Page 4 of Bigfoot Boss
“Thanks. I think.” I try to smile.
“Chris.” He points to himself. “And it’s definitely a compliment. I love anime.” His grin widens. “Do you watch any?”
“I used to watchSailor Moonevery Saturday morning. Does that count?”
“Totally counts.” He smirks. “As long as it wasn’tTwilightor something silly like that.”
“Oh, I kinda…likeTwilighttoo…” I say, much quieter. No point in arguing with the IT guy when I need my computer fixed.
Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to hear me as he repositions my monitor and launches into a long description of an anime I’ve never heard of before. Something that stars a pink-haired woman he likes. I don’t follow much of what he’s saying, instead leaning against the wall, trying to sneak a peek into my new boss’s office.
I’m so curious about him.
His focus is intent on his computer, his large hands typing furiously. As far as bosses go, he doesn’t seem that bad. I haven’t really known any cryptids in my life. Since the Decrypting fifteen years ago, they’ve been slowly integrating into human society. I was only ten when it started, but I haven’t run into many. A lot of them still avoid the larger more populated human cities.
So maybe all Bigfoots are gruff and stand-offish? Still, something about him is so intriguing to me.
His eyes lift, glancing toward the door. I jerk out of his line of sight, but we’ve already made eye contact long enough that I know that he knows that I was spying on him.
The guy is going to think I’m a creeper.
“I would not want to work with Mr. Kwatch every day,” Chris mutters.
“Why’s that?” I ask, my mind still half on the way Sacha’s biceps pull at the fabric of his jacket.
“Why do you think? He’s a monster. None of his other assistants could handle working under him.” His lip curls in disgust.
“Working under him?” I ask. Is this a double entendre? Does he fuck his assistants? Is that why no one likes him?
“Yes!” Chris says emphatically. “He’s a beast. Just because he owns the company, he thinks he can treat people however he wants.”
“And no one’s done anything?”
“What are they going to do? He’s a genius CFO or something. They can’t just fire him.”
“I guess not.” I shift on my feet. He didn’t seem that bad, really.
“I’m sure you’ll be fine though. Do you like sushi?” Chris surprises me with the new topic.
“Love it, actually,” I say, grateful for the change of subject. “There’s this great place, a couple of blocks from my apartment. West Side Nori. Have you been there?”
“I haven’t. Maybe we could go sometime?” Chris asks.
“Go together?” I’m a bit taken aback. I don’t normally date coworkers, but I could use any friendly face here at Cryptech. Chris isn’t my usual type, but I guess he’s kinda cute for a nerdy dude.
Sacha abruptly appears in his office door, his thick brows pulled together, a sharp glare aimed toward the IT guy.
“It’s time for our meeting, Ms. Thorn.”
“Right.” I nod, grabbing a pen and notepad.
“I’ll send you an email to set it up,” Chris says.
“Sure, it’s a date.” I smile at him.
Sacha storms past, and I scurry to follow him to conference room C.
The conference room holds six people, other than me and Mr. Kwatch, I’m the only one wearing a color brighter than navy blue. Mr. Pleasant, the chief financial officer and a Mothman, looms above us from an enormous video conference projectedonto one wall. His video is dim, highlighting his large red eyes, his feathery antennae wave around his head as he talks.
