Telling Off And Apologies, Establishing Dominance In The Gallo Office

Day 183 of The Andie Chronicles

"Now, your design assistants have the new Pantone books. I don't know who had it last, but they are the up-to-date ones." 

I listened to James talk about my assistants like I had a relationship with them or that they didn't run away from me when they saw me walking down the office hallway. 

Their fear of me, their hesitation to engage with me, would now prove problematic, considering I needed something from them. Something, if I didn't get it right, would put me in the firing line of Douglas Gallo.

And I didn't need more of his attention than I already had. 

I left James' office and charged straight for the bullpen of assistants. There were ten of them at their desks, one or two missing but no doubt within earshot. The four assistants who sent me on the run around for the David Jones catalogue were front and centre. 

As soon as I eyeballed them, part of me knew how this would play out; they would make this a fight, they would ignore me, and our interactions would humiliate me. 

It was me versus them, two opponents in the ring. The bullpen that is. 

With every step towards them, I found any nerves, any trepidation vanishing. Like I was marching to the ring beside Cooper. 

The words left my lips with ease; "Ladies, who of you has the new Pantone book? I need it." The four women looked at me, registering what I said, but remained silent. 

I didn't wait for anyone to speak. "How about now? Give me the book." 

I knew I wasn't asking nicely, but I didn't care. Nice wasn't getting me anywhere. The meek me was inheriting shit right now. 

"Olivia, right?" The assistant on the furthest desk in the bank looked at me. I remembered her name; in fact, I knew all their names. 

"Yes," she said solemnly. "I can see the fucking book on your desk. Give it to me, now." 

I watched her scramble to pick up the book before she scuttled away from her desk to stand before me. Presenting me with the book, I snatched it from her hands, leaving her unsteady on her heels. 

"That wasn't that hard now, was it? It turns out you can be a component staff member and do your job. I guess you want a compliment, huh?"

I watched Olivia's eyes well with tears. "You're not going to get one." 

I scanned the room, noting how the other assistants scrutinised our interaction. "None of you will get anywhere if you keep pissing me off. Got it?" A sea of nodding heads moved in unison. Olivia went to return to her desk. "Get a notebook and follow me," I barked at her. 

I closed the door behind us in my office. The timid assistant was breathing deep yet rapid, with her cheeks flushed to match it. She stood in the middle of the space and stared at me as I perched on the side of my desk. 

"Are you ok?"

She shook her head. "I'm sorry I did that to you out there," I began. "But I had to do it because I can't do my job with you guys ignoring me."

Olivia cleared her throat. "I don't want to ignore you, Andie. I actually like what you do." She faltered but then kept going. "It wasn't my idea to ignore you."

"Let me guess, it was Douglas's idea, right?" She nodded, wiping away more tears as her head shook them free. 

"Well, let's cut a deal then. I'll give you insight into the design world if you drop the cold shoulder. Ok?" 

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You’re reading The Andie Chronicles, the 2023 romance-fiction series from the 1 Lovelock Drive (1LD) universe.

By the way, this all started when Andie turned thirty-five, and her then-boyfriend didn’t call her.

Or the day after that.

Or the day after that, too. 

Everything started to unravel when her BFFs got into bed with her ex, too… ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

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DAY 1: Tales Of People Forgetting Your Birthday And Lovers Who Don't Materialise

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Just a moment! 1 Lovelock Drive is a reader-supported publication (I can’t do this without you!). If you love what you read, and want to receive the next instalment and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

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A little lost on what’s happening at 1 Lovelock Drive?

Well, you see, Andie’s break-up started back in February and so much has happened since then. These stories will help you catch right up! xx