Page 51 of A Smooth Operator

"Girl, that was some reaction." Teresa was amused.

I eased back into my chair and took another tentative sip. The wine was refreshing, with hints of green apple and a subtle minerality that made it interesting.

Before I could respond or ignore her comment, a server appeared to take our order. We opted for a charcuterie board—aged cheddar, prosciutto, spicy salami, and a smattering of nuts and dried fruits—as well as a plate of bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic.

Once the server drifted away, Teresa's expression grew serious. "You can't let men control your career. Trust me, they're too stupid to be allowed to do that."

I was doing just that, wasn't I? I was leaving because I was upset with Remi and Lani. So, it wasn't just about a boy, so to speak.

"What exactly did Dallas tell you?" I asked finally, curious what he knew and how he knew it.

"That's between you and Dallas, or Dallas and Remi, or…what I mean is that it ain't between you and me. But what I do know is that Dallas's kids may have insinuated that he did you some big favor by hiring you, which is complete horse manure."

"My aunt was the housekeeper at the Drake estate. Dallas has always looked out for me." I stared down at the table, suddenly feeling tired of all the drama in my life. It seemed never-ending, this fight to find my place in society and figure out where and how I fit.

The server brought our food, and we got situated with napkins and silverware.

"I have to say, I think it would be a huge loss—for both you and the company." Teresa's tone was gentle yet firm.

I paused with the piece of bruschetta halfway to my mouth. "It's not an easy decision, Teresa. But, I have my pride."

Teresa nodded slowly, taking a sip of her chardonnay. "I understand that feeling. But let me be clear—we girls, especially girls of color, are fighting an uphill battle so we have to take every advantage we can get. Dallas wouldn't hire you unless you were good, and if he just wanted to be nice to you, he'd do with you what he did with Lani."

I wrinkled my nose.

"Exactly, that is a lack of pride. Not you. Your work on cervical cancer has not gone unnoticed, and there are big plans involving you."

I frowned, setting down my half-eaten bruschetta. "Big plans?" I echoed skeptically.

"Yes," she insisted. "We're pushing forward with new research initiatives, and we want you to lead some of these projects. Echo, you have a brilliant mind. You're a critical part of our team and our future."

"Do people at work think Dallas did me a favor?" I asked.

Teresa laughed. "Hell no! They think that he stole you. You could've gone anywhere. No, Echo, you are a catch. Now, I want to ask you some questions, and I want answers that are from your head and not your heart. Okay?"

I picked up my wine glass and waved a hand. "Proceed."

"You like working at GeneVerse?"

"Yes."

"You like your colleagues?"

"Yes."

"Your boss."

I smiled. "Yes."

"The work? What do you think of the work?"

"Amazing."

"I was at Baylor University for a while, and I'll tell you somethin', the whole writing grant proposals got old real fast. I just wanted to work in a lab that was funded. You have that. Don't give it up. You've been here a year; you have a lot to do. Don't let two spoiled rich white brats throw you off course."

I smiled at the two spoiled rich white brats remark.

"But I already resigned," I pointed out.

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