Charlotte produced a small box from beneath the table and placed it down, opening it up to reveal a row of what appeared to be sleekly packaged energy bars.
“We’ve done our research on cognitive enhancement for optimal employee engagement. This isn’t just about more hours on the clock, but making sure the hours we do work are sharper and more focused. Yancy Robotics is implementing a cognitive nutrition program.”
Belinda’s brow furrowed as she examined the label. The bar was labeled NEURO-FUEL: Enhance Alertness and Cognition! with an ingredient list that sounded half scientific, half edible. “You’re saying these...snacks will make us better at our jobs?”
Megan gave a small smile. “That’s one way to put it. Cognitive nutrition has been shown to boost productivity and concentration. This isn’t just about feeding our team—it’s about fueling them.”
Belinda wanted to groan at the corporate speak. What had she gotten herself into?
"Does it really work? I mean, it’s just food, right?” Belinda asked. "Like, an energy bar or something?"
Charlotte chuckled. “Fair question. We’re not expecting a miracle overnight, but early trials with the formula showed a 20% increase in problem-solving capabilities and reduced fatigue over extended shifts. And yes, we plan to monitor the program’s success through regular assessments and feedback from the team.”
Megan picked up a bar and slid it across the desk. "Would you like to try one?"
Belinda wasn’t entirely convinced but decided to go along with it. She tore the green and silver foil of the bar to reveal what looked like a normal protein bar. It didn't exactly look appetizing, and certainly wasn't something she would have chosen to eat, but she took a tentative bite. It tasted better than she’d expected, with a hint of cocoa and some unexpected crunch that felt oddly refreshing. Within minutes, she felt a gentle buzz—a slight tingling. Did they work that fast?
"What do you think?" Charlotte asked.
"They're...okay? Doesn't taste amazing or anything, but I guess that's not the point," Belinda said.
"We're planning to get them out to staff this afternoon, so anything you could do to hype them up would be appreciate," Megan said. "Meanwhile, enjoy your new job. Finish off your outstanding tasks and we'll get Stacy's office ready for you to move in tomorrow."
"Wow, tomorrow...that's uh...that's so soon," Belinda said.
"We don't like to waste time," Megan said, steepling her fingers. "Best of luck, come to us with any questions."
Belinda said her thank-yous again and went back to work. Some of the other girls noticed her exiting the room, but none of them asked if she had the job. Maybe they just assumed she hadn't been successful...
Belinda spent the rest of the day feeling sharper and more focused than usual, her tasks suddenly seeming more manageable.
As she left for the day, she noticed the rest of the team picking up the snacks, their faces lighting up with the same curiosity she’d felt earlier. She watched them sample the bars; nobody seemed particularly hyped, but they finished them nevertheless. So far, Belinda had to admit, they did seem to be working.
As Belinda was grabbing her coat and preparing to leave for the day, Vicki appeared behind her.
The gorgeous blonde smiled knowingly. "Soooo..." she began. "I hear you might have Stacy's old job."
"Oh, uh, yeah," Belinda chuckled. "They told me earlier."
"I didn't think you were going to apply?" Vicki said.
"Well, after our conversation the other day, I started thinking about more and more," Belinda admitted. "I honestly didn't think I'd get it."
"You should have more confidence in yourself," Vicki said. "You've been here longer than me."
"Did you apply?" Belinda asked, wondering if Vicki was annoyed she'd lost out.
"Me? Oh no, quality control isn't for me," Vicki said. "I'm hanging on for something to open up in legal."
Belinda was honestly surprised. She had expected Vicki to go for it. She felt a little better knowing she hadn't beaten one of her colleagues out of a job, at least. As she buttoned up her coat, her stomach growled noisily, and she felt a wave of hunger wash over her. She really hadn't eaten much today apart from the energy bar.
As she and Vicki walked to the exit together, her stomach continued to rumble. Belinda was suddenly feeling quite ravenous, and as she and Vicki said their goodbyes, she was sure she heard a feint grumble from her belly too...
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