Chapter 2 #2
“Right.” Sona turned off the projector, and the picture disappeared.
“It was disassembled and brought to America back in the mid-1800s by one of Heath’s ancestors.
He can tell you about it when you’re together in New York.
We hope learning about each other will help our employees to bond.
This is what we want your activities to foster.
Something REKD Gaming has always had was a sense of community and some would even suggest family.
It’s become harder to maintain as we’ve grown, but we don’t want to lose it.
So, keep that in mind as you work with your team.
When things get difficult, our employees need to have confidence that their fellow employees will have their backs. ”
“I love the idea, Mrs. Rafferty,” Caitlyn said, trying hard not to look at Noah, “and I hope we’re successful, but I know from sad experience there will always be haters.” She couldn’t help but glance at him then but quickly shifted her gaze away.
“Then I’m tasking the two of you especially to seek out meaningful experiences for your team members to share with the intent to turn the haters into friends.
I cannot stress enough how important this is.
” Sona looked first at Noah and then Caitlyn.
“I heard once that people who read fiction are better sympathizers because they’ve learned to empathize with the characters.
Well, everyone has a story. We all have people we interact with but know little about.
If they knew the pains we carry, even the haters might be able to find some compassion.
I’m not talking about trying to push your team to share deep terrible secrets.
But activities to help scratch the surface and show a glimpse at the real person behind all the protections might help them to open up more. ”
“To trust more,” Caitlyn whispered, struck by the sudden intensity in the woman’s words. It seemed clear Sona was thinking of something personal. What loss had she suffered? “You’ve given me a lot to think about,” she said.
“Good. Now if we can get this lunk to think at all.” Sona winked at Noah.
“Hey, just being your cousin doesn’t give you the right to call me names.”
The first time Caitlyn had heard that this obviously Irish man was related to an Asian woman, it’d been clear there was a story there.
One that fascinated Caitlyn, but she hadn’t had a chance to ask about it before Noah ghosted her.
The painful memory of what he’d done made her wince, and she reminded herself he and his family connections weren’t her business anymore. Never really had been.
Her stomach growled, followed by a wave of nausea. For a second, she thought she might lose the small amount of lunch she’d managed to eat earlier. The others shot Caitlyn a quick glance but looked away.
“Excuse me,” she mumbled, dipping her chin.
“I’ve emailed both of you a list of things each team member should bring. I would suggest you begin exchanging ideas before we head to New York.” Sona looked between the two of them again. “That’ll do for today. Time to get to work.”
“Mrs. Rafferty,” Caitlyn said, gathering her bag, “do we need to worry about making room assignments or shopping for food during our stay?”
“Call me Sona. We’ll be flatmates pretty soon, after all.
You and Zoe will share a room, as will Noah and Finn.
” She sent Noah a sly glance. “Heath will share with Max. Your team’s job will be to find ways for the six of you to bond as our ‘pre-retreat retreaters,’ as Kayn has been calling you.
Come up with team-building experiences you can practice on yourselves. ”
Sona paused, giving them each an assessing look.
“What I’m about to say stays in this room.
Is that clear?” Once they’d both nodded, she said, “We’ll likely have the first retreat composed of the troublemakers.
It wouldn’t hurt for you to bear that in mind as you consider your activities.
I know your leave of absence let you miss some of the challenges we’ve been dealing with, Caitlyn. ”
From the corner of her eye, Caitlyn thought she saw Noah pull a face which he quickly wiped away. Had the idea of working with her been the cause, or remembering the employee conflicts they were trying to fix?
“You could just fire them,” he said.
“That is an option,” Sona agreed. “But you know REKD Gaming has some of the most talented creative types in the world working for us. You don’t just throw that away because people are having a hard time getting along.”
Caitlyn was watching Noah when the woman said the words and was surprised when he flinched. Did he think those words had been directed at him? Her stomach churned with nausea again, followed by a wave of dizziness. She would have to eat something soon, or she might pass out.
“I’ll email you when to meet at the airport,” Sona said. “The two of you should bring a few ideas to discuss with your team on the flight.”
Noah rose and approached the desk like he meant to ask Sona a question.
“Thank you again for this opportunity,” Caitlyn called as she headed for the door. She had to find a vending machine.
After locating one with chocolate-covered nuts, Caitlyn found an empty conference room to sit in while she ate. She didn’t close the door all the way in case someone needed to use it. Or if she needed help.
No. That kind of thinking was a surrender to the stupid cancer, and she refused. She would get over the late-effects of the chemo. Until treatment, she’d never had problems with her blood sugar before.
To distract herself from the negative thoughts, she started humming the melody Ezreal had forwarded to the musical department for a new champion. It had an almost haunting air to it which intrigued her.
Outside the room came the sound of a taunting voice and a familiar one making an attempt to reason with the other. Who was hassling Noah? With her phone in hand, Caitlyn slipped from her chair and tiptoed to the partially open door.
“I don’t care who you’re related to,” the taunter was growling, his voice low and menacing. “I’m sick of you prancing around like you’re something special and taking a job from an American.”
Caitlyn recognized the voice then. She couldn’t recall the guy’s name, but she remembered he was a senior at Appalachian State and had a chip on his shoulder.
Something thudded against the wall, making her jump. Without thinking, she opened the door the rest of the way while she put her phone to her ear. Noah wasn’t short, but he was wiry, and the buff senior seemed to tower over the Irishman.
“Yes, Mr. Brooks,” Caitlyn said, ignoring the brute and waving to Noah, “he’s right here.” She held her phone out to him, and he took it.
“Hey, Joe. What do you need?” he said, ducking under the senior’s beefy arm and slipping into the conference room, her phone to his ear. A look of confusion flashed across his face, followed by understanding.
Caitlyn sent the senior an apologetic look and closed the door. She turned her back to the door, covering the small pane of glass with her body. Her gaze locked with Noah’s, and they both held their breath until they heard the guy’s heavy tread stomp away.
Noah muttered something in what she guessed must be Gaelic. He handed her back the phone.
“‘Twas quick thinking.” He kept his gaze down. “Thanks.”
“You still have to put up with that nonsense after all this time?” She stepped away from the door. “Have you told Sona?”
“No. And don’t you be saying anything to her either. I can handle this.” Noah threw open the door but paused, still not looking at her. “I have finals this week and won’t be able to meet until just before we leave for New York.”
“All right. I’ll do some research and email you what I find.”
“I’ll do the same. Thanks again.”
Noah left the room.
She took her time putting away her phone.
At the meeting with Sona, Caitlyn hadn’t missed a couple of the disgusted looks he’d sent her way.
It still hurt that Noah had never given her a chance to defend herself from what must be Keven’s lies.
It had to be him because she couldn’t think what else could cause Noah’s affection to turn to animosity.
If that was the case, a part of her understood. Should someone accuse Zoe of something, Caitlyn would trust her friend too.
She sighed. It would be easier to work with Noah if she hadn’t just discovered she still had feelings for him.