THE SPACE BETWEEN US

Chapter 5

Grace's POV

After reviewing the company’s bandwidth progress, I draft important points to discuss with the boss later in the day. It’s such an exhausting process—specifically, the 'Lead' Manager’s process. I don’t understand why they always take me for granted.

“Dear, we’re doing our best to find a ‘deserving’ Lead Manager. Patience and perseverance are key, my child. Thanks to you, we can take our time, and the company will forever be grateful to you for that,” our 65-year-old boss always says whenever I confront him about filling that position.

It's becoming a headache. If this job didn’t mean so much to me, I would’ve left a sweet resignation letter on his cluttered table. Or at least, I wish they'd give me that position.

“Yo bro, how’s your ignorant mind doing?”

“Yeah, get your hands off my shoulder. You’re making it heavier than it already is. I still have so much work to do before my shift ends and that annoying progress report to discuss. And wait, why am I ignorant?”

“Says who?”

“What?” I ask, growing irritated by Leo’s relentless teasing. “So, you’re telling me you don’t know the company is getting a new Lead Manager tomorrow?”

“What?! Are you serious?”

“What?! Are you serious? You don’t even have a clue about what’s trending in the air of your office?”

“Shut up and tell me how this miracle is happening.”

“There are rumors flying around that the new Lead Manager is extremely talented,” he says, emphasizing 'talented' while raising his index and middle fingers in front of my face, teasing me as usual.

I roll my eyes at his dramatics but let it slide for the day. I need to focus on my mental state before the day ends.

“Sure, he has to be talented if it took them an eternity to find him.” I slump in my seat while Leo fiddles with my lunch bag.

“Hey, where’s the food? The food never stays where it’s supposed to, does it? What the hell! I don’t understand why you didn’t bring your lunch. What’s the point of this bag then?”

“Calm down, bro. This bag carries the rough pages I work on in the office, so I can type the final document at home.”

“Just create a rough file like you do for the final one. Why carry unnecessary papers?”

“Don’t you want my eyes to rest for a while? I’m the one carrying it, so what’s with you giving me idiotic advice?”

“Shut up! You carry this empty ‘lunch’ bag so your fatherly boss doesn’t worry and pester you about eating.”

I sigh but shake my head in denial of his true observations. “Your remarks don’t suit me, so stop talking; your voice is giving me a headache.”

“Why is the CEO so caring toward you, though?”

I don’t know either. I recall times when he acted like a father figure, even feeding me from his tiffin once when I forgot my grapes at home. It felt awkward, but his sincere eyes caught me off guard, forcing me to take the whole momo from his fingers. His concern always increases my anxiety.

Leo keeps pressing for an answer, but how am I supposed to tell him when I’m still figuring it out myself? I really dislike when Leo questions me in that suspicious tone. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I have a ‘special’ informal relationship with the CEO. It was my mistake to share my interactions with Leo regarding the boss. Now he suspects me, making me rethink my decision to accept him as my best friend.

He’s extremely sensitive, and I don’t want to hurt him, so I ignore his questions again. “So... when is this Lead Manager supposed to join?”

“He—”

“Boss is asking for you.” Jeffy stomps through my cabin to inform me of my call. Leo quickly turns his phone on, avoiding her gaze.

Neither of us appreciates her presence, and I guess she doesn’t appreciate mine either.

“I’ll be at the required spot. Thank you.” She holds a solemn expression and turns to leave.

“I’d like you to knock on my cabin door and wait for my permission before entering, please.” My words hold her back for a moment before she replies, “I’m sorry; I’ll remember that for our next encounter in your cabin.” Her tone is deeper than usual.

“Yo man, that was hilarious. It made my day!” Leo laughs, his infectious voice filling the Assistant and Lead Managers’ cabin.

And now she wants to move near my place? Just the thought of seeing her outside the office haunts me.

~~~