This day began like any other, but what I didn't know was that it was far from that.
I took my bath, wore my suit, got into my car, and drove to work. I stopped at the café like I had every day for the last five years, but this time something was different. My coffee wasn't waiting for me, and there were new faces.
"Where's my coffee?" I asked, already annoyed.
"Wait for your turn, sir."
I hate new employees.
"You don't know me, little boy."
"If you're not the Queen B, then you should wait your turn."
"Are you stupid? I'm the King B."
"Well then, you can show me some moves. Maybe I'll make an exception."
"Are you harassing me?"
"Me?" he laughed. "I didn't even look at you. I was busy with this gentleman's order." He winked at the guy in front of me.
I felt so angry—but not at the boy. At the guy smiling back at him, fucking him with his eyes.
"What is your order, Mr. Black?"
"So you know me, and you play stupid."
"What? Your name is Black?" He laughed. "I can't believe it. It would be better if you were actually black—oh, I'm not saying it's a bad thing. My best friend is black. Do you think I shouldn't use black? I didn't say it in a bad way. But now it sounds racist. Maybe I should tell her what I said and apologize. She'll make me pay for her food, and it's my first day. Maybe we should forget it ever happened."
Oh my fucking day. I wish I had drowned in my bathtub before meeting this boy.
"Maybe you should give me my fucking black coffee before this becomes your last day."
"Oh my fudge—and your coffee is also black. Is that something you planned, or is it a coincidence?" He smiled. "Sorry. I'll sew my mouth shut and won't say anything about black for two hours."
It was the first time something like this had happened to me. He was so rude. Why didn't I intimidate him? How dare he laugh at my name and my style? This suit cost a fortune.
"Your order, sir. Have a good day."
"Believe me, boy, it's far from a good day."
"Maybe if you smile sometimes, it will turn into a good one. Unless you have black teeth." He froze. "Oh my God—that was a bad joke. I assure you, sir, I see your teeth and they shine like diamonds. I'll shut my mouth."
"Keep the change—for your friend's food."
I took the stupid coffee, left a hundred dollars, and walked out with mixed emotions. To my surprise, anger wasn't one of them. Maybe just a little annoyance—but not anger.
Maybe I should find another coffee shop.
When I walked through the company corridors, I didn't meet any employees. Everyone avoids meeting me. I don't blame them. My only real problem is the assistants—they try to seduce me in the cheapest ways. Some even try to touch me, and thanks to my anxiety, I push them away hard.
Some men envy me for the women who throw themselves at me. I don't envy myself.
After twenty years of depression and trauma, I developed severe anxiety. Nobody can touch me except Dad and Lisa.
Second, I'm sure I'm gay. I've known since I was fourteen. I admired the Red Ranger instead of the Yellow or Pink ones from Power Rangers. Only my father and Lisa know. I'm not hiding it—I just don't care about anyone else's opinion.
I opened my computer and started working on my new project. It was a big one, requiring a lot of focus and time—and I had plenty of both.
I worked all day without pausing. I didn't even have lunch. All I ate was that surprisingly good muffin the boy gave me to apologize for his behavior. Maybe I shouldn't have accepted it. He said it was his first day, and now he had to pay for that muffin. But I did give him a hundred dollars.
I should focus on my work.
I was about to call my lawyer when my dad opened the door and came in smiling.
"Thank God Lisa didn't come with me. She would've killed your secretary. I don't know where you find these bitches. As soon as she found out I'm your father, she started flirting with me. I know I'm handsome and irresistible, but I'm married and I love my wife. And why is she still here? It's almost seven."
"I don't know. I'm too busy to think about them. And stop, Dad—you know the only irresistible thing about you is your money. I'm tired of them."
I picked up the phone and called her in.
"You need me, sir?"
Did she just wink at me? I hate that tone of voice. She reminded me of the goat I had when I was little.
"Yes. I need you to collect your things and leave. This is a decent company, not a place to hunt for a rich man."
"Sir, I'm sorry. I can do anything to keep my job."
"You're acting like a slut. I don't want to see your face again."
She left crying. And now I was without an assistant. Great. A very good day.
"Dad, I need your opinion on my new project. Do you have time?"
"No. Lisa is waiting for us in the car. We're going to dinner together."
"I can't. I have a lot of work."
"Okay. Call her and tell her you can't go."
"Let's go. You know she won't accept my rejection."
"Yes, she's stubborn—just like you."
"I don't argue with her anymore. I know I won't win. I accept immediately."
"You learned the hard way."
Yes, I did. She was the only one who broke my walls and made me love and respect her. She's like a mother to me.
I just wish I had the courage to call her Mom.