Page 48 of Reconciling With the Rival

Did I just walk into the twilight zone? An alternate universe? Why is he sticking up for me in front of our asshole coworkers?

What the hell is going on? I must be asleep. There’s absolutely no way, in no universe, that Leo would stick up for me. He hates me as much as I hate him. So, what’s his angle? What’s his fucking play in doing this?

I try not to think about it as I raise my chin and walk into the kitchen. I keep my expression neutral so they don’t know I heard everything they said as I grab a banana and turn the coffee machine on for Rae.

“Morning, boys,” I say as I turn and lean against the counter. “How’s it going today? Any more mediocre work going on?”

I smile as Leo locks eyes with me, a knowing look on his face.

“Just taking a small break, Ella.”

“How nice,” I say as I take a bite of my snack. “You know, Brody, I almost forgot you worked here and not at the golf course. How over par were you this week or should I not bring that up?”

He only stares at me in disbelief that I would ever say such a thing to him, and to be honest, I probably shouldn't have, since he is technically my boss.

But then again, if he can talk shit about me behind my back, then I should be able to do the same right to his face. At least my way, he’s hearing it from me. I may be a bitch in some people’s eyes, but at least I’m a bitch enough to say it right to your face.

“Ella, you better—”

“What? Watch my tone?”

“Yes.”

I cross my arms in front of me. “Well, maybe you should be careful about how loud you speak. People could hear who you really are if you’re not too careful. And we wouldn't want that happening, would we?”

“Ella—”

“Brody, get the fuck out,” Leo snaps. “You guys too. I need to speak with Ella in private.”

“Dude, what the—”

“Go do some actual work for once, Brody. Just because you got promoted doesn't mean you can slack off. We have a huge deadline coming up, and we’re not even halfway done,” Leo tells him, and for some reason, Brody listens. Typical man. They only listen to other guys on the same level as them. If I had said that to Brody, he would’ve yelled at me and told Imogen. Hell, he might still tell Imogen about what happened, but she’ll only tell him to get back to work.

Brody can get away with a lot of shit here, but Imogen knows what he’s like. She doesn't take any shit from him, and that’s why I love having her as my boss. Even if Brody is above me, I can always count on her.

The guys leave, and Leo and I are now in here by ourselves. He’s still sitting at the table, and I’m still against the counter.

“How much did you hear?” he asks me.

“Enough,” I say as I turn around and grab Rae’s mug.

“Look, I’m—”

“I also heard you stick up for me, so don’t apologize for them, Leo. Even though I don't need you fighting my battles for me, I appreciate you saying what you did.”

“No need to thank me.”

“There is, though. You could have chosen to say something about me and be as mean as they were, but you didn't. And that tells me a lot about who you are, Zimmerman.” Maybe I’ve been wrong about him all this time, but one incident of him doing thebare minimum for me isn't going to suddenly change how I feel. “I’ll see you at home.”

I start to walk out of the kitchen, my banana and Rae’s coffee both in my left hand, and when I walk by where Leo sits, he reaches out and grabs my free hand.

“They’re wrong, Ella. You do great work. Competing with you has been a challenge, but one I’m not backing down from.”

“Careful, Leo. If you keep being this nice to me, I’ll think you have Stockholm syndrome or something.”

“Wouldn't be the worst thing I’ve had.”

“Oh, right.” I nod my head. “I forgot about your recent STI diagnosis. That must be a bitch to deal with.” I separate from his hand and pat him on the shoulder. “I hear antibiotics help chlamydia. Do you want me to look into that for you, or—”

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