns and I had a new... expensive home.

Logging back into my computer, I did my usual and looked to my emails. There was no real surprise to see a message from Mr. Leoné. He needs to conveniently discuss the Willoughby account as soon as I got back from my appointment. But I was too stubborn for my own good. Work appropriateness was something I needed to consider at all times, but due to this odd relationship I didn't find myself walking to his office. Ten minutes later, I received a phone call– Line 3.

"This is Ada Young," I said with faux perkiness.

There was a slight pause before I heard him ask, "Did you receive my email?"

"Oh no, sir. I..." I pretended to click around. "I'm sorry, I see it now."

He paused again, "I'm not sure you're being honest, Ms. Young."

"Mr. Leoné I wouldn't waste the time wondering if I had viewed an email or not," I said. "But you wanted to meet about the account, I see."

"Yes," he sighed. "I would like to meet as soon as possible... Ada."

"Alright, Mr. Leoné, I'll be right up," I muttered, before dropping the line.

As soon as I made it outside of his office door, I knocked and he rushed to open it.

"Your appointment?" he questioned coldly.

I cleared my throat, "Went well, Mr. Leoné."

"So, your health is in tact," he grumbled, ambling back to his desk.

"My health is in tact. However, my appointment involved the signing of a lease," I nodded with annoyance.

"You're moving out of that ragged building?" he questioned with raised and possibly pleased brows.

"Yes, Mr. Leoné, I am moving out of that building you loved," I retorted.

His head tilted back in surprise. I suppose that bit of sarcasm was too familiar for the both of us.

"Where have you gone then?" he asked.

I didn't want to answer the question, so I kept my mouth shut.

"Private information, I see," he muttered.

"Of course it is, Mr. Leoné," I shrugged. "In your email you mentioned wanting to discuss the account?"

His fingers were laced together, and his knuckles were white from the frustration of my absolutely reasonable resistance. However, he exhaled a great breath and gestured for me to have a seat.

That's right. He was my boss, I was the intern, and all we needed to do was work on work– not my personal life.