CHAPTER SIXTY–FOUR–THE LINES WE CROSS
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“Alright, everyone,” Nia began, looking around at the concerned faces. “I know we’re all worried about these rumors, but we can’t let it affect our work.”
Old Man Barnaby spoke up, his voice gruff with concern. “Easy for you to say, Nia. Some of us can’t afford to lose this job.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. Nia held up her hands, calling for quiet.
“I understand, believe me,” she said earnestly. “This job means everything to me too. But panicking won’t help. We need to show them why we’re invaluable.”
“How do we do that?” Helia asked, leaning forward.
Nia smiled, a plan forming in her mind. “By doing what we do best, but better. Let’s show them that this place falls apart without us. We’ll document everything, track our efficiency, come up with cost–saving ideas. Well make it impossible for them to consider cuts in our department.”
As Nia laid out her plan, she saw hope rekindling in her coworkers‘ eyes. By the end of the meeting, there was a new sense of purpose in the room.
“We’re in this together,” Nia concluded. “Let’s show them what we’re made of.”
Over the next two days, Nia threw herself into preparing a presentation. She pored over efficiency reports, brainstormed cost–saving measures, and compiled testimonials from other departments about the importance of their work.
On Friday morning, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Nia noticed several executives, including Leon, entering a conference room for what looked like a lengthy meeting. Her coworkers kept glancing nervously at the closed door, their productivity suffering despite their best efforts.
As the day wore on with no announcement, Nia did her best to keep spirits up. She offered encouragement, shared jokes, and reminded everyone of their value. But privately, she was terrified. The thought of losing this job, her lifeline to a new start, filled her with dread.
As they clocked out for the weekend, the uncertainty was almost unbearable. Nia watched her coworkers leave, their faces etched with worry about what Monday might bring.
“Have a good weekend, everyone,” she called out, trying to inject cheer into her voice. “Try not to worry too much. We’ll face whatever comes together.”
But as she gathered her things, Nia couldn’t shake the knot of anxiety in her stomach. This job had
–
become more than just work it was her chance at redemption, her new family. The thought of losing it all was almost too much to bear.
The weekend passed in a blur of anxiety and sleepless nights. Monday morning arrived with a sense of impending doom. As Nia entered the building, she could feel the tension in the air.
Mr. Harlow called a department–wide meeting first thing. As everyone gathered, his grim expression confirmed their worst fears.
“I’m afraid I have some difficult news,” he began, his voice heavy. “Due to budget constraints, the company has decided to implement some layoffs in our department”
A collective gasp went through the room. Nia felt her heart racing as Mr. Harlow continued.
“However,” he said, a small smile forming, “thanks to the incredible effort and efficiency demonstrated by
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ATH FOURE THE LINES WE CROSS
this team, particularly over the past week, we’ve managed to minimize the impact.”
He went on to explain that while some positions would be cut, it was far fewer than initially planned. As he read out the list of affected employees, Nia felt a mixture of relief and guilt. She had kept her job, but some of her coworkers hadn’t been so lucky.
After the meeting, as people comforted those who had been laid off and processed the news, Hella approached Nia.
“Your idea to showcase our value really made a difference,” she said, giving Nia a quick hug. “We would have lost a lot more people without your leadership.”
Nia nodded, feeling a complex mix of emotions. “I just wish we could have saved everyone’s job.”
As the day progressed, Nia threw herself into her work, trying to process the morning’s events. She couldn’t shake the feeling that while they had won a small victory, bigger challenges lay ahead. The landscape at Colossius Tech was changing, and she would need to adapt quickly to navigate the uncertain waters ahead.
As the workday drew to a close on Tuesday, Nia and Helia clocked out together, chatting about their plans for the evening. As they stepped into the parking lot, Nia noticed Justin Allistair standing near his car, his eyes fixed on her. He raised a hand, beckoning her over.
Nia hesitated, turning to Helia. “Hey, you go on ahead. I think Mr. Allistair wants to talk to me about something.”
Helia glanced at Justin, then back at Nia, her eyebrows raised. “Alright, if you’re sure. See you tomorrow?”
Nia nodded, forcing a smile. ‘Definitely. Have a good night!”
As Helia walked away, Nia took a deep breath and approached Justin. His usual charming demeanor was absent, replaced by a serious, almost stern expression
“Mr. Allistair,”
Nia greeted him, trying to keep her tone light. “Is everything alright?”
Justin’s eyes darted around the parking lot before settling back on Nia. “We need to talk, Ms. Espinosa. It’s about my brother.”
Nia felt her stomach tighten. “Leon? Is something wrong?”
Justin sighed, running a hand through his hair. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. I’ve noticed you two have been… close lately.”
“We work together sometimes,” Nia said carefully. “He’s been very supportive of my ideas for improving efficiency in the janitorial department.”
“I’m sure he has,” Justin replied, his tone neutral. “The thing is, Nia… Leon’s been distracted lately. In board meetings, your name comes up frequently. More frequently than I’m comfortable with, to be honest.
Nia felt her cheeks flush. “I… I don’t understand. I’m just a janitor. Why would he be talking about me in board meetings?”
Justin leaned against his car, his eyes never leaving Nia’s face. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. You see, Leon and I… we have a history of rivalries. Competing over the same things, the same people. I’m concerned that you might be unintentionally reopening some old wounds.”
Nia shook her head, confusion and disbelief warring within her. “Mr. Allistair, I assure you, there’s nothing going on between Leon and me. We have a purely professional relationship.”
Justin’s expression softened slightly. “I believe that you believe that, Nia. But I’ve seen this before. Leon has a tendency to become intensely focused on projects… or people. He throws himself into them
CHAPTER SIXTY–FOUR THE LINES WE CHOOS
completely, and then…
“And then what?” Nia asked, unable to keep the edge of
“And then he loses interest,” Justin finished, his voice happen time and time again. I’m worried that you might complicated dynamics.
