Forgiving Nancy (Last Hangman MC, #5)(99)
After securing the bathroom, I backed out slowly, keeping an eye on the pot and half ran back to my room to get ready. Perfume and deodorant will have to do today. Not that I’m dirty, I did take a shower last night, but I love showering in the morning and it does help me wake up a little. I got ready quickly and left the apartment, not bothering with breakfast. Luckily, I live close to work and there’s a Starbucks on the way so I can get up as late as humanly possible and not have to worry about food. I stop for a coffee to go and, especially after this morning’s event, indulge in some sugary goodness.
After my much needed coffee fix and a chocolate chip muffin with a liquid caramel center, the left heel of my favorite Louboutin’s broke. I got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk, stumbled and nearly fell face first onto the concrete. Strike two for this Monday. Thankfully, a kind gentleman caught me just in time. He helped me regain my balance before kneeling down in front of me. He tapped my right ankle for me to lift my foot and removed my shoe before breaking the other heel, all the while grinning up at me.
“Not really in style but at least you shouldn’t fall over anymore.” He smirked and kept ahold of my ankle for a few seconds too long before he placed my shoe back in on my foot.
“Shouldn’t being the key word. Thank you.” I smiled at him, grateful that he literally saved my life.
“You’re more than welcome. Have a nice day and keep smiling.” He winked at me and started to walk down the street.
“You too.” I watched him disappear in the sea of people. Looking down at my broken shoes, I cursed Adam. Real Louboutin’s? Real my ass!
I walked the rest of the way to work like an idiot, but I guess it was better than walking with a broken heel and falling over again. I greeted Barry, the security guard, with a slice of carrot cake like I do every Monday before making my way to my office. Sighing, I sat down already exhausted despite it being only eight thirty.
“It’s going to be a long day,” I muttered to myself.
I barely had time to turn on my computer and log in when my boss called me into his office. I just can’t catch a break this morning! It’s not unusual, but we have a meeting at ten and we had already discussed the details for it on Friday. I’ve been the assistant to one of the best publicists in Colorado for the past four years, and while I love my job, it’s not my dream job. My dream job is to work for a magazine. I don’t mind which one, just getting the chance to get my words and opinions read by people would mean the world to me, but until the opportunity presents itself, I’ll stay here as an assistant. I don’t mind working here, it’s just not rewarding.
“Mr. Winston, you wanted to see me?” I asked as I poked my head round his door. He motioned for me to come in and sit down as he finished a phone call. He hung up quickly and looked at me nervously.
“Miss Lee.”
“Is everything okay, Mr. Winston?” I looked at him confused by his behavior.
“Ah. This isn’t easy for me to do.” He sighed.
“What isn’t easy? What are you talking about?”
“You’ve been with us for the past four years now, and whilst it’s been an absolute pleasure to have you with us, the economy isn’t what it used to be. We’ve had to make some cuts and, unfortunately, your position is no longer available,” he said sadly, crushing me with every single word.
“You’re firing me?” I screeched.
“I’m sorry, Miss Lee, it wasn’t an easy decision.”
“Not an easy decision, my ass! We both know you’re going to hire someone straight out of college so it’s cheaper for you,” I said, seething at his decision.
“Now, there’s no need to get this upset.” The f*cking cheek of it!
“No need? You’ve gotta be f*cking kidding me! You’re firing me, and on a Monday to top it all off, for someone you’ll pay half my salary. This is how I’m thanked after I helped you finalize the car campaign on Friday! You’re not the one who needs this ridiculously underpaid job to pay the bills.”
“Miss Lee, calm down. I have a recommendation letter for you and a magazine that is interested in hiring you. You’re a hard worker and whilst I know it’s unfair to you, we really had to make cutbacks. I’m sorry you were one of them, you’ll be greatly missed.”
“This is f*cking bullshit.” I sighed. Feeling defeated, I took the recommendation letter and the letter of dismissal. I know I should’ve thanked him for his recommendation and the lead at a magazine, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
After leaving his office I walked into mine, well my now old office, and started to pack my things. It didn’t take too long and all too soon I was leaving the office for the last time. I successfully managed to avoid everyone, unable to deal with the looks of pity, and headed home with my box.
Strike three for this Monday morning. At least I’ll be able to go back to bed and sleep the day away. Bad things come in three, right?
Or so I thought…
As I set my box on the kitchen counter I could hear noises coming from the bedroom. At first, I thought it was Bernard tearing something apart but, as far as I know, cats do not giggle. I tiptoed to the bedroom and opened the door to see Adam sitting on our bed with Cassidy, my so-called friend, in between his legs with her face in his crotch.