Page 38 of Catalyst
With a sigh, I look over at Ellie. Her eyes are wide, and her mouth is slightly parted. She looks at me and then slaps a hand across her mouth as she attempts to stifle her laughter. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep my own laughter in check. This situation is not even close to funny, but how else is a person supposed to react to behavior like Linda’s?
I walk over to the chair next to Ellie’s and sit down. “Are you okay? She said some hurtful things.”
Ellie nods, a small smile quirking up the side of her mouth. “I’m fine. I won’t tell you it didn’t sting a little to be compared to a whore, but I know it’s not true.”
Matthew strides over to my desk and leans against it. “Good. We didn’t like your drawings because Adam has the hots for you.”
“Nice, Matthew,” I grumble, making Ellie laugh.
“The point is, you’re very talented and should be proud of what you’ve created. The rest of the marketing team loved your designs, and from what I’ve seen so far of their campaign, it’s going to be the best one yet.”
“Agreed.” I nod at her.
“Should we be worried about her?” Ellie asks. “It felt like there was more to that conversation than her resentment toward me.”
“Maybe,” I respond. “I was surprised at the vitriol she displayed. I can understand her feeling hurt when we weren’t happy with her original campaign, but to attack a person’s character because her idea was rejected is a whole other thing.”
“I don’t think it’s because we didn’t pick hers,” Matthew says. “Instead of giving her a chance to create a new campaign, we handed her someone else’s idea and asked her to make it work. When you’re used to being the one making decisions, I can imagine there would be a little bitterness there.”
“Sure, but to ruin an entire campaign because your feelings are hurt? To spew hateful things about someone you barely know? It just doesn’t add up.” I shake my head.
“You’re right. Especially if they understand what our company means at its core. Ellie’s drawings showcased that better than anything we’ve ever had before. If Linda truly wanted the best for this company, she would’ve seen that in those images,” Matthew adds.
“Should I try to keep an eye on her?” Ellie asks.
“No. She’s angry, but she’s been a model employee for years. I don’t think there’s any reason to worry.”
CHAPTER19
Adam
I parkmy car next to Matthew’s and then grab my gym bag to head to the soccer field. My siblings are already out there stretching. Sara’s laughing at Nolan, who’s talking with his hands. I can only imagine the ridiculous story he’s telling her right now.
The man can’t seem to go anywhere without something totally insane happening. It’s like he’s a magnet for crazy, including women. I still cringe at a couple of the girls he’s dated.
“There’s Oscar the Grouch,” Nolan shouts when I get to their little circle.
“Shouldn’t be too grouchy anymore,” Matthew mutters with a smirk. I punch him in the arm, which only makes him laugh.
“Why aren’t you grouchy anymore, Adam?” Of course, Sara would pick up on what Matthew said. She’s always been able to pick up on things we’re talking about, even when she’s nowhere close to us. It’s a little scary how accurate she can be sometimes.
Matthew speaks before I can. “Adam’s got himself a girlfriend.” His grin is evil, knowing the shit he just stirred up.
A chorus of, “What the hell?” and “Who?” is shouted at me by three of my siblings, and I just stand there and wait for them to shut up before I say anything.
When they’re finally quiet, I explain. “Yes, I am dating someone. Her name is Ellie, and it’s only been a few weeks. Now, can we play?” I toe the ball away from Sara and start to back away from the group.
“Hold on, hold on, hold on. Get your ass back here,” Sara shouts.
I heave out a sigh. They’re not going to leave me alone until I divulge every detail like some preteen girl at a sleepover.
“Isn’t your new secretary’s name Ellie?” The look on Sara’s face is a comical mixture of amusement and disbelief.
“They are one and the same, yes. And before you ask, I’m not telling you guys shit about it. The only thing I will tell you is that we’re exploring our mutual attraction, and we’re both happy.”
Nolan snorts. “Dude, I hope that’s not how you talk to her when you’re fucking. You sound like you’re in a board meeting.”
“Jesus, Nolan.” I drop my chin to my chest as the rest of them laugh.
