Page 57 of Heartless

When I don’t say anything else, Sharla speaks up.

“The people that I selected for their individual roles on this team are damn good at what they do. I took time in handpicking each of them and vetting them. I ran them across you before I finalized their role and informed them of it. You were good with what I decided, as was Neha.

“Their ideas that they presented for how we move forward on this project were excellent. They’ve done their research, the numbers gel, and their suggestions and counsel kicked ass. The issues they pointed out weren’t excuses but legitimate barriers that we need to find resolutions for if we want to move forward successfully on this project. You weren’t focused in this meeting and missed much of what was said. The moment that that was recognized, you bit off everyone’s head rather than owning up to your fault and apologizing for checking out on them.

“That’s not the mark of a good leader, Onyx, and I personally know that you’re better than that. So, whatever’s bothering you, you need to deal with your shit before we convene for our next meeting in Charleston in a few days. I will not have them looking at me for an explanation that I cannot give because you decided to act like a jerk.”

My shoulders slump and I sit my laptop and folders back on the table. Pressing my fingers onto the cold surface of the table on either side of the laptop, I exhale deeply.

“I’m sorry.”

With a look of concern, she dips her head and meets my gaze. “I’ve always been a good listener, Onyx. What’s really going on?”

“I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

“You’re not burdening me.”

“I’m your boss. The last thing that I should be doing is bringing my problems to you.”

“You tell everyone in this company that you have an open-door policy. That works two ways, you know. I’m here to listen if you just want to blow off steam, Nyx. You can’t carry the world on your shoulders.”

“Why not? They’re broad enough,” I joke, flexing my shoulders.

Shaking her head, she glares at me. “Always with the jokes. You know that’s how you have always dealt with everything. Thought you’d have grown out of that by now,” she says, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, and I thought you’d grow to butt out of people’s business,” I reply.

Sharla turns her lips down, lifts her eyebrows, and says, “Okay. I get the hint. My bad. Didn’t mean to overstep the boundary line.”

As she turns to walk to the door, I say, “Stop. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

“Kind of taking it out on everyone. Whatever it is.”

I massage my temples and remain quiet.

“Listen. All I’m saying is that even the president of the United States needs someone to listen. No matter how high you go to the top, you’ll always need someone to have your back. Someone to hear you out even if you don’t want their advice, but you just want to vent.”

“You’re right.”

“I know this is far out there, but why don’t you take a walk? It’s past lunchtime.”

Chuckling, I say, “Yeah, that does sound like a good idea. It always helps me to clear my mind.”

“There you have it. Take a walk on the strip and you don’t have to listen to me chatter on,” she says, smiling broadly at me.

Sharla turns again and walks to the door.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“To the bar for a drink. I need to release the tension after that meeting.”

“Why don’t I join you? I notice that, like me you didn’t eat anything in that meeting. I’ll even splurge on a burger for you,” I say, shining a grin on her.

We’ve been having lunch together at least two times a week for the last couple of months now. Sometimes, it’s in my office during a working session, but there have been quite a few times when we will head out to grab a bite to eat at the park.

It’s been different here in Vegas because we’ve been pulled in opposite directions.

“I knew that you were in a mood, and something warned me that I would lose my meal if I indulged. I had a feeling you were going to behave shitty today, so I opted to skip the meal.”

---