CHAPTER 2

MILLE POV

“Those are our targets. The affluent. The rich. Don't want some middle-class lady or peasant using my product as a body cream. Or use it to fry some eggs because they can't have the patient to wait for it to work. The rich will invest in it because in the long run they will still look young like me”. Cassie smiled, giving a twirl for everyone to see. Her short mini skirt bounced with her.

I wonder if she still feels that this is high school or sophomore.

“And there you have it…. our loss”. Eva, a bursty, dark-hair girl with deep brown eyes. Button nose and pale pink lips spoke up. Oh! My best friend too.

“Excuse me”

“Your product is failing Cassie. It's our loss. You don't value any other person's opinion if it doesn't align with how you feel.  You don't listen to anyone's idea or pitch. Alec just made a good suggestion. Millie gave a good pitch on the first day but you didn't even let her finish. Stacy gave a good face cover and ideas on how to promote the product.  But no, you wanted Jennifer Lopez to wear the product and Emma Grey. We almost went bankrupt paying for their service plus the agents’ fees. Sam gave us quality well to do items and ingredients to use but you said they were so cheap and common. Anyone could make it.  The product glass is too fragile, breaks easily. And to remedy that, you package the product in a small box with tiny plush pillows inside instead of changing the glassware. You just do YOU. And you are DUMB”.

“And here I am. The head manager of this department. Have been for 3 years. Stop being a pained and depressed soul because you will never have this seat”. Eva retorts.

“Everyone knows it's because your dad is one of the board chairmen. Daddy's girl pecs.  While me, an A class student, one of the tops from business school, who your dad employed to work alongside his daughter so his child doesn't make him look stupid or embarrass him. His words, not mine. Even he knows how dumb you are”.

“Watch it, Gretchen”.

“Don't call me that. Tell me who would want to buy a product with your face on it looking like a half - dead raccoon with its lips painted deep red”.

Everyone gasps.

“See exactly my point Eva continues pointing at our shocked faces. “No one. No one. So please forgive the poor lads and middle class for using your product to fry eggs and sizzle bacon. In my opinion, they are very respectful. I, for one, use your product to make my Kittie’s ass look sexy after she's done with her poop”.

Another round of gasp filled the table. My best friend did not just say that. Those were the exact same statements I made when I was ranting to her how tired I am and how I'm so done with Cassie's workload yesterday night. She did not just say that. She did not just repeat my words today! Oh no! Cassie is going to be so mad.

 “Gretchen” Cassie growl out

“It's Eva to you, you whiny little sissy”. Eva claps back.

The tension was high. The air became more dense. No one said a word as the two entered a fierce stare competition. I look around the table. On the other side, Cassie's minions stare down at Eva giving out nasty glares and whispering about her. On my side of the table, few people tried to hide their snickers but everyone looked like they could care less. It's nothing new.

I breathe out twiddling my thumbs.  Thanks so much Eva. I have a Crankie Cassie to deal with the whole day. I sludge further into my seat.

  

“I don't have time for this. I don't waste my time on people like you”. Cassie sat down, breaking off the stare game. “Well, lastly. I have received information that a powerful, well-minded business inclined entrepreneur will be joining us in two weeks. We all know that our dear company is facing some issues and it needs immediate revival”.

“Well, what do you do except when it's run by plastic dolls like you and old looking pigs?” Eva cut in. I look at her trying to signal her to stop, but she just raises her hands in the air. Acting clueless.

“So” Cassie said, rolling her eyes. “From next week, it's gonna be full blown work. We won't just work as a department but as a company. Word has it, he's also going to be renovating the entire company.

I don't really have much info on him yet or any picture, but I want you all to be on the best behavior. I will love to be on his good side so that he can help us raise the bar of our product to the next level.

Meeting adjourned”.

Everyone stood up preparing to leave. I stacked the workload one by one as I felt liquid on my face. I look to my side to see that Cassie just burst the coffee content from her mouth on me.

“What the hell Millie! The coffee is cold!”

Well, if you had drunk it the second I brought it in, then it could have been better.

I touched the plastic cup to confirm. It is still warm.

"I'm sorry,” I apologize. “I’ll make another.”

“Just forget it. You're practically useless and can't do anything right. Get me an iced tea from the cafeteria. The packaged one, not the one from the dispenser and be at my office at 10.”

I nod.

Everyone walks out after the little scene.

I brought out my baby's handkerchief wiping my face.

“Hey”

I ignored Eva putting my work notes and pen inside my bag.

“Good morning to you. Were you able to get some rest yesterday? You shouldn't let her treat you like that”.

I walk round the table clearing the trash my colleagues left behind.

“I’m talking to you Millie!” Eva professes.

 “Here take this is a penknife” I say, thrusting the weapon into Eva's hand. Tilting my neck to the side, so she could have a good view. “Just stab me at once Eva. Stab me right here at this artery. That's the fastest way to finish the job”.

“Oh my God no! Why would you say that?”

 “Why the hell did you do that? Those were the exact same words I said when I was ranting to you. I was vulnerable and I needed someone to bitch about my boss. You know, the enemy of my enemy is a friend. That is how the adage goes.  But you could not just keep your cool and let her finish her talk. You had to say my words to her face. Now I have to deal with Crankie Cassie the whole day. And that little coffee spill scene is just the beginning”.

“You don't have to put-up with-it Millie. You have to stand up to her. See how she became so speechless after the way I insulted. Which were actually your insults. I just help to voice them out. You have to fight”.

“Don't you think I know that”, I cry trying to get the water works under control. “Do u know how many times I have imagined putting a smack across her face. How many different ways of humiliation I plan for her. But they are all in my head because of my baby. I have to think about my child every single second. I have to push my pain aside and endure all this trash.  I have to lower my self-esteem and pride because of my baby. Because at the end of the month, it pays part of the bills. At the end of the day, I can afford to carry him to his favorite park and get him his favorite popsicle for his birthday. You know this, Eva. You and Sam are very much aware of my situation.

“So yeah, get on with the stabbing. Stab me right here on this artery and I promise not to say a word. Just please make sure Jay is put in a good foster home”.

“I'm sorry Millie. I wasn't thinking. I was so pissed about her and all her annoying talks I failed to see how this will affect you badly. I'm so sorry”

‘Forget it”. I pick up my bag heading for the door to go get Cassie's request.

“I'm sorry Millie. I truly am”, Eva yelled after me.

I stood In Front of the elevator. Looking at myself reflecting on the shiny door.

Don't cry Millie.

Don't cry

Don't you dare cry. Don't cry. I kept chanting the mantra I use to comfort myself every time I felt overwhelmed as I entered the elevator. I turn to see Eva's crestfallen face as the elevator door closes back.

Don't cry.

Don't cry. You're Jay's superhero. Don't cry. You are better than this. You have been doing great since you left HIM.

Don't cry. You can do this. You got this baby girl.

You got this.

I walk out towards the cafeteria, pick up the iced tea and head back to get the day over with.

            I got this.