God, I wish.
Catching a glimpse of the clock, I sigh. “I love you guys, but I gotta go. Thanks for distracting my brain.”
Air kisses and a chorus of encouragement fill my office. It’s been like this since we became teammates and friends four-plus years ago. Constant love that I’ll never deserve and never let go of. Even when I’m radio silent for work, they always come when I need them.
“Kick them in the dick!” Mallory chants before I hang up. She may be group mom, but she’s as chaotic as Adri.
I stand and inspect myself in the mirror on the wall. Box braids fall past my hips, curling at the ends. I re-tuck my blush blouse into black slacks and slip my heels on before entering the hallway.
Professionalism is my number one. As the only woman at Permian, I can’t afford to give anyone even the slightest idea that I’m not up for this job and all it entails. I must be capable, competent, and knowledgeable at every turn, because one mistake could ruin everything I’ve worked so hard to build.
Mom taught me how to survive in a male-dominated field, making sure I was prepared for a lifetime of being on the outside. The lesson that stuck with me most was only spending time on things I can control, like my reputation and performance, the emotions I show, how I present myself, and my level of independence.
But the things I can’t control—like love? No thanks. Love is unpredictable. I learned that firsthand when Mom and Dad split up.
There was a brief moment where I thought I could be different, though. That I could have the jobandlove, so I went for it.
See how well that worked out for me?
“You okay, Turner?”
I let out a tiny yelp and grip the banister along the wall. When my vision focuses on one of Trevor’s minions, I force myself to recover and stand up straight.
“Yes, Andy. Everything is fine.”
Andy Walker and I completed the Permian internship with eight other college seniors, but only we received job offers. His babysitting ended after six months, while mine will likely never end. He is recommended for special projects over me, every single time. Trevor’s man club took to him immediately, leaving me on the outskirts and all alone.
The only way I’ll earn their respect is by being the best agent here.
He lifts his hand to open the door to the boardroom but pauses. “Do you know what this is about? Trev just texted me and asked me to sit in on this meeting.”
My fear reignites. I’m getting fired, andheis the witness.
How goddamn embarrassing.
Because I can’t seem to form an answer that doesn’t end with me screaming, I say nothing and open the door. Sour cologne and sugary donuts mix disgustingly in the air. Leaning against the table, Trevor stuffs three donut holes into his mouth and gives Andy a bro nod or whatever men do instead of speaking. Then he looks at me and rolls his eyes.
Pink is his least favorite color, which makes me love it even more.
“Whoever brings donuts every Friday deserves a raise,” he grumbles to Andy. “Makes my days much more tolerable. Especially with the shit that’s about to happen.”
That grabs my attention. “What’s about to happen? There were no details in the email.”
Trevor’s lip curls, and I genuinely believe he would growl at me if it wouldn’t come off as weird. When someone enters the room behind me, his face transforms into the one that’s sleek, kind, and professional.
Bullshit. Bullshit. Bullshit.
“Winston,” Trevor says. “I didn’t realize you’d be here for this.”
“Wouldn’t miss it!” Winston beams his perfect smile at us. “Good morning, Andy and Turner. Now we’re just waiting on the guest of honor. He should be here soon.”
I smile at the CEO of Permian Sports Agency. Winston actually likes me. If Trevor had any say, I would’ve been fired on my first day.
“Good morning,” I repeat. “Guest of honor?”
Winston opens his mouth, but Trevor pulls him away before he can say more. The men move into a small huddle, shoving me aside. It stings, but it’s expected, so I make my way to the window and look outside, focusing on the navy-and-gold flags flapping in the wind at Pilot City Stadium.
Deep breaths. Good thoughts.
