I want to scream. Instead, I turn on my heel and head to the café, texting Aubrey because she’s the only person who’ll reply with something that doesn’t make me want to cry.
Me:
Why did I do it? Why did I leave him?
Aubrey:
Because you’re scared, call me if you need to scream.
Back at the office, Elliot’s yelling at someone on the phone. I set his coffee down, and he actually sniffs it before taking a sip.
He grimaces. “It’s too hot. Christ, Annie, can you do anythingright?”
Something inside me breaks. “If you want it lukewarm, go to Starbucks.”
Heads snap up. There’s a stunned silence. Elliot stares at me like I just slapped him across his Botox-filled face.
He leans in, voice ice-cold. “You know, for someone who spent a week getting lost in the woods, you have a lot of attitude. Don’t forget you’re utterly replaceable.”
I bite back tears, jaw clenched. “You know what, Elliot? Replace me then. I dare you.”
He blinks, caught off guard by me not cowering from him. “Don’t test me, Annie. Not today.”
I roll my eyes. “God forbid you have to pour your own coffee and talk to a caterer like a human being.”
He turns on his heel. “Get the PR kits sorted. And I want you at the VIP event early. If you’re late, don’t bother coming back.”
I mutter, “Trust me, that’s tempting.” But I grit my teeth and get through the rest of the day, running on nothing but caffeine, counting the hours until it’s over.
By the time I arrive at the event that evening, my nerves are shot. The ballroom is nothing but glitter, noise, and the worst kind of rich people…self-righteous, fake, all teeth and Instagram filters. I hand out passes, paste on a smile, and force myself to breathe.
Elliot is everywhere, a tornado of complaints and empty threats. He shoves a clipboard at me. “Press kits. Missing. Fix it.”
I square my shoulders. “I already…”
He talks over me. “Just fix it, Annie. Jesus. How many times do I have to say it?”
I nod, barely holding it together. I want to run, to scream. Instead, I slip out to the back alley for some air, hands shaking, heart racing.
I’m walking back in, feeling more in control, when Elliot corners me. “You know what? I can’t with you anymore. I should have fired you last month. You’re a walking disaster.”
I stare at him, tears burning, as every ounce of self-control I’d managed to muster outside melts away. “I’m only one person, Elliot. You treat me like shit and expect miracles.”