Chapter 5

I hated starting a new job. That was probably why I stayed as long as I did at my last job. The stealing of my ideas had happened several times, even if they weren’t all as obvious as the last time that it happened. I hated having to meet new people. I hated having to prove myself when I was already an established medial research scientist with significant contributions to the cancer research field.

Sitting outside human resources, waiting to process some of my new employee paperwork, I received a text.

Jake: Good luck today! I know you will do amazing!

Me: Thanks.

I put my phone away as the HR generalist came out and assisted in finishing up the new employee paperwork. Before long, my new supervisor, the director of pharmaceutical research, had joined us and was taking me down to the floor to meet the rest of my team.

It was a team of five researchers, including myself. Given my extensive background in cancer drug research, I was tasked with leading up the new cancer drug research team. While the team was new, most of the team members had some great ideas. Three of the team members were also new, having started just over the last month. Brian had been with the company for a year and had moved from another team to join this one. Katrina was the other team member, who had the longest tenure of anyone on the team, having been at Viking Pharmaceuticals for five years. Of all members of the team, I did have the most experience. Stephanie and Martin rounded out the team, both of which were fairly new to the field.

During the team meeting this morning, I had gotten a good feeling about all of the team but Katrina.  When I shared my recent studies that expanded on blocking cancer causing proteins, she had tried to claim that she had a similar idea already. I quickly put her in her place, letting her know that if she had that type of idea, she should have shared it when we were all sharing ideas. I made it clear to the team that my ideas were stolen before and that this team would not engage in that type of behavior. I could tell by Katrina’s reaction that she wasn’t happy with me, but I was not going to allow that type of attitude be a part of the team.

As I was wrapping up my first day, I decided to call the team back together to review roles and to ensure that we were all on the same page. We were spending the first week pulling from current research to see how some of the ideas could be used to develop a drug that focused on other cancers. Current research on the drug that blocked cancer causing proteins was focused on just lung cancer. There were some promising ideas for childhood cancer.

Surprisingly, it was Katrina who was able to find a new technique that could be applied to this research.

“Great find, Katrina,” I stated as we walked out the door. “Cancer research tends to be so specific to certain cancers, but if we can find a way to apply this current research to other cancers, that would be a huge breakthrough.”

“Thanks. Now, we need to find how the techniques can be applied effectively,” she held the door open for me as she spoke, both of us making our way toward the parking garage.

“I have some ideas about that. I would like to see the other research that was found when we meet tomorrow.” I was hoping that my initial vibe from Katrina was wrong, as she seemed to be much more team orientated then I originally thought. “I am thinking the team can go out together on Friday after work. What do you think?” I asked as we reached my car.

“I would like that. Hopefully the rest of the team can go as well.” We made our goodbyes and I headed home, thankful to have had a decent first day at work.

Once I made it home, I poured myself a glass of wine and sat down on the couch, thinking about the day. For the most part, I liked the team. Katrina was still a bit of a loose cannon, and I wasn’t sure about Brian. Stephanie and Martin were both new to the team but were very smart.  Taking all that into consideration, I was still looking forward to some of the research that we had on the horizon. The thing with medical research, and especially cancer research, is that it is a decades long process. What we were building on now was research that took four decades to be implemented. What we were doing now would set the stage for future researchers. However, if we could apply this research with blocking cancer causing proteins to children, it could revolutionize the treatment of pediatric cancer.

Just as I flipped on the TV to veg out for the rest an hour or so before bed, my phone chimed. I had a few text messages, some of which I had missed earlier in the day. I replied to Jordan, letting her know how much first day was. We hoped to go out Saturday night, so I would fill her in on my first week if we were able to get together. It was sometimes hit or miss with Jordan and being able to make plans.  

There was also a text from Dylan. I had no idea what that asshole would want.

Dylan (4:23 PM): I miss you

Me: I don’t miss you

Dylan: Come on, you know you miss me. Let’s get together

Me: Um, no thank you. I have a better offer. Why don’t you go fuck yourself?

Dylan: Yeah, right. Hit me up when you want to get together.

