Chasing Mr. Carlton ( The story of a Shrew's Son)

Part 57

"Well, he's not in his office." Emma said, making Bobby lift a brow.

"He just took off, in the middle of the day during the busiest of days?" Bobby said angrily.

"He probably realized that he was going to have trouble. I can't believe you didn't tell me about this sooner." Emma said, looking at Bobby who was turning bright red.

"I really didn't want to make a big deal out of it." Bobby said.

"Not a big deal? An executive at your job has been hitting on you, he kissed you AT A COMPANY even WITHOUT your permission, and then he faked a meeting to get you alone... not to mention on company time? How is this not a big deal? You just told me he was being physically intimidating." Emma said.

"I thought I could handle it." Bobby said with a frown.

"And how has that worked out for you?" Emma said.

"I'm sorry." Bobby said with a sigh, "I guess I screwed up."

"I'm not mad at you, Bobby. I need you to see this is serious and I'll have to bring up the matter with Matt." Emma said.  Bobby's eyes widened.

"No, no! Please, you can't tell Matt." Bobby said.

"I have to. This is a serous complaint and it's against an executive. If we want to take action, Matt needs to know." Emma said.

"Why not Nora or Brian?" Bobby asked.

"Matt is acting CEO now, it's only appropriate. Why don't you want Matt to know?" Emma asked. Bobby looked down at her hands, trying to think of something to say.

"I know you two have had a strange year and your friendship might be a bit strained but I know Matt well, he'll handle this matter professionally." Emma said and Bobby shook her head.

"Isn't there any other way?" Bobby asked. Emma looked at Bobby, trying to understand what was wrong.

"What's going on? Bobby, I want to help you and you can be sure that anything you say stays in this office but I can't do anything if you don't tell me." Emma said. Bobby looked at her for a second. She knew that Michael needed to go before he tried something else.

"Matt and I... we complicated our relationship." Bobby said simply, unsure how to say it.

"What do you mean you..." Emma began with a frown but then her eyes widened as if understanding. "Oh."

There was some silence as Emma let it sink in. She looked a Bobby, beginning to understand they both had been acting over the last few months.

"Do you mind if I ask- What the situation is now?" Emma asked.

"Complicated... and over." Bobby said softly.

"Over?" Emma asked, seeing the pain in Bobby's eyes.

"Yeah." She managed to mutter, looking pathetic. Emma supposed she should be mad at Matt, Bobby was the inexperienced person here- he should have known better. Still, somehow she couldn't imagine Matt playing with Bobby. She had always been sure that Bobby was a very important person to him.

"I won't ask you for details but I appreciate you telling me. Given the personal nature of your relationship with Matt, I'll take up the matter with Nora and Brian. This doesn't mean they won't share it with him, however. Matt will obviously need to know if Michael is fired." Emma said and Bobby nodded.

"I understand." Bobby said with a sigh. There was nothing she could do to stop it.

"This has been a stressful few days, I really wish I could tell you to go home but..." Emma began but Bobby smiled.