Artificial Mates - Chapter 9

The latte cup rolled and joined the crushed sandwich wrap in the organic bin. My lunch disappeared down my throat it tasted like nothing. I couldn’t stop thinking about that conversation. I frowned at my keyboard. I was fortunate, those persons didn’t recognize me. It made me angry that the disgusting leech of a guy was spreading rumors about me. I should have stepped in and punched him in his freaking face. My bracelet chimed catching my attention. I slipped my finger over the smooth surface. A text appeared in front of me.

~EWink- interface~

Grant: Bonne appetite

A smile crept back on my lips. Just reading those two words brighten my mood. I can’t believe I have someone who was there for me. He will wait for me and want to be with me. I quickly typed a reply.

Liliane: Thanks

Grant: What are you eating?

Liliane: Cheese sandwich and a tall latte

Grant: Sounds great. What about dessert?

I took a second, then scratched my head. Lately, I haven’t had any sweet in my diet. I used to like cheesecake or ice cream. Then my life went into a dull routine. Lyla’s departure contributed greatly in it.

Liliane: No dessert.

Grant: 🙁

I giggled at the sad emoji. He actually made me forget about the earlier event. His cheerful mood really did cure my darkness.

Liliane: Why so sad?

Grant: Desserts look yummy. I wish I could eat. I would bake loads of them.

I laughed out. That was cute. Those two really were two opposites.

Liliane: It’s been a while since I ate sweet stuff

Grant: Is that a request? What do you want for dinner?

Liliane: I don’t want to be a bother

Grant: No, no bother at all. I’ll do anything to make you happy.

I smiled at the last message. Grant seemed incredibly sweet. I just hoped the kilos won’t pile up on my h.i.p.s. Else it will be a bother.

Liliane: surprise me. Seems like you both already know my preferences

Demos: We do

I gasped at the text. Was Demos reading all our conversation? I shifted in my seat my heart racing in my chest. They did say they were one or something. I didn’t fully understand it or just tried to ignore the whole business. Shaking my head, I went back to the conversation.

Liliane: what are you guys doing?

Grant: watching a movie.

Liliane: you guys, have it easy. I’m so jealous

Grant: Hey, we could all watch a movie together when you come back.

Demos: no romantic comedy

I chuckled. I could actually picture him, frowning. That’s crazy. In so little time I got used to this threesome thing. I cringed at the thought. No, definitely not getting used to it.

Liliane: you pick a movie then

Grant: Hey! It was my idea. I should be the one to pick up the movie. 🙁

I chuckled again. I can’t wait to get home. My eyes roamed back to the batch of samples on my table by the microscope. I pulled my drawer and got a fresh pair of glove.

Liliane: Have to get back to work. I’ll see you later.

Grant: 😉

Demos: Bye

~EWink-interface/close~

I put the gloves on and turned to my samples with a sigh when a light knock on the door interrupted me. My head tilted up, Mr. Ramdin, my supervisor was standing there. He looked clean and healthy for someone in his late forties. He rocked the silver hair and bread like a pro. He crossed his arms over his broad chest. Bulging muscular forearms peeked under rolled up sleeves.

“Liliane Kerry, can I have a word with you?” he asked in a terrifyingly calm voice. A shiver ran down my spine. I awkwardly pulled the gloves off and got to my feet. My heart ran so fast I thought it would leap out. What was going on? He left the door ajar and walked out expecting me to follow him. I stood there paralyzed.

“In my office, now!” he tossed over his shoulder. I’ve never been to his office in the seven years I work for SolTech. Was it about my work? The rumors? I forced myself to walk. We made our way to a long white corridor on the second floor. I’ve never been to that section. He stopped in front of a door with a tiny silver sign marked 213. He opened the door for me.

“Get in,” he tipped his chin at the entrance. My legs shook as I crossed the threshold. It was a white office with a white desk in the middle, one red and one white chair facing each other. Mr. Ramdin circled the desk and sat on the white seat. I stood on the other side of the desk next to the red chair. He looked up at me then crossed his legs.

