Chapter 4 #2
“Don’t get tilted,” Caitlyn soothed. Following the Bard’s advice that discretion was the better part of valor, she chose not to rub in the fact that Noah’s claim about their secret strategies hadn’t helped. She said, “It’s only a game.”
“‘Tis never only a game,” he growled.
When Caitlyn arched a brow, his face flushed.
“I hope Max does better,” Zoe said. “I’ve always wanted to learn to play jungle.”
“I propose we have a strategy session,” Heath suggested as he walked past their chairs. “This way.”
Caitlyn agreed it would be a good idea to discuss the game, but she wished it’d been her or Noah who suggested it.
She was already a little intimidated with Heath being older than the rest of them by a few years.
Would he try to take control? She glanced at Noah, who also stared at the other intern’s departing back.
“Didn’t Sona say Heath works from home back in Washington?” Caitlyn rose from her chair. “Does he boss people around there?”
“‘Tis a good question.” Noah’s expression turned thoughtful. “We’ll have to make it clear to him who the team leaders are.”
“Diplomatically,” Caitlyn said, alarmed at the sudden intensity in his face. “Remember, this is supposed to be about team-building and not power plays, either ours or someone else’s. We don’t want to appear insecure.”
“Appear?” Noah challenged, eyeing her.
She decided to be honest. “I can’t speak for you, but I am insecure. I love my job, and I want to do well.”
Noah hesitated a moment before nodding. “But ‘tis also about you and me showing we can be leaders. I’m thinking your instincts could be right. The new guy might have been included to challenge our authority.” He headed toward the door.
Caitlyn started to follow, thinking to stop him, but Mrs. Dimitriou signaled for her to wait.
“How are you feeling?” the woman asked as she approached. “You look better.”
“Much. Thank you, Mrs. Dimitriou. My stomach’s been improving a little, but anxiety about the assignment probably brought it on again.
” Caitlyn gave a little gasp, remembering who she was talking to.
What was she doing admitting her health issues could interfere with doing her job?
But there was something about this woman that made it easy to open up.
“Don’t worry.” Mrs. Dimitriou patted Caitlyn’s hand. “And call me Eve. Everyone does. You should be fine if you just make sure you eat every couple of hours, including something with protein.”
“I will.” Caitlyn caught a glance from Sona, who watched them, her expression curious. “Thank you, Eve. I should get to my team meeting.” Caitlyn hurried out of the room, her thoughts torn between their supervisor’s look and the idea it had triggered.
Zoe was standing outside a door down the hall. “Hurry. They’re waiting for you.”
Caitlyn followed her friend into what must be the library. The comfortable room had a gas fireplace, a seating area full of comfy-looking chairs, and walls lined with books. She loved it immediately.
“Were you spying on them?” Noah asked.
“No. I don’t spy, but I did have an idea you and I should talk about after the games tonight.” Caitlyn purposefully didn’t look at Heath and hoped Noah would get the message. When his eyes darted to the man and back to her, he gave a quick nod.
Heath didn’t try to run their meeting but turned to Noah and Caitlyn expectantly. That didn’t fit what she’d been thinking. Curious. They discussed what had worked in the game and what hadn’t and then possible position changes.
When they returned to the game room, the others had gathered around a table laden with food. It included a delightful mixture of both healthy and fun things to eat. Caitlyn took a package of peanut butter crackers.
“Could I be having a word with you?” Noah whispered.
“Sure.” Caitlyn followed him to their lounge chairs.
“What was your epiphany in the library?”
“Since Heath’s been working remotely for REKD Gaming, could he be a plant?” she asked, opening her package of crackers. “Like he’s got a special assignment while he’s here?”
“Why, that sly divil.” Noah gave a dark chuckle. “‘Twould be just like Sona to throw in a ringer just to see how I act. She pushes me harder than anyone else she supervises. Sorry you got dragged into this. But tell me what you be thinking.”
Caitlyn set aside the comment about Sona being hard on Noah for future consideration. “I’ve only wondered about him because he can’t be a simple student like the rest of us. He’s twenty-five at least, I’m sure.”
“What are the two of you conspiring about?” Finn asked, sliding into the seat on the other side of Noah.
Caitlyn wondered if he was going to tell his friend. When Noah shook his head, she let out her breath. They had no proof Heath was anything more than what he appeared.
“‘Tis team leader business. Nothing you need to fret over.”
“Whatever.”
Finn said it with such a perfect American accent Caitlyn burst out laughing.
The others who’d come over wanted to know what the joke was, and she insisted he repeat it, which made everyone else laugh.
The lightheartedness of the moment, plus the tactics discussion in the library, must have helped. They won the following game.
Playing REKD would definitely need to be a retreat team-building activity, especially the confab sessions after each game and the snacks. She could see the benefit of the pro teams whose coaches went over their team play after games.