Such an asshole. Even if Jake wasn’t in the picture, I wouldn’t be his booty call. The text conversation just pissed me off. Of course, Dylan would think that I would just come running to him when he texted me offering a hook up. So arrogant and so stupid. I would never go back to him, especially since I knew how much better sex could be with someone else. In all honesty, everything that happened has been a blessing for me. Without Dylan’s cheating, I never would have known how amazing sex really could be with a lover who actually cared about my needs.

The last text that had just come in was from Jake.

Jake: How was your first day?

Me: It was pretty good. I met my team. It is just a team of five, including me, but I think they will be okay.

Jake:  That is good to hear. I have a meeting next Monday I need to attend, but I plan on coming in on Sunday if you are free.

Me: No plans for me on Sunday, except for with you (Winky face).

Jake: I will be in around 11 on Sunday. Can you pick me up from the airport or should I get a ride?

Me: Up to you. Driving in the city can be a pain in the ass, but either way works.  

Jake: No worries, just send me your address and I will take an Uber. I know it sounds cheesy, but I was thinking a lot about you a lot today.

Me: That is sweet. I thought about you, too. My shitty ex texted me earlier, and I thought a lot about you as I responded to him to go fuck himself.

Jake: LOL, that is too funny. And what did you think about me?

Me: Hmm, I remembered the way that you touched me and how many times you made me cum.

Jake: Shit, if I was at home right now, I would totally be video calling you right now. Tomorrow?

Me: Deal. Where are you at, anyway? It is 9:00 PM on a Monday.

Jake: I am actually out with my brother and dad. It looks like my dad is going to be stepping down from heading up the company sooner than we thought, so he wanted to meet go over some things. They just stepped out so I thought I would text you. I should be going. We will talk tomorrow.

Me: Good night!

I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. I had not known Jake for long, but I felt like I knew a lot about him. We had shared a lot, both physically and personally, and I was looking forward to seeing if this relationship went anywhere.

Admittedly, I had never done phone or video sex and the idea of it turned me on, especially if I got to see Jake in the process.

At work on Tuesday, I split my time between team building activities and thinking about Jake. I typically hate team building activities because of how stupid they feel. However, Martin and Stephanie had recommended a few team building activities that Brian and Katrina actually agreed to, so I thought it wasn’t a terrible idea. After the disaster of my last team, perhaps building relationships wasn’t such a bad idea. We did the Four Question Mingle and then we went and played laser tag at lunch. After lunch, we regrouped and brainstormed our game plan to start our research.

“The current research is quite extensive.  There are promising prospects for focusing on different cancer causing proteins. I think in the initial stages of our research, we may want to consult with a pediatric oncologist to better understand the application of this process in children, most specifically to narrow down the focus. The breakthrough research is on lung cancer treatment, and there isn’t a clear like for like in pediatric cancer research, despite the mechanisms being the same.” Brian provided a summary of some of his findings from his research.

“Thankfully we are in Chicago and pediatric cancer treatment and research is paramount here.  There are several key pediatric oncologists who will be more than interested in helping us out. I can reach out to a few. I know Dr. Ochoa is a leader in this area.” Martin chimed in.   In fact, a statement Dr. Ochoa had made at a conference last year was what was driving this research. We weren’t the only pharmaceutical research lab working on this, but I could only hope that we were the first to speak to Dr. Ochoa.

At my previous place of employment, I had some initial thoughts on this medical research, but I had declined to bring it up due the dysfunction of the team. I was glad that I went with my gut, as the idea would have probably been stolen and then shelved for later, like was often done with the research ideas that were raised. Pharmaceutical research was a lengthy, arduous, and sometimes an unsuccessful process. If anything, I would expect to not see any resolution to ideas that we come up with today for at least 10 years, only if the application of adult lung cancer could easily be applied to pediatric cancer. If not, even if the research was successful, it could take another 40 years to apply the research to another form of cancer.

I was surprised when Martin approached the team at the end of the day with news about Dr. Ochoa.

“I was able to reach Dr. Ochoa. He confirmed that he has not talked to any other research teams, which is actually surprising given that he gave his presentation nearly six months ago. He confirmed that he can meet in a few weeks. I will firm up the details and will get an invite out once I receive his confirmation.” Martin had worked fast. I was impressed by how quickly he worked, and I shared that with him.

