Chapter 19 - Emotional support (1/2)

The only word I can use, to sum up, my day, utter crap. Everyone stared at me in the corridor as if I was some kind of monster. Each step separating me from my workstation took forever. The walk of shame, that's what it was. The moment I shut the door and the hate behind and opened EWink. I needed emotional support.

Liliane: send me some happy vibe Grant.

Grant: A hug or a kiss?

Liliane: Anything as long as it's sugarcoated.

Grant: check your bag

Liliane: It's too early to eat. I haven't started to work yet.

Grant: Just check it.

I went to get the bag hanging by the door. I pulled it open and inspected the content. There were three items, a bottle of water, a plastic container with stirred fried noodles that smell divine, and a smaller container with a slice of cake. Didn't he say the fridge was empty? Where did that come from?

Liliane: A cake?

Grant: You remember the movie night. There's more if you need it.

I smiled at the screen. He really knew how to make me happy. I pulled the last drawer to retrieve a stainless steel spoon from its clear wrapping. My emergency spoon. It sunk into the soft texture of the cake; I took a bite and the sweetness melted in my mouth. I groaned with pleasure. I held the spoon in my mouth while I texted Grant.

Liliane: Thanks, honey. You make my world a better place.

Grant: I'm getting used to the nickname and it's a little scary.

Liliane: Pick me up after work. I desperately need a hug.

He didn't answer. I placed the cake back into the bag after a second bite and checked again. Still, no answer. I sighed and got back to work. Notes left by a person named Bertrand with ugly handwriting summarized the batches he checked. Who was old-school enough to take notes… by hand? My workload has piled up when I was gone. Regrettably, that person only did half of the samples. I winced in frustration.

”Not even capable of doing the job conveniently,” I slammed the notes back on the desk. The door opened without warning. Mr. Ramdin stared down at me with a frown.

”Thank god, Miss. Kerry, you're back. That Bertrand guy has been messing up my work. I had to rush back and forth to fix his f.u.c.k-ups. Here!” he transferred the data to my screen. A long list of batch numbers appeared. A very long list.

”What?” I winced then spun in my chair towards him.

”Right! I've never seen corrupted samples for the ten years I've been working here. We need to rerun all of them… and now!” he urged. ”I'll ask someone to wheel them to your office. Expect overtime tonight. We won't go home until it's done,” with that he left, leaving the door wide open. Mr. Ramdin wasn't lying when he said to expect over time. I had to eat lunch at my workstation. The samples kept coming in. I had to check and double-check each of the cargo leaving for the storage room. Delivery was delayed, trucks had to go back cause they couldn't take in more raw materials. By two pm I texted Grant. Only half of the list of samples were done. I was doomed.

Liliane: I'm sorry, work has piled up I'll come back later. Like really late.

Grant: Courage, Princess, tell when you will come, will pick you up.

Liliane: thanks, honey. The lunch was great. The cake was great

Grant: happy you like them

Liliane: have to go more work is coming. I will text to let you know.

Grant: Love you, Princess.

Demos: love you

I stared at Demos' message. My heart squeezed inside my chest. The door opened making me jump, a delivery man wheeled the sealed containers that need my expertise. I got out of my chair to help him. The boxes were heavy and pulling them all day took its toll on my back. At eight pm Mr. Ramdin stopped by my workstation with an instant coffee cup. He leaned against the doorframe as I sipped it.

”I've talked to Benedict Dims,” he paused and crossed his arms over his solid chest. ”I mean, something was fishy. I never had any issues with you. I still remember the day you rolled in, all pale and slim begging to get a job. I gave you your chance and you never failed me once. I knew I should investigate before filing the report… That's why I took the time to talk to you,” he pushed away from the door and stared right into my eyes. ”Why didn't you tell me that Jay Dawson harassed you?” I averted my gaze and put my half-empty cup away.

”I told you I was the victim,” I murmured. He groaned making me focus back on him.

”You did,” he twisted his lips in annoyance. ”Get back to work. If anything of this nature ever happens, come report to me, personally. SolTec needs you. You're a precious asset,” he turned to leave then paused. ”If you need a ride home, let me know,” I nodded and got back to the keyboard with a smile. That compliment from Mr. Ramdin gave me a boost. I tackled the remaining twenty samples with fury. At ten past fifteen, the last sample was done. I filed all the data and transferred it to Mr. Ramdin's office. He approved the order. I texted Grant with a smile.

Liliane: Finished.

Grant: 'was in the hall waiting for your text. Running to the station. I will arrive shortly.

I grinned at the screen. Someone knocked on the door, making me flinched in my chair. My head sprung in its direction. The door was wide open and Mr. Ramdin stood there with a huge smile. His tie was gone and his shirt was open showing this hairy chest.

”It's done. The cargo is loaded on the Transfer as we speak. Girl, you really help today!” he let out a throaty laugh. I smiled back; I reached to massage my neck. My back was killing me.

”You want to have a drink?” I slowly looked up at him. ”Sorry, Sir. There's someone coming to pick me up,” he nodded a little disappointed. ”Good, get home safely,” he tapped his fingers on the doorframe lingering then he waved me goodbye. I gathered my water bottle and grabbed my bag. The walk to the entrance was unusually long. I swapped my bracelet over the panel by the front door. It beeped. I opened EWink.

Liliane: I'll wait on the platform

Grant: No, wait at the entrance of the company. Be there in 5 minutes

Liliane: Ok honey. Too tired to argue I'm dying here. Hurry