“Look at me, Owens.”
I clench my hands and look my employer in the eyes. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I was so sure about my decision. I’ve been sure about it for months now. I’m an actress, not an assistant, and I need to finally go and actuallybean actress.
“I’m quitting, Coop.”
“You’re quitting?”
“Yes.”
“You are quitting?”
“Yes.”
“What are you going to do if you don’t work for me?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“You don’t know? What the hell kind of answer is that?”
“An honest one.”
“Who’s trying to poach you? Stevenson? Johnson? One of the agencies?”
“No, Coop. No one is trying to hire me from under you. This is all my decision.”
He stares at me with what I think is a look of pure confusion. I think he’s about to say something to me, but then he stops himself.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while now but don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you high and dry. I’m going to help hire my replacement.”
“You’re making a mistake, Owens.”
“This doesn’t mean that I’m ungrateful. I realize what an opportunity this has been, and I thank you for it, but it’s time for me to move on.”
“If that’s what you want to do—”
He bends his head back down and begins typing furiously on his phone.
I find his reaction a bit surprising, but I won’t let it unnerve me.
The hard part is over.
“Thank you for everything.”
“You said that already.”
We arrive to our destination in total silence. Coop gets out of the car and starts walking with large strides inside of the building. It’s not that he doesn’t normally walk in front of me, he can’t help to with his colossal frame and long legs, but this time I can tell it’s purposeful.
He can’t get away from me fast enough.
Chapter Ten
COOP
Itried to drink it away—I’ve reached my limit.
Sex it away—Not in the mood. Not even to masturbate.
And now I’ve tried sleeping it away—But that shit’s not working either.
