Ten minutes later L'Atrice came strolling by as if drying her nails was her biggest problem.
"L'Atrice, I need to talk to you."
"Fran, not now. I had a long night," she said dismissively. "What I need is for you to get me some coffee." She stepped inside and closed the door to her office.
What? Was she kidding? Did she think I was just going to let this go? I knocked on the door and stepped inside.
"Excuse me?" She was shocked.
She looked at me like I was crazy-- and for the first time-- I saw fear in her eyes. Why I thought? And then I realized it was because she knew she was guilty. "That one-piece butterfly underwear concept was mine. You stole it, L'Atrice."
"What is your problem? You little ingrate. I opened my door and I gave you a shot Fran, and this is what I get?"
She was right, I thought. I didn't want to be here, accusing the one person that genuinely liked my designs. I wanted to be 'professional,' but I continued, "Please L'Atrice, admit that you stole it."
"I stole nothing."
"Okay, I'll make you a deal. Just put my name on it and I won't tell anyone."
"Child, maybe some therapy would help will these delusions."
"Fuck you L'Atrice." I froze. I couldn't believe it just came out. Never in my life had I swore at a boss before-- at least never to their face. And certainly not the "F" word.
L'Atrice stared at me like a deer in headlights. We were silent for a few milliseconds, both stunned at my outburst.
"I'll can...fire you."
"Oh great, steal my idea, then fire me. That's just great."
"Look Fran, why don't you go take a walk and cool off. We'll talk about it when you get back."
"If I come back." And I slammed the door behind me.
I was out of control and I needed to calm down-- quick. I went down the hall to the one person that I hoped would be able to help me.
"What am I supposed to do, Thea? Stay here hoping to move up the ladder but when I have something that really works, she steals it?"
"Hey, hey, relax."
"I'm so pissed off."
"Okay, be pissed. Take some swings, beat your head against the wall, but what the hell is that going to do?"
"Make me feel better."
"For an hour or so. It's not worth it. Look, let me check it out. Take the rest of the day off. I'll tell L'Atrice you needed some more time or somthing. Just go home and chill and I'll call you later."
I took a deep breath and kissed Thea on the cheek.
She smiled.
"You'll call me no matter what you find out?" I said to her at the door. "Even if I'm fired?"
"I'll call you, I promise," was the last thing she said.
I headed towards the elevators, unsure if I had a job anymore but for some reason, I didn't care. L'Atrice might have stolen one design, but I had plenty more. Plenty.
