07

_You still called me names when I had done nothing. I deserve an apology.

"I'm definitely not going to apologize for that. I would point out to you that you did not tell me that you had sent an email. This is also part of your responsibilities. You had to make sure before I left that I knew I had an appointment at 10:00 this morning.

No, but I'm dreaming?! There are more excuses.

"Next time, watch what you're doing.

_And you pay attention to what you consume mr, I said leaving my office.

_What do you want to tell me?, asks my boss surprised by my remark.

_I said what I had to say. I'll get your meal.

I glare at him before leaving the room. Yes, I just threatened my boss with poisoning but I don't particularly mind. He gets me drunk all day, something has to make him want to keep his distance from me. But in case it overflows, I still prefer to buy laxatives. I get some easily at the pharmacy and I stuff the box in my purse. Then I go to the little restaurant that I saw when I came here this morning. I order her shredded chicken and rice and get myself a ham sandwich. Then I go back to work and meet Neil at the reception.

_Hello Aliyah.

_Hello Neill. How are you ?

_ Very well. Can I repropose you that we go to eat tonight you and me?

_The answer is always the same, but good try.

'' But you don't even leave me a chance. At least let me prove to you that I'm very good company.

_ That, I have no doubt but mr Brown exhausts me too much for me to want to go out at night.

_Ah so the problem is Davis?!, he concludes, rubbing his chin. Consider it settled.

"I don't need any help, please. Besides, he's waiting for me. Goodbye.

I quickly go back up the stairs and join my boss who is still working.

_Your meal, here it is Mr Brown.

_What did you put in it?

_Hein…, I say to myself intrigued until I understand. No, I don't know, it's up to you.

_If ever something happens to me…, he starts to protest.

_I willingly accept being arrested. Bon appetit Mr. Brown.

With these not very reassuring words, I leave him to face his fate. I'm pretty sure he's not going to eat. It'll piss him off. Not eating just one lunch will not kill him. I see him through the window thinking about the future of his rice. I love seeing it like this, it's so satisfying. He's so hateful he deserves it. He deserves to starve.

Later in the day, my boss decided to eat after I tried to reassure him about this dish. It's now 5:30 p.m. and I'm beginning to wonder if Mr. Brown wants us to shut down Jefferson and Associates.

_Aliyah, begins mr Brown coming out of his office, please book me a table at the restaurant for 8 p.m. I'm going to dinner with Illona.

_At this hour ? Isn't it a little late sir?!

_Just do what I say, I will do without your unpleasant comments for once.

'' Well, since you take it that way, I won't!, I declared assuredly.

_What are you telling me again Aliyah?, he says visibly irritated.

_What you ask me is hardly part of my attributions. I am an administrative assistant and not a personal assistant. What's more, my working hours are largely exceeded so there, I work overtime. I can't book a restaurant for you and your girlfriend. Especially if it's to talk to me that way.

_I.. How so? Listen, your insolence is seriously starting to annoy me, threatens my boss.

_And it's your imperialist attitude that irritates me!

He watches me with big eyes but I don't answer for anything, I'm really fed up with this masquerade. I have to tell him what I mean. We have reached the point of no return here.

_Do not look surprised. It's only been 3 days since I arrived here and I feel like I'm working with the grumpy strchoumf. Politeness has never killed anyone and you won't be the first to die of it. I'm really trying with all my might to be courteous, but you seem determined to get me out of my mind.

"You know what Aliyah?! You are fired. I'm tired of putting up with your "too good to be an assistant" airs. You obviously did not understand the precise meaning of your job. I don't want to see you here tomorrow morning.

What a quirk! It's not so bad anyway. I couldn't bear it any longer.

Mr. Brown watches me with a mean smile, his arms crossed. He may be expecting me to beg him to hold me or to kneel down. I won't do anything about it, let him not take his dreams for reality. So, I get up, take my purse and my jacket and head for the door. He uncrosses his arms and looks bewildered. I grab the door but before leaving, I am pushed by a mystical force which pushes me to turn around.

"A last thing to add, Miss Smith?" he said with a smirk on his lips.

_ Yes mr Brown… You are a big obnoxious and impolite asshole. I really wonder how we can keep you here. I hope you rot in hell!

With that, I leave the place, relieved that I don't have to see her bulbous head again.

"Are you leaving Aliyah already?" Iris told me.

_Yes, and this may be the last time you see me, I told him a note of relief in my voice.