“—I do.” My brow pinches and I tilt my head. "What was it?"
"It was about six years ago, I had just started at Mimir a few weeks earlier. It was someone's birthday so there was cake in the conference room on the executive floor. I stood near you and Edgar but wasn't part of your conversation. I overheard Edgar saying, 'She seemed really nice when I met her.' I looked over at him and his eyes were staring right at me. I figured you both were talking about me, the new hire. I admit, I shouldn't have been eavesdropping but I was new and wanted to make sure I was making a good impression, especially with the people running the company."
She sighed and then laughed a little before shaking her head. "That's when you stated, 'The Ice Queen wouldn't know how to be nice if it came and gave her a nice kiss...on the ass.' I was floored at how you described me. I always tried to be serious and a hard worker but never had I once been described like that before. I set up a meeting with you to find out why you said that, and when I asked if I had done anything to offend you, you looked me straight in the eye and said yes. You then described the tremendous amounts of errors in the HR paperwork and complained about the delays in various HR meetings. Obvious someone was at fault so, and I quote, 'It must be the new girl because who else would fuck up in this manner.' End quote."
I don't remember any of this. I would never have called an employee Ice Queen. There is only one other person I ever said that about.
"From that point on Payne, I hated you. I set it upon myself to make your working life at that company a living hell. If I had a chance to make your job a little bit harder or make you have to work later, I did it." Evaleen's arms crossed over her chest and she’s glaring at me. If what she said is true then I don't blame her for hating me.
"I'm so sorry Evaleen. I don't remember that specific conversation with Edgar, but I do know that the only person I ever called an Ice Queen was my mother. I never would have said that about an employee, especially a new hire. I didn't know you. As for the way I treated you when you asked if I offended you, well that was all me. I was an asshole for a very long time. If it isn't already glaringly obvious, I have a lot of anger issues." I chuckle and the corner of my mouth tilts up in an impish grin.
"For a long time I thought the best way to deal with people was to just point out the mistakes, even if it wasn't their fault. I am sure you weren't responsible for the errors in the forms and meeting schedules. I know for a fact that you were too junior at the time to have any control on scheduling mistakes. You just happened to be in front of me at the time and made the mistake of asking me if I had a problem. I'm sorry. That was no way to treat you. I hope you can forgive me."
We sat in silence for a moment as Evaleen just stared at me. Her mouth opened and closed a few times. She didn't expect me to apologize. The old me would never have admitted I made a mistake, but the old bitter Henrik died the day Morgana walked out of my office at Mimir. I wonder sometimes if I just left the old me in that building, in that office. I can’t help but wonder if I ever returned, would the old, bitter me come roaring back to life?
Who knows? It doesn't matter anymore as I will never be setting foot in that office again.
"Well, I better let you get back to work Evaleen. For what it's worth, you are good at your job. I never let anyone say a disparaging word about your work. You are a hard worker and I admire that about you. Thank you for letting me know about Morgana."
I stand and push the chair back in, as Evaleen remains seated, staring forward as if I’m still directly in front of her.
"Payne. Drake’s first name is April." Evaleen smirks as she tells me.
I nod. "April, that's a nice name. Too bad she had to change it."
Evaleen nods and gets up. Gathering her things, she taps me on the arm just before she heads out.
"Payne, I just wanted to say I wish you the best of luck with your business, and if anyone can make something work, I know it's you. You’re smart and good at what you do."
I watch her in stunned silence as she exits the shop. After a moment, I turn my attention to the front counter where Trevor is waiting by the register. I make my way to the front never taking my eyes off him.
"Hello sir. What is your drink preference today?" His nasally voice causes my stomach to churn.
"So, you’re the dipshit that forced Morg...April Drake to change her name." I cut straight to it.
The blood drains from his face as his eyes drift over my body. I have at least a few inches of height and definitely many more pounds of muscle than he does.
"Um, what do you want?" his voice cracks as he asks me.
"I want you to apologize to her."
His eyes dart around the shop and he whispers, "Where is she?"