Page 53 of The Texas Sterling Collection
I passed Stella's office in the Fine Arts building and growled, “Stella. My office. Now!”
When she entered, I directed her to a chair and closed the door. I moved to my desk and sat, lacing my fingers on the blotter and glaring at Stella. “How did you learn about Wyl and me spending autumn break together?”
“Sometimes you two aren’t as quiet as you think. I overheard you making plans.”
“Overheard? I think you’ve made it your mission to listen in on every conversation between us, hoping to dig up some dirt you can spread. Speaking of overhearing, I overheard your phone conversation with Rosemary this morning, and it’s obvious you passed misleading information on to her. Information she shared with Dr. Waverly. A rumor you started, and Rosemary took it to the next level. Dr. Waverly and I had a detailed conversation, and she understood the situation. She will take action. I wouldn’t be surprised if certain employees didn’t lose their jobs over this.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dr. Bonner.” Stella sat in the chair with a defiant stare. However, the rose color creeping up over her collar told a different story.
“Don’t lie to my face, Stella. Your conversations with Mitzi are easy to overhear. You told Rosemary I spent the autumn break with a student. Rosemary left heel skid marks on the floor as she sped to Dr. Waverly and told her.”
“You’re right. I don’t want you turning Wyl gay,” Stella snapped.
“Being gay isn’t infectious, Stella. Either people are or they aren’t. And whether Wyl is or is not gay is his business, not yours. And making false sexual accusations is a violation of college policy. I can fire you this minute if I so choose. Dr. Waverly may do it, given the factual evidence.”
“Well…uh…”
“Let me tell you something. If you don’t want to end up without a job, and you are almost to that point with me now, you'd better pay more attention to your work and less attention to other people’s lives. Giving misleading information to HR is not the way to resolve problems or influence people.”
“Um…”
“Dr. Waverly will grill Rosemary about the source of her information. You are involved. What Dr. Waverly does next is out of my hands.”
Stella stared at the floor, declining to meet my gaze.
“Yours is one of the cushiest jobs on campus. You come and go pretty much as you please. You talk on the phone endlessly. You take time off when you want. If this is a job you want to keep, I suggest you change your ways. And don’t whine to Rosemary.” I waggled my finger at her. “After her antics this morning, if she still has a job, she will walk on eggshells around Dr. Waverly.”
Stella’s eyes widened. “Yes, Dr. Bonner. I’m sorry this got out of hand.”
“No. You’re not. You caused this mess, and you can fix the misunderstanding or face the consequences. I’m documenting this conversation for your personnel file. Your actions constitute a fireable offense. But I’ll grant you a chance to redeem yourself. Don’t blow your chance, Stella. Stop being the campus gossip, or you're gone. Now leave my office.” I scowled and pointed to the door, angry enough to fire Stella today. But decisions made in the heat of the moment are seldom sound.
Stella opened the door and hurried from my office. I hoped this conversation ended her interference with me and my relationship with Wyl. I would not sit idly by while anyone smeared Wyl’s name and reputation.
I grabbed my briefcase and left the campus for the day. The first day back after a holiday can be stressful, but this day broke records. I sat in my truck and texted Wyl.Want company? Stressful day here.
Come to the ranch. I’ll grill steaks.
Heading your way now. Need a martini.
I’ll make a pitcher.
* * *
As I drove toward Sterling Ranch, my cell phone rang. I picked it up hands-free in the truck. “Rod Bonner.”
“Rod, this is Dr. Waverly. I tried to catch you at your office, but Stella said I missed you by a few minutes. I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“No, Dr. Waverly. I’m driving to Sterling Ranch, so I have time to chat.”
“Good. I wanted to update you on the situation with Alfonso. I pulled Janice and Alfonso into my office after you and I met and had a rather stern conversation with them. I can’t go into details except to say the matter has been handled. All parties will do their best to clear up any misunderstandings caused by false accusations. I assure you this will not happen again.”
I had been defending myself all day, and although I was stressed, I didn’t realize the weight of the boulder I carried on my shoulders. “Thank you for the update, Dr. Waverly. I appreciate your diligence and speed in handling this matter.”
“Rod, I don’t want to lose you over something like this. You’re a valued member of the college and a fine example of the diversity this college embraces.”
I blushed. “You’re not losing me, Dr. Waverly. Thank you for the sentiments and the confidence you place in me.”
“Enjoy your evening, Rod.”
