To punctuate that point, I turn my focus back on work until Athena and Nori appear in the bullpen. Could it be the engagement announcement? I’ll be happy for them, naturally. I wouldn’t be bitter that Athena’s risk had paid off while I’d lost my own gamble.
“If I could have everyone’s attention for a quick moment, please.” Her voice alone carries a big presence. We all stand to listen. “I am pleased to announce that our firm has been nominated for the Architectural Design Award for Innovation and Sustainability.”
Booming hoots and applause reverberate around the room. It’s high praise for what Athena’s built and all she’s sacrificed. I clap loudly, delighted by the awesome news and feeling just a little teeny bit relieved that I don’t have to smile through an engagement so soon after saying goodbye to Stiles.
“Thank you all for making this possible,” she says, quieting the applause. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team who bring their A-game to the artistry of what we do and who say, to hell with what’s ordinary, let’s change it up and make a fucking statement. We may not be the biggest firm, but we are mighty in talent and tenacity.”
We signal our agreement with more claps and shouts.
“While everyone has contributed to this distinctive honor, I have to give a special shout-out to Jordyn. It’s her unique creations with care for the environment that clinched this nomination.”
My chest swells with pride as the staff shares her endorsement—all except Talon.
“The winner will be announced next month,” Athena confirms. “In the meantime, let’s not get cocky or rest on our laurels. We’ll celebrate when it’s time. Now we get back to work.”
When she and Nori exit the area, the hum of excitement and conversation continues. But Talon approaches my workstation with hostility in his eyes.
“The teacher’s pet strikes again.”
“Seems green is your color these days.”
“Be careful, Jordyn,” he warns in a spiteful whisper. “The fall from your pedestal is a long drop, and you might not be as unbreakable as you think.”
My anger, when sorely provoked, isn’t the kind that simmers on low until it fizzles out. No, mine comes in hot, brewing to a fast bubble that spews over in heated words. But I’ve come a long way from the hot-headed girl who popped off at Chris Adams in tenth grade.
I’d attended the school dance in a dress and make-up, thinking I looked cute, only for him to go around telling everyone I resembled a dollar store drag queen. All my reaction did was give oxygen to his insults and make me feel bad enough about myself to lose my virginity to one of his friends. I wish I could have told my younger self then to just fuck them with my head, not with my body.
I work hard to rein in my temper and not give Talon any power over me. Mustering up my best nonchalant demeanor, I turn away from him as if he isn’t worth my breath. But needing an outlet for my pent-up aggression, I hit the gym after work, running hard and lifting weights. Then I stop off at Royal’s.
“Hey, pretty lady,” Cam greets me at the bar. “Haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“Been busy.”
He cocks an eyebrow. “I saw that big dude in here one night picking up an order that sounded like yours. The extra sauce and Canadian bacon were a giveaway.”
“We were friendly then,” I say. “Now we’re not.”
He slides over a freshly pulled pale ale. “I can be your rebound.”
It’s tempting. In a weak moment, I’d also thought about hooking up with Eduardo again. But fucking another man because I miss Stiles isn’t going to help me get over him.
“Appreciate the offer, but I’m hanging solo for a while.”
“You know where I am if you change your mind.” He does that hair-flippy thing that wets panties, but mine are dry as ashes. Damn Stiles for turning my heart and libido into a burned-out fire.
I eat my burger and fries at the bar, distracted by Cam entertaining me in between serving customers. After nine, I arrive home, ready for a shower and bed. I call my parents to let them know I’m safe and chat with my mom about the nomination while I check my mailbox in the area off the vestibule. With my phone tucked between my ear and shoulder, I pull out a manila envelope and flyers. I flip through the advertisements and then toss them in the blue bin. I turn over the eight-by-eleven-sized envelope. The return address is a PO Box—again.
In my apartment, I tell my mom I have to go, then putting my phone on the kitchen bar, I slide my thumb beneath the glued flap, break the seal, and pull out the card inside. It’s plain white and seemingly innocuous, but the goosebumps on my arms say it’s not. I flip open the cover and read the words—all caps, written in red marker. My blood boils.
AFTER THE DOJO, I NUKE a frozen dinner and wolf it down at the kitchen table. Surrounded by the quiet, silence has never seemed so loud.
I pick up the phone.
“Hey, Junior.”
“Hi, Pops. How are you?”
“Good. Denzel ordered butter chicken. Had me a big ol’ plateful. We’re just watching an episode ofLaw & Order.Speaking of which, having any luck identifying your bad guy?”
