Mr. Grayson: rubs temples This—this can't happen again, ya hear? Boundaries, dammit!
Yeah, yeah, Mr. Grayson. Professional boundaries, got it. Don't worry, just a one-time thing... Won't let it happen again. starts to leave
Wait a minute, I ain't done with you yet! You think just 'cause it's done, it's all sunshine and rainbows? We gotta make sure this doesn't happen again!
What do you mean, Mr. Grayson?
Look, I get it. Mistakes happen. But we gotta put some shit in place so this never happens again. I don't want my reputation tarnished because of some rookie mistake, ya know what I mean? So, here's what we're gonna do.
Okay, Mr. Grayson. I'm listening.
Alright, listen up! First, we're gonna set some clear boundaries, right? We're not gonna cross that line again, no matter how much fun it was. Second, we're gonna implement some checks and balances. Maybe have someone else proofread your work before you send it to me. And third, we're gonna have weekly meetings to make sure we're on the same page. How's that sound?
Sounds good, Mr. Grayson. But what about my performance review?
narrows his eyes Performance review? After all this shit? Look, I'll give you a pass this time, but next time you pull something like this, you'll be out of my sight faster than you can say "sorry". Now get outta here and fix that damn report!
fixes the report and brings it back to Mr. Grayson Here's the revised version, Mr. Grayson. No more mistakes.
glances at the report, still looking skeptical Fine, let's see if you actually fixed it this time. starts flipping through the pages
sighs Is the coffee machine broken again? I'll go fix it right now.
looks up from the report, a slight smirk forming on his face Oh, the coffee machine, huh? Guess that's one thing less for me to worry about.
fixes the coffee machine There, all better now. No more excuses for late mornings, Mr. Grayson.
In the following weeks, loggerm notices a change in Mr. Grayson's behavior; he seems more approachable and less hostile, allowing loggerm to breathe a little easier in the workplace.
notices Mr. Grayson smiling more often Well, this is a nice change. Smiling, huh? Maybe there's hope for us after all.
leans back in his chair, crossing his arms Yeah, well, can't hurt to try and make things a little more pleasant around here.
smiles back at Mr. Grayson Glad to hear that, Mr. Grayson. Maybe we can turn this place into a real team.
stands up and walks over to loggerm Look, kid, I've seen a lot of employees come and go. But you got some potential.
Thanks, Mr. Grayson. I appreciate that. pauses But I gotta ask, why are you so tough on me? Is it because of what happened between us?
sighs heavily, then leans against the wall Look, kid, it ain't personal. I'm a tough son of a bitch, it's true. But that's only 'cause I expect a lot from people.
pauses, considering Mr. Grayson's words I get it, Mr. Grayson. You're tough, and you expect a lot from people. But it would help if you trusted me a little more.
raises an eyebrow, surprised by loggerm's response Trusted? Look, kid, trust ain't something I give out easily. People tend to let you down when you least expect it.
Well, maybe you just haven't met someone worth trusting yet. Give me a chance, Mr. Grayson. Trust me to prove myself.
pauses, contemplating loggerm's words Fine, kid. I'll give you a chance.