The Gray Area

Chapter Two

Grace stood outside the top-floor hall-room, adjusting her blouse and collecting her thoughts. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the orientation meeting.

As she entered, Christian Doxon's commanding presence filled the room. His voice, smooth and authoritative, greeted the new recruits.

"Welcome to Doxon Counseling Agency. Dr. Christian Doxon, CEO."

Grace found a seat in the middle row.

"As therapists, you're not just healers; you're pioneers. You'll push boundaries, challenge norms, and transform lives."

“Because we're all licensed and certified— well most of us, I believe a handful of us have not read the emails sent to us concerning the Dos and Don'ts of the company. The management and I have decided that we all go through it together. Now.” Christian said with a quick smile that was wiped off almost immediately.

“Now, if you've got any questions, do let me know. Ms. Stella, please.”

Stella distributed folders containing the agency's policies and procedures – the same documents everyone had received via email.

As the air filled with pages flipping, little murmuring and giggles, questions rode in like horses on a rampage.

“Boss, do you—” a young man got up for questions.

“Dr. Doxon. Please.” Christian set an authoritative tone

“Sorry Dr. Doxon. Do you honestly believe that love and romance in the company should be frowned upon?

“I compiled this lost myself, young man. I believe everything that's on that list should be adhered with. Doxon Agencies isn't like any other Counselling agency and so strict compliance with the rules is what takes the company—you and me, to better places.”

As Grace flipped through the pages, her eyes widened. Her renowned hypnotherapy approach was strictly frowned upon.

Christian continued, "Our agency's success relies on your expertise, creativity, and passion."

Grace's hand rose, her heart pounding.

"Yes, Dr. Harper?" Christian acknowledged.

"I have a question regarding the agency's stance on hypnotherapy," Grace said, her voice steady.

Christian’s lips might have tilted up in a smile before anyone got a glimpse of it.

“I’ve heard about you, Dr. Harper. I was hoping you would ask.”

Christian's expression turned measured. "We discourage hypnotherapy due to its potential risks and scarcity of concrete evidence supporting its effectiveness."

"I understand the concerns," Grace began, "but hypnotherapy can yield rapid results, accelerating the healing process."

Christian's eyes narrowed. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Dr. Harper, our agency prioritizes evidence-based methods. Hypnotherapy's unpredictability makes it unsuitable for our clients. You're free to submit your resignation letter to the HR department if you believe you can not do without… hypnosis.” Christian said the last word as though he had a distaste for it.

A subtle tension filled the room.

"I respect the agency's stance," Grace replied, "but I believe hypnotherapy deserves reconsideration."

Christian's smile hinted at displeasure. ”Moving on..." he said, absolutely ignoring Grace.

The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, during which Grace remained silent, her mind reeling with the implications.

As attendees filed out, Christian approached her.

"Dr. Harper, I’m hoping you wouldn't go against the company."

Grace stood, her posture confident. "I simply presented an alternative perspective."

Christian's gaze lingered on hers for a fraction of a second as he moved closer to her. “It’s not an alternative if it’s your sole approach, Harper.” he turned and left her presence but his musky scent lingered and filled her lungs.

He disappeared into the throng of colleagues, leaving Grace wondering if she'd already made an enemy.

“Are you kidding? You're a Doctor?” Stella hijacked Grace as she was on her way to the elevator.

“Stella!” She sounded excited to have seen a smiling face after such a grouchy one.

“I thought…” Stella moved closer. “I thought you were a f*****g intern,” Grace could only laugh.

It is not the first time someone would mistake her for a younger woman. She was twenty-eight but a lot of people mistook her to be in her early twenties. Thank God for serums and spf.

“Tell me, Dr. Harper, how old are you!” Grace released her laughter. The sound of her formal name from Stella was hilarious.

“Almost thirty,”

Stella gasped. “Stop it. You look so good. Okay quickly you've got to tell me your routine. I'll come by your office after I close.”

“Okay love” Grace released another good laugh. “I’ll be expecting you!” Everyone retreated to their positions and respective floors.

The tension Grace had felt from the orientation had worn off after her chat with Stella. As she got to her office door, she asked Emily to get her a cup of coffee from the floor’s kitchenette before she entered the office. She went behind her desktop, tapped on the notification bar of the agency, she figured she already had two clients for the day.

“Damn, not even a welcome break?”

She rubbed her sweaty palms against her red dress, which clung tightly to her, accentuating her delicate curves. Sitting behind the desk, she bit her freshly manicured nails, her mind drifting to Emily and her delayed coffee run. Rising to check on her, she swung open the office door, only to nearly collide with a solid wall. She quickly stepped back, regaining her composure before anyone could notice the blunder of a prim and proper lady, especially on her first day.

“Dr. Harper,” a familiar, cool voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Oh…ah,” Grace replied, locking eyes with her coordinator's striking blue gaze.

“I didn't catch your name. Sorry.”

“It’s Lonso. Mike Lonso. I work in HR.” He extended both hands for a shake. Grace accepted his left hand, but Mike wrapped his other around hers, prompting her to withdraw with a brief smile. His gaze lingered for a moment before he continued.

“I gotta say, I’ve been at Doxon for eight years now, and the boss has never given us a solid reason for not implementing your… unique methods—the ones you mentioned at orientation. Honestly, he usually gets all worked up about it. What’s the hassle? Everyone's doing it now. But, you know, it’s his agency.” Mike gave her a light tap on the shoulder before walking away.

“See ya,” Grace called after him, realizing she had forgotten about her coffee.

She turned swiftly back to her office, as she might have caught a glimpse of the CEO in the halls.

“What’s he doing here? Shouldn't he be in his office or with some million-dollar client. He's here? On the eighth floor? Come on!” Her hand flew to her face, wiping away beads of sweat from her forehead.