Orla walks over to my cubicle as I'm gathering my things.  "We better get to that meeting."  She says.  She waits for me, and we head to the conference room.

Some people have already settled in, whilst others are still entering.  We sit down next to each other.  As soon as Alya notices me, she looks me directly in the eyes before licking her bottom lip and biting it.  I scrunch my face up, rolling my eyes.

When everyone is in their seats, Alya starts the meeting. 

.....

Alya kept looking at me this whole meeting.  I hate being in the same room as her.  I can't wait for this meeting to be over.  Orla starts twirling her hair with her finger.  I'm with ya, Orla.  I start twirling her hair as well, making her look at me and smile.

Alya's eyes land on us, and she frowns.  She seems to shake it off before turning her attention back to the screen.

Eventually, the meeting ends.  Orla and I walk out together.  We talk as we walk.  "Alya kept looking at me."  I say.  "Yeah, what was that about?"  "I don't know."  "Did you see her frown in the middle of it?"  "Yeah.  She must be jealous or something."

"She shouldn't be, all the women she gets."  "You know her, Daddy's little princess that's so used to getting what she wants, and when she doesn't, she frowns."

"If I was Alya, I'd be grateful for all the women I get and not be greedy and angry over one."  "I don't see how she's such a ladies woman.  She's obnoxious and appalling."  "Good looks and a power dynamic.  I bet her ego is boosted up for days."

We make our way back to our cubicles, hers being next to mine.

.....

I'm walking down the hall past Alya's office, when I see Francine walking as well, straightening out her clothes and primping her hair.  I walk up to her, stopping her in her tracks.

"Oh you are not about to do what I think you are."  I say to her with genuine concern.  "I'm getting that promotion, Robin.  Whether you like it or not."

She brushes past me, knocking on her door.  The door opens slightly.  "Just the woman I was expecting to see."  Alya's voice says with a hint of flirtation and control.  Francine disappears inside, then the door closes.

Poor Francine.  What makes her think she's any different from all the other women Alya's done things with in that office?  I bet she's nothing but another piece of meat to her.

I go back to my cubicle, feeling pissed at both of them.