“I’m tired of making myself smaller so it’s easier for you to digest my presence, Morgan. I’d rather you choke on me at this point than to put up with your bullshit any longer.”
Morgan hadn’t seen my bad side. I rarely showed it. My legacy was tainted with violence and bloodshed. Having grown up as Papà’s daughter, I was acquainted with the darker side of life. That’s why I chose to live as positively as I could, see the glass as half full, and always be kind to those around me.
But if I had to get nasty with Morgan…I would. It was overdue.
“You want to know what my problem is?” She leaned forward on her elbows and pointed a finger at me. “Youare my problem.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I waved my hand dismissively. “You made that abundantly clear when you tried hitting on a guy I was talking to platonically, mind you. I know I’m your problem. I’m askingwhy.”
Morgan’s face flushed red, a combination of humiliation and anger. “I hate girls like you,” she spat. “Who get their way with everything in life because of their pretty privilege. Any position you want, any man you want—really,anythingyou want. It’s yours and you barely have to work for it. Opportunities naturally gravitate towards you and you have it so fucking easy, you don’t even realize it.”
Of all the things I expected her to say, this wasn’t it.
I thought she’d say something juvenile like she hated the colour of my hair, hated how talkative I could be, hated the way I typed during our meetings—hell, even hated the way I breathed.
But not this.
I blinked out of my stunned state and mulled over her words.
And all I felt for Morgan was pity.
I wasn’t just dealing with someone who was jealous, but one who was entirely too insecure in their skin.
Physically and from society’s standards, Morgan would be considered gorgeous. She was tall and slim, beautiful-faced, and her long hair a pleasing light shade of brown. Begrudgingly, I would also admit that she was book-smart, even if critical thinking failed her in certain situations.
I didn’t think Morgan realized her own worth. Otherwise, she’d know that she was also a recipient of this so-called pretty privilege. I also didn’t think Morgan was surrounded by female friendships that empowered her. Because if she had been uplifted by the women in her life, I guarantee she wouldn’t see others as competition.
Harbouring bitter feelings towards a peer whose only crime was occasionally existing in the same vicinity as you was…well, quite fucking sad.
“First of all?” I began, collecting my wits. “You think I’m pretty? Flattered. Second of all, Morgan, look in the mirror. You are beautifulandsmart.” My compliment caught her off guard and the venomous expression swiftly wiped off her face. “Unfortunately, I don’t think this is something you see. Insecurities are normal. We all have them. But when yours start to negatively impact the way you view and treat the people in your surroundings, then that’s a problem.” She seemed uncomfortable with every passing second of my gentle-toned monologue. “Thirdly, you think I can have any man I want? Thank you for stroking my ego, but there’s only one man I’m interested in and he’s currently mine. Lastly, you are correct in saying that I can have any position I want. But that’s because my GPA and work ethic speak for themselves. Hera knew I had the skills to thrive in this role and she picked me—not you and not any of the fifty candidates she interviewed—for a reason. It’s nothing personal.
“And contrary to your belief, I don’t have it easy. To insinuate that the only reason why I’ve had opportunities tumble my way is because of my looks? That’s extremely rude and dismissive of the years of hard work I’ve put into my academic career. I get that you’re pissed because this is the position you initially wanted, but hating me for something that was outside of my control?” I shook my head. “That’s unfair and honestly? Very petty at your age. For the sake of the team, I’ll be grateful if you kept your spitefulness to yourself. It would be a shame to lose you when you’re so good at your role and do deserve to be here. But I’m not going anywhere either, so I’d appreciate it if we could come to an agreement. I also can’t change who I am just to appease you, nor will I ever do that. I’m comfortable in my skin, and I hope you get to heal the parts of you that prevent you from being that too.”
The only sound in the office was the heating unit’s light droning.
Wide-eyed and parted lips, I rendered Morgan speechless.
I glanced down at my watch. Anna’s class was ending soon and we were carpooling. She was driving me to my apartment first so I could get ready and then dropping me at my childhood home since Hunter was coming over for dinner tonight.
I was already anxious over him meeting my family for the first time, and I didn’t want to waste my energy worrying over a resentful peer too.
Taking her silence as an answer, I packed my bag in record speed and strode towards the closed office door.
Morgan finally spoke up.
“I’m sorry, Gabby.”
I closed my eyes. Those words did nothing to assuage the past. But I wasn’t into kicking a woman when she was down. And this confrontation was Morgan’s rock bottom, I could tell, fromher barely audible voice, layered with guilt and something like self-deprecation.
Glancing over my shoulder, I gave her the olive branch she never once extended my way. I smiled weakly. “Water under the bridge, Morgan. I’m already over it.”
I proceeded to walk out of the office with my head held high.
CHAPTER 39
Cat Out Of The Bag
Gabriela
