I may not have gotten Garrett or the promotion, but I have them.
Ernie, Trevor’s assistant, pales when I walk through the glass doors. Technically, he’s one of Permian’s two receptionists, but Trevor keeps him on a tight leash.
“Turner!” His attention darts to the elevator. “You’re back early.”
Sliding the two boxes of donuts onto the counter between us, I lift my bag higher on my shoulder. “I needed to come back. Is Trevor free right now? I didn’t see anything in his calendar when I checked this morning.”
He nods, but his expression warns me to steer clear.
Sadly, that’s not something I can do.
Instead of taking the elevator, I head to the stairs in hopes I can work off some of this adrenaline. Demanding respect from men usually goes one of two ways: they either apologize and promise to do better, or they get angry and act even worse.
I can already guess which one Trevor will choose.
Stopping by my office to take a breath would be smart, but the mantra I wrote on a pink sticky note is burning a hole in my pocket.
Demand respect. Sign clients. Be happy.
Right as I’m about to lift my hand to knock, I pause and peer through the tiny crack in the door to find Trevor pacing.
“I still can’t believe she took a vacation. It’s a surprise she’s been able to stay in this field this long if she can’t handle hearing the word no. Can’t imagine she’s going to last much longer.”
The pause goes on and on for so long, I assume he’s on the phone. But that’s when a person out of view speaks.
“I probably would’ve taken time off too. She got two noes in the span of, like, two days. I can’t imagine it’ll be easy to get over.”
Andy. My friend Andy is talking to Trevor about me.
“I didn’t know flaunting around the office in little pink outfits equates to working hard.” Trevor’s laugh is rough, full of hatred that I’ve never been able to understand.
“Trev, come on. You know she does a lot for Permian. Doesn’t she also do work for your clients?”
He scoffs. “She does scut work. I could do it myself.”
“But you don’t,” I mutter under my breath. Eavesdropping on this conversation isn’t right, but my feet are stuck to the ground.
“Please cut her some slack when she gets back next week. You know how it feels to lose a client you’ve worked your ass off for. Especially when you think they’re yours. She’s going to need supportand—”
“Jesus Christ,” Trevor shouts. “When did you become her little bodyguard? I know you two are friends now, but I didn’t think you’d protect her. You’re supposed to be on our side.”
“There shouldn’t be sides! We’re supposed to be a team! I’ve never understood why you treat her like shit even though all she does is cover for you, me, Jonah, and Kyle on a regular basis without complaint. I think you’d agree that she works harder than anybody here if you weren’t so against her.”
“Oh, I get it.” Goosebumps rise along my arms as Trevor’s voice pitches, letting out a low chuckle. “I thought you were smart enough to not fall for it, but it looks like she’s got you under her spell. Like she did with the golden boy.”
“What the fuck, Trevor? You’re going too far.”
“Going too far? I’m trying to protect this company and everything we’ve built. Winston may not see it, but I do. She’s not meant for this life, no matter what you or anyone else thinks about her! I think she will last one more year before running off into the sunset after her boyfriend. That’s why I didn’t submit her letter of intent for the promotion.”
My vision goes hazy as I press my back against the wall.
Trevor never submitted my letter of intent.
I wasn’t even in the running for the promotion.
“You what?” Andy hisses, taking the words from my mouth. “Why the hell didn’t you submit it?”
“Why would I?”
