He glowers.
I do that thing where you scratch your face with your middle finger, and then coolly smash in a staple.
When I look back up, because that is the sad state of my self-control, he does this eye-signal thing where his eyes dart in the direction of the hall.
He wants a word with me—out in the hall.
My heart pounds with outrage. Think again, Roboto!
Again with the eye signal. Does he think I’ll kiss him again? Am I his sexy girl Friday now?
Staple smash.
So done.
I’d rather quit than be his concubine. I should quit.
Though actually I’d rather be fired. In fact, I’d love to be fired from this job. I’d probably get some kind of bonus pay, but even if I didn’t, I like it as a statement.
“Stella.”
Tinley’s staring at me. Was she saying something to me? “Can you come over here?”
“Fuuuuuuck,” Jane whispers. “Told you.”
I give Hugo a nice icy look and do another staple.
“You better go over there,” Jane mumbles.
“Stella,” Tinley says again.
It’s not Tinley I’m pissed at, so I amble over, pointedly ignoring Hugo, who’s standing right there.
“Could you be free for a research project this afternoon?” she asks. “Mr. Jones has a research request.”
Hugo takes a pen from his breast pocket and initials a clipboard, so innocent.
I direct a burning stare at him. “No can do.”
I can feel Tinley’s astonished gaze. We’re supposed to drop everything when Hugo needs research.
Tinley says, “We’ll find somebody to take over any urgent tasks that you have. Research like this would take priority.”
“It’s simply impossible—”
“I’ll expect you at two.” Hugo nods, as if to show that this is the final word on the matter.
“But my project is very important,” I say. “It’s regarding the chia account. There’s been mysterious movement.”
Hugo’s frown of grim annoyance is everything good in the world.
Tinley furrows her brow. “Is that related to Mattel?”
“This is not optional. You’ll report to Brenda at two and she’ll direct you.” With that, Hugo heads toward the door.
My blood races. So he’s just ordering me around now? Just because he can?
“Excuse me…Mr. Roboto?” I call just as he’s pulling it open.