Page 127 of Savage Bosses

I glanced around the office, taking in the sights and sounds that have become so familiar these past few months. In the breakroom, the constant hum of the drink vending machine. There was Pamela typing away furiously with her nails every time she got a fill in. Then there was Brent, always sneaking over to our desks to show us funny TikTok videos. I was definitely going to miss my workplace bestie, Kathy Valetti.

Despite the toxicity of this workplace, there were still good people here. They were folks just like me, trying to earn a paycheck and get through the daily grind in one piece.

My office phone rang. I knew it was him. I wished I was away from my desk so he could go to voicemail. I answered with a fake pleasant attitude.

“Mr. Caldwell, how can I assist you?”Motherfucka!

“Come to my office.”

I stood, took a deep breath and went into Kyle’s office, bracing myself for the confrontation ahead. What did he want, now?

“What took you so long?” He barked as I entered. His piercing blue eyes are like daggers, his jaw clenched tightly.

It literally took me less than a minute. “I’ll rush next time.” I wasn’t smiling, but at least my face looked even.

“Did you compile the product reports for Canada and the US?”

“Yes.” I smirked.

“Where are they?”

“In the email I sent to you this morning.”

“I need a hard copy.”

“Okay.”

“Where’s your little purple notebook?”

“I forgot it on my desk. Would you like me to get it?”

“What’s this? You coming into my office with stone-faced? You must be delusional if you think I’d hire someone like you full time. You haven’t been here long enough. I extended your contract for another three months. I was going to go with another staffing agency. Be thankful you have another three months.”

His words stung, but I pushed forward. “Should I print your production charts now?”

“I need twelve copies on my desk by the end of day.”

“Okay, Mr. Caldwell.”

“Just be grateful I’m keeping you on for the six months.”

“I’m very grateful.” I tried to smile, but I’m sure it looked mechanical.

“Go.”

I was out of there with the speed of a cheetah. I sunk into my desk chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to calm my racing heart.

“Hey.” Kathy popped her head over the cubicles connecting wall. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just tired. He wants me to print twelve copies of the quarterly production reports. Each report is like eighty pages long.”

“I can help you with it.” Kathy offered.

“No, I’m good.”

“I can just go down to the ninth floor and use their printer. Your daughter has her piano recital. You need to make it home in time for that.”

“Oh gosh, that’s today. I forgot about it. I have to be at this one. I missed the last two, and she never let me forget it. Have you heard anything back from HR about any of the open positions?”

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