I gritted my teeth, could Larry not take a hint? I wasn't stomping over, but my irritation was clear in all the mirrors. "Larry, any business we have should be strictly professional. If it's not about work, we don't need to talk." I stated from behind the crowd. I belatedly realized… many looked familiar. From the lake party.
Larry was glaring over the many heads separating us. I stood just far enough back to meet his glare with one of my own.
There was a tick to Larry's jaw as he assessed me. I was pretty sure I was running on pure adrenaline as I glared. That or my patience had been exhausted along with my body. "Is it work related?" I demanded when he didn't say anything.
"Yes."
Well fuck. Half the wind went right out of my sails. I tried to find that indignation… but it was mostly gone. "Uh… If it's work related, it can wait until we're at work." I stated despite my wavering conviction.
I wanted to punch the smirk off Larry's face. Though, even if there were a hundred of me, I wasn't sure we'd have enough guts to actually throw down. I glanced at Pride, hoping for some kind of hint, but he just sighed.
"We're not at work," Pride offered after a moment.
"Then it can wait for work. We're… we're off the clock." I added a bit lamely. It sounded better in my head…
Jake backed away but didn't face away from Larry. "Not the time or place Larry. Jason has Brooks on speed dial."
"This is between me, and him." Larry stated as his voice took on a growl of his own.
"You're on our land, that means our rules." Nathan stated walking up, shoulders squared.
I had to admit, it was nice when they were on my side. Still, I'd never forgive myself if a fight broke out over this. "It's okay, because this is a work issue. I'll contact my boss so we can settle it at work." I announced loud enough to draw attention. If I had my phone on me I'd pull it out now... but it was in the locker.
"Nice, that should be enough to get him to back off." Pride agreed with a grin.
I kind of wished Mai was around, but I hadn't unlocked her human form yet. This would be a great time for boundaries. Confidence was great and all… just not what I needed right now.
Larry glared, then just turned around to leave.
I let out a breath I hadn't even realized I was holding. Jack clapped me on the shoulder.
"Damn Max, balls of steel." Jack said squeezing my shoulder with a wide grin.
"I'd be shitting kittens if I had to work with him." Jake agreed with a shudder. "I need a shower, and change of pants." He added. Everyone burst out laughing as the tension finally eased.
I received several pats on the back and hair ruffles as we were escorted to the locker rooms. Nathan stuck around just long enough to make sure Larry wasn't waiting for us.
When I was alone in the shower stall, I realized my hands were shaking. I grinned, damn that had been scary. Even with a dozen buff guys as back up. Or shields… they'd been in front after all.
I washed up, annoyed when I somehow got soap in my eye. Dang it Universe! Low blow! I was finally cleaned up and ready to escape. Before I left I saw Mai in her doll form on my backpack.
"We should send that message to Erika now… just to be safe." Mai reminded glancing at my phone.
I nodded with a sigh as I pulled teams up, messaging Erika.
Hello Erika, I ran into Larry outside of work. Do you mind having a sit down with us?
I showed it to Mai before sending it off.
"Let's change the wording a bit, he made you uncomfortable, and he's claiming its work talk." Mai added from on my shoulder.
Hello Erika, I ran into Larry outside of work. I wasn't comfortable talking about work at the gym, so was wondering if you could set some time aside for me and Larry to talk.
"I like this one better. This way its clear you want a three way conversation. Not to mention… being alone with him doesn't seem like the best idea." Mai agreed.
"Yeah," I agreed sending the message off.
Jake and Jack had to jet to work, so I took my yogurt smoothie as I started to walk home. I'd have to remember to stretch again when I got home. I sighed… headphones would be really nice right about now.
I was home before 8 in the morning… that meant I had around two or three before Robby showed up. I ate with the sins, then did some basic clean up… remembering I once again didn't have a garbage can yet. Getting there.
Robby didn't show up after two hours. Oh no, he was knocking on my door and yelling just after 9.
I opened the door with a droll stare. "Didn't you say you wouldn't leave until 8? I did mention I had plans right?" I asked with rubber gloves still on from washing the dishes. Thankfully I was almost done with the dishes already.
Robby shoved his way in with a wide grin. The giant turkey pot in hand. "Yeah yeah, I woke up early. Besides, figured I could help. Now let me get a real look at the place ya scrub."
I sighed, "Shoes off at the door." I reminded as I went back to washing the last plate.
"Right, oh! You got a bike! Nice! How do you like it so far?" Robby asked pulling the blender out of the turkey pot.
"I just got it the other day, haven't had a chance to test it out." I admitted… I could have ridden it to the gym… I was just… I didn't want to use it after the Larry debacle.
"Maybe tomorrow. Think we'll be done making all the food today? Takes a few hours each batch right?" Robby asked peeking over my shoulder, then he leaned against me. "No hugs? Lame. I don't work for free!"
I sighed, "Almost done with the dishes. Give me one minute." Robby was great, really… we were just so different. "Have you eaten yet? I just ate, though we could grab lunch when we headed out… but I still have some stuff to do first." I explained a bit frustrated that he was an hour earlier than planned.
"Naw, had something on the way up. Anything I can help with?" Robby asked glancing around. "Do we have enough room to make the food?"
I glanced at my small counters… that could prove to be an obstacle… "We'll make it work I'm sure. Plenty of floor space."
"KK," Robby agreed as he settled down. I glanced around… I guess the rest could wait.
I messaged the shelter asking if I could come pick up early. They responded surprisingly fast. Said I could drop by as early as 9:30. The shelter was only fifteen minutes away so I started a load of laundry before we escaped.