In the cafeteria of Johnson Enterprises, Rebecca White grabbed her tray, joining the bustling lunch queue. The place was known for its great food, a perk for the employees, and today was no exception. Rebecca took her place at the back of the line, her gaze inadvertently landing on the person in front of her. There was something familiar about the way they stood…
Mr. Johnson? she voiced out, recognizing the figure despite only seeing his back. It felt rude to ignore him.
Francis Johnson turned around, confirming her guess. Surprised to see me here?
Uh, no? Just didn’t expect it, Rebecca stammered, finding it odd. After all, he was the CEO, not your average employee grabbing lunch in the cafeteria.
Francis raised an eyebrow, This is the company cafeteria. Why wouldn’t I eat here?
Rebecca chuckled nervously, shifting her tray to one hand and subconsciously resting the other on her stomach, a gesture Francis noticed immediately.
You okay? he asked, a frown forming.
Rebecca hesitated, not quite sure how to explain her discomfort, especially not here, and not to him. I’m fine, really.
Their relationship was strictly professional, and it wasn’t exactly appropriate to discuss personal matters, especially those of a more intimate nature like her period deciding to make an unexpected visit.
Francis seemed skeptical but didn’t
press further. Instead, he offered to switch places in line, allowing her to
go ahead. It’s no big deal, just making it easier for you.
Rebecca could only thank him, her face a mix of gratitude and discomfort as she felt the telltale signs of her period starting, right there in the middle of the lunch rush. How can I say this? she thought, mortified at the situation.
Francis, noticing her distress, insisted on knowing if something was wrong. Offering his support, he reminded her, I’m probably the person you know best here. That was true. Faced with the choice between seeking help from her male supervisor or Francis, she preferred the latter.
I think my… you know, she whispered, struggling to find the words.
Understanding immediately, Francis didn’t hesitate. He took off his suit jacket and tied it around her waist, ensuring she was covered and could maintain her dignity. Rebecca was touched by the gesture, though she worried about ruining his expensive jacket.
Francis then escorted her out of the cafeteria, drawing curious glances and whispers. Rumors started to swirl, questioning if Rebecca was the new woman in Francis’s life, especially given his recent breakup with his long-time fiancée, Caroline.
Back at Rebecca’s table, her coworkers were buzzing with speculation; wondering if their relationship was more than
professional. Her supervisor
clueless, adding fuel to the fire of gossip.
Francis led Rebecca to his office, offering her a seat on the couch and checking if she was okay, a concern evident in his touch.