Bosses And Strangers
1269 Words
Tina’s work was nearly complete when the lab phone rang. She was deep in concentration, perfecting the formula for the company’s newest product.
Working in the cosmetics industry had always been her dream, and when she landed this job, she threw her whole heart into it. The lab was her playground, the challenges her fuel. She loved the thrill of experimenting with different formulas to create the best organic skincare products.
Her latest project was a facial scrub made from apricot seeds and papaya. The challenge? Finding a way to give it a longer shelf life without using chemical preservatives.
The phone rang again. She barely noticed. When it rang a third time, she sighed, looking up. The lab was empty.
A glance at her wristwatch told her it was lunchtime. As usual, she had been so absorbed in her work she hadn’t noticed her colleagues leaving.
“Hello, Tina Peters,” she said into the receiver.
“Mr. Andrew here, Miss Peters. Can you please come to my office now? I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied, wondering why he had called her directly instead of through his assistant. She hoped nothing was wrong.
Saving her work, she removed her lab coat, clipped her pass key to her blouse, and left the lab. On her first day, she had been terrified of Mr. Andrew. But after a few months, fear had turned to respect and admiration. He had taken a chance on hiring her, and she had sworn never to let him down.
---
Meanwhile, in Mr. Andrew’s office, he was speaking with a visitor.
“As I was telling you,” Andrew said after replacing the phone on its cradle, “that girl is God-sent. Wait until you meet her. She single-handedly developed three new cosmetic products. She’s unique.”
Desmond raised an eyebrow. “She must be very good.”
“I want to set her up with my son. I want him to marry her.”
“That’s not easy,” Desmond replied. “Besides, I thought your son was dating Henry’s daughter.”
“Please. That girl is a nitwit. She can’t hold his attention for long.”
“How do you know? She’s very beautiful.”
“Yes, but my son needs someone who can challenge him, someone he can actually have a real conversation with—not just talk about counting calories and the latest plastic surgery trends.”
“And how will the club members feel about you bringing in somebody they don’t know?”
“They can kiss my ass. Those old busybodies are getting on my nerves. I won’t lose a great daughter-in-law because of them. My son deserves a good wife, not a trophy wife who’s part plastic.”
“Ouch. Harsh.”
“It’s the truth.”
“And how do you know this girl hasn’t had surgery or isn’t a gold digger? You have to be careful.”
“I am careful. I’ve done extensive background checks on her.”
“Oh, really? That’s good. She must be impressive—I’ve never heard you speak this way about anyone—”
A knock on the door interrupted him.
“That must be her,” Andrew said.
“Come in, Miss Peters.”
“You sent for me, sir?” Tina stepped inside, trying to hide the slight knot of worry in her stomach.
“Please, sit down,” her boss said.
She obeyed, still unsure why she had been called in and curious about the man seated opposite Andrew.
“Miss Peters, meet my college course mate and good friend, Mr. Desmond.”
“Good afternoon, sir,” she said with a polite smile.
“Desmond,” Andrew continued, “this is the young lady I was telling you about.”
“How are you, my dear?” Desmond asked, shaking her hand. “Andrew’s been singing your praises.”
“I’m fine, sir. I hope I’m safe,” she joked lightly.
“Of course,” Andrew reassured her. “I was just telling him how good you are at your work.”
“So, Miss Peters, how long have you been working here?” Desmond asked.
“About eight months.”
“And in that time, she’s made me proud,” Andrew added.
“I hope he’s not overworking you,” Desmond teased.
“Oh no, he’s a great boss.”
“Are you saying that because he’s here and signs your checks?”
“Stop harassing my employee,” Andrew laughed. “So, Miss Peters, how’s the next product coming along? The lead scientist mentioned you were having trouble with shelf life after the seal is broken.”
“I was actually working on that when you called. I think I’ve found the solution. The product will be ready for testing tomorrow for any side effects.”
Seeing what she thought was disappointment on Andrew’s face, she quickly added, “We had a small problem with the ingredients—the chemical reaction wasn’t safe—so we had to go back to the drawing board. But now, the end result is promising. Just a few more tests and we’ll be ready for production and marketing.”
“You can’t be serious,” Desmond said, surprised.
“I’m sorry, sir. We were delayed a little, but everything’s fine.”
“Why are you apologizing?” Andrew asked.
“Because I thought you were disappointed with the progress.”
“No, I’m not. I’m just surprised. It’s been less than two months since we started this project, and you think I’m angry?”
“You’re not?”
“No. I’m proud of your team. Tell your group leader I want to see him.”
“Okay, sir. Have a nice day. You too, Mr. Desmond.”
As she reached the door, Andrew called out, “Miss Peters?”
“Yes, sir?”
“You’ll present the facial scrub.”
“But sir, that’s not my job. The head of department or marketing usually does that.”
“I know. But you designed it, named it, and sourced the ingredients.”
“I didn’t do it alone—it was a team effort.”
“It was still your idea. Who better to present it to the board?”
“Sir, I… I—”
“Think about it,” he said.
“Okay, sir. Bye.” She almost ran out of the office.
---
As the door closed, Desmond chuckled. “If I were her, I’d have done the same. Andrew, how can you just hand her someone else’s job and expect her to be happy?”
“I have my reasons, and I won’t change my mind,” Andrew replied firmly. “She hides in the lab and barely uses the private office I gave her. I want her to represent this company. And how will she meet my son if she only talks to her fellow scientists?”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m very serious. She’ll model the scrub, too. I must confess, I’m envious of myself—Julian for a son, Tina as an employee. If my matchmaking works, they’ll be a power couple.”
Desmond shook his head. “Now we just have to make sure it works. Anyway, I have to go. Promised my wife I’d be home early.”
“Alright. My regards to her and your daughter. Tell her I’ll see her soon.”
“I will. And don’t stress that girl too much.”
“I’ll call you.”
- Writer
