96Once Jimmy made his exit, Michael anticipated a formal introduction to the team, but Brad had other plans. "Look," he said, tossing a helmet, a vest, and a pair of gloves in Michael's direction. "I ain't got time to play tour guide, I don't have time to teach you everything like Mr. Turner wants. You'll learn their names soon enough." "Woow! This guy is really something" Michael was taken aback by this cold welcome."Now you'll have to gather scrap metals and it will be ironed again." Brad authoritatively assigned to him.A few men, his colleagues passed by, shoulder-checking Michael and greeting him with a mix of sarcasm and gentle ribbing. "Fresh meat!" one called out, the others chuckling. "New guy with soft skin!" Another called out.Only one, a burly man named Toby, asked them to lay off. "Come on, guys. Give him a break," Toby said, earning a chorus of " It's all part of toughening him up, he'll thank us later" from the others as they walked away."I'm Toby Stephens," he ex
"You better watch your mouth. I won't tolerate being blamed for something I didn't do."Struggling to catch his breath, Michael attempted to reason with Darren. "Put me down, Darren. I'm not blaming you. Just let go."Toby immediately stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. "Darren, calm down! Let him go!"With a growl, Darren released his grip on Michael and stepped back, a mixture of frustration and anger still evident in his eyes. "This isn't over, if it happens again i'm going to beat the shit out of you," he muttered before storming away, leaving Michael shaken and bewildered.Toby helped Michael regain his footing and brushed off his coat. "Ignore him, mate. Darren's always been a loose cannon. Just focus on recovering and getting back on track."Michael nodded, grateful for Toby's support. "Thanks, Toby. I appreciate it."As they made their way back to the work table, Toby reassured Michael, "Don't let Darren get to you. We'll handle him if he tries anything again. Just ta
98The next morning at the factory, Michael arrived on time, and even a little early. As he headed towards the elevator, he noticed Toby coming up behind him. He stopped and waited for Toby to catch him up, a small smile forming on his lips.Toby greeted him cheerfully. Michael returned the greeting with a smile."How are you this morning, Toby?" Michael asked with a genuine joy.Toby returned the greeting enthusiastically. "Hey, Michael! I'm doing great!" Toby exclaimed. "I thought it was the end for you here. Glad to see you're still around."Chuckling, Michael shook his head. "No, I'm not going away anytime soon. This place hasn't gotten rid of me that easily."Toby chuckled. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. They laughed together, shoulders shaking with mirth. Their camaraderie was evident, providing a brief escape from the challenges of their workplace.As they walked towards the work area, Toby glanced at Michael's arm. Concern filled his eyes. "Hey, how's your arm holding up Micha
Darren, however, remained unperturbed, savoring his meal and drink. He took another bite of his food, followed by a sip of his beer, projecting an air of complete relaxation. Dismissing Michael, he mocked, "Ooh Toby, the knight ready to help his princess Michael, lol, that's fun." His companions joined in with laughter, further fueling the tension in the room.As Darren's companions joined in the laughter, their mockery towards Michael and Toby intensified. Selena, a close friend of Darren's, chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, Toby, aren't you just so brave defending your little buddy? How noble of you!"The rest of the group erupted into laughter once again. Mark, a longtime acquaintance of Darren, added fuel to the fire, "Yeah, Toby, maybe you should protect Michael with a shield and a sword next time. I bet that would make him feel safe!"Laughter filled the room, but Michael felt his face growing hot with embarrassment and anger. He looked directly at Darren and his
100"Come on, Toby, let's get out of here for a bit," Michael said, clapping a hand on Toby's shoulder. Toby shook his head, eyes still glued to the retreating figure of Darren."Nah, I should stay. Make sure Darren understands that he must behave well, you know?"Michael sighed, scratching at his beard. "You and Darren have been friends for years, Tobe. But don't let him ruin your day, alright? Let him cool off."Toby hesitated, then finally nodded, an uncertain smile playing on his lips. "Alright, Mike. But if he asks...""We never had this conversation," Michael finished for him, grinning. As they walked back to their work stations, Michael turned serious. "Just... don't make enemies over this, okay? Darreb can handle his battles."Later, after their colleagues returned from their break, Michael pulled them all together. "Listen, guys," he began, "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. It was just a joke, alright?"Before anyone could respond, Darren appeared from behind. He slung an
Toby hesitated for a moment but eventually relented, returning Michael's smile. "Alright, Mike, if you insist. Let's see what this place has to offer."They stepped inside, greeted by the soft ambiance and the aroma of tantalizing dishes. The maître noticed their presence and approached with a warm smile which immediately turned into an expression of disdain when he saw their appearance not appropriate for the place. "Good evening, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation?" he asked politely.Michael glanced at Toby and responded, "No, we don't. But we were hoping you could accommodate us."The restaurant butler studied them for a moment before nodding. "Of course, we have a table available. Right this way, please."As they followed him to their table, Toby couldn't help but notice the glances from other patrons. He whispered to Michael, "I hope this isn't some kind of joke you're playing on me."Michael chuckled. "Relax, Toby. It's not as fancy as you think. Just enjoy the experience."
102Toby quickly whispered to Michael, "Don't turn around, but Mr. Turner is a few tables behind us, staring at us. What should we do?"Michael calmly replied, "Don't panic, Toby. Let's just continue eating as if nothing is wrong." He understood Toby's concern about potentially jeopardizing his job, but he didn't want to let fear dictate their actions.However, Toby's anxiety started to get the best of him. He leaned closer to Michael and said, "I'd rather leave right now. I don't want any trouble." The thought of facing their boss's scrutiny was too much for Toby to handle.Michael motioned for the waiter to come over and asked for the bill. He swiftly paid with his credit card, not wanting to waste any more time. As they made their way back to the factory, Toby couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and uncertainty.Once they were alone, Toby turned to Michael and said, "Since day one, I've felt like you're not just an ordinary guy. How did you manage to have so much money to be so
103He had expected harsher consequences, but Jimmy's explanation brought some clarity. "I understand, Jimmy. Thank you for giving us all a second chance."Jimmy's gaze shifted to Michael. "Michael, given the circumstances, I'm willing to offer you the opportunity to switch teams if you feel it would be better for your growth and development. It's important that you feel comfortable and supported."Michael shook his head, his voice filled with determination. "No, boss. I believe in this team and its potential. I want to work through the challenges and prove myself."As Jimmy turned to Darren, he couldn't hide the lingering animosity in his expression. "And what about you, Brad? Do you want Michael to leave the team?"Brad hesitated for a moment, his gaze locked with Michael's. Reluctantly, he shook his head. "No, boss. Despite our differences, I think Michael can contribute positively to the team. I'm willing to give him another chance."Jimmy nodded, satisfied with their responses. "