“This is great, Martin. If Dr. Ochoa can provide guidance to narrow down our research, it will put us head and shoulders above other research teams.”

~~~~~~~~~~

I found myself rushing home. I didn’t know when Jake was going to call me, but I knew that it wasn’t going to be early. When discussing work while we were on the yacht, Jake had shared that he often worked until 7 at night, but often later. I was aware that he and his brother were preparing for his father’s ultimate retirement, but the date wasn’t expected to be for the next year or so.

“Hi Mrs. Garcia!” I greeted my neighbor as I walked up to my building. I lived in a four flat, with my apartment being on the bottom floor. It was spacious for being in an older building. The outside of the building was a dark brick but had a lot of character. Mrs. Garcia and her husband lived above me. They loved to garden and had spent a lot of time planting flowers around our small front area.

“Amalia! How was your trip? And you just started a new job, right? How is it going?” I loved talking with Mrs. Garcia. She was warm and friendly. Whenever I need a friendly presence, she had stepped right in.

“The trip was great – very relaxing! The new job is going good so far. Only day two so we will see what happens.” She came up and gave me a hug as I spoke.

“That is good to hear. I have some cookies for you. I will have Edward bring them over with your mail. I meant to drop it off yesterday, but we were watching the grandkids.” Mrs. Garcia shrugged and opened the door for me.

“No worries, bring it over whenever. It is probably just bills, anyway, but I will definitely take those cookies!” I laughed and Mrs. Garcia and I parted ways.  I entered my apartment, placing my keys in the bowl by the door and kicking off my shoes. I really liked my apartment. After living in a few that were pretty shitty, I ran across this gem when a friend told me that a neighbor from the building over was moving out. I called the landlord before he even put a for rent sign out and signed a lease just a few days later.

The apartment was a two bedroom. I set the second bedroom up as an office and guest room. The landlord had let me paint, with his approval of the color. Although I just chose a light grey, I had pops of color throughout, mostly in the pictures scattered throughout. Jordan was an amateur photographer and once she knew that I was looking for different pictures from around Chicago to put up in my apartment, she started having me go through her photos and choosing what I wanted.

The kitchen had been updated right before I moved in, meaning that I benefited from stainless steel appliances and an awesome double oven. When I had nervous energy like this, I often baked. Since Mrs. Garcia made me cookies, I decided I would just start dinner. I didn’t need to have that many sweets around this place, because I knew if they were here, I would eat them.

Settling on chicken and roasted veggies, I poured myself a glass of wine and made myself dinner. Mr. Garcia had dropped off my mail and the cookies, as promised, and I currently sat enjoying my third glass of wine and some snickerdoodles that Mrs. Garcia had made. I had texted Jake after I had arrived home to see how his day was, but he had yet to respond. I knew that he was busy, and although I was not an old fart when it comes to my bed time, the job was still new and with a 7:00 meeting in the morning, the 10:15 PM on the clock indicated that it was getting a bit late for me to be sit around and wait for a video call.

Washing out my wine glass, I picked up another cookie and headed to my room, deciding that it was time for me to get ready for bed.

Probably a bit more pissed off than I should have been, I went to bed. I was afraid I had set my expectations too high for Jake and his desire to try at this relationship. I mean, it was a new relationship, and I didn’t even think that a long distance something would work, but I didn’t expect him to not respond at all.

I was awakened by the sound of a notification on my phone. I looked at the clock as I rolled over to grab my phone. 12:05 AM. Who the hell was texting me this late?  Jake.

Jake: You up?

Really? I texted him at 6:30 and this is the text response I get, nearly six hours later. I was upset that he took so long to respond, and I was even more upset at the response that I received when he finally did text me back.

Me: I was asleep. You woke me up. If you need something, you can reach out to me in the morning. I have an early meeting and expected to hear from you hours ago.

Jake: I’m sorry.

I put my phone on silent and tossed it back on the nightstand, not wanting to deal with anything else that he had to say tonight.