“Sit,” he pointed to it. I did my utmost not to faint as I sunk into the designer chair. He linked his fingers together, forming a triangle in front of his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat. He took his time to study me. I stared at my fidgeting hands on my lap.

“So? What is going on?” his question caught me by surprise. I looked up and frowned.

“I-I don’t understand,” I murmured. He tilted his head to the side.

“I just received a complaint about you, Miss Kerry,” I stared at him in confusion. I let go of my fingers and straightened up.

“I… I…” I couldn’t find the word to express my utter shock. He sighed and uncrossed his legs. He leaned closer to the desk between us.

“See Miss Kerry, I’ve never had any issue with your work. You’re always on time. You’ve never taken a sick leave. You’re good at your job. That complain really puzzled me. Normally, I would just file it and sanctions will be issued,” I looked up at him with teary eyes. I desperately need my job. Especially with my new mates. How would I pay their bills if I get fired? He signed again and cross his legs the other way.

“I’m going to ask the question once more. What IS going on?” I gasped for air. This must be a terrible dream. I blinked to keep the tears at bay.

“I’m the victim here…” I glared at him. “Some guy I didn’t know approached me at lunch yesterday and kept bothering me. I don’t know why he is doing this. Did he complain about my work?” I dug my nails into the soft cushion on both sides of the chair trying to prevent me from falling to pieces. Mr. Ramdin crossed his arms over his chest and his eyes roamed over his bare desk.

“No, his complaint is about your bad behavior. It stated that you insulted him out of the blue when he greeted you and you called your artificial who made death threats,” he looked up at me. I just stared with my mouth open. “Miss Kerry this is a very serious accusation. If he wants, he can refer the case to the police. Do you know in what position it puts me?” my eyes rested on my trembling hands.

“Yes,” I said, my voice barely audible. This couldn’t be happening. It can only be a bad dream… I’ll surely wake up soon. Then I’ll laugh at how ridiculous it was.

“You can take your day off and tomorrow also,” my head sprung up. He held my gaze. His brown eyes had no warmth in them.

“Right now…?” I begin, but my voice broke. He nodded at me.

“Until further investigations, you are on paid leave,” he added. I exhaled as if I got slapped across the face. He joined his finger again. Silence settled between us, I didn’t know if I should get up or wait.

“You can go now,” he finally released me from my misery. I got to my feet on shaky legs and mechanically marched to the door when I reached for the knob I heard his chair creaked.

“Expect an evaluator,” I didn’t turn I just nodded then went out. I used the walls in the corridor for support, my vision was blurry, and I had to stop by the toilet. I couldn’t hold my tears any longer.

“Shit!” I slammed my fist on the white tile table facing the mirror. I pulled my glasses and placed it next to the sink. When I looked up, my pitiful face stared back at me. This couldn’t be real! The door creaked open and three chatty women came in. I quickly squeezed the tap open and splashed my face with water. They gave me a curious look then went on with their conversation. One of then entered the stall, the other two leaned by the blow drying machine. I pulled a napkin and wiped my face, retrieved my glasses and ran to the door. In minutes, I was out of the building and marching to the station. My bracelet said 1:34 pm.

My mind was numb on my way back to Level twenty-two. I mechanically walked back to my building. As I stepped into the hall, Jil appeared at the front desk.

“Welcome back,” she greeted me. I looked up at her pretty face. I didn’t have the heart to smile. “You’re awfully early. Rough day?” she commented. I just nodded at her. “Be sure to have lots of rest,” she threw at me as I got on the elevator. I pushed all thoughts to the back of my mind. I just focused on placing one foot in front of the other.

When I opened the door to the apartment, Grant jumped to his feet, Demos who was sitting next to his looked up in alert.

“Liliane! What happened?” they both said in unison. I shrugged my shoulder at them.

“I couldn’t wait to watch that movie,” I said with a weak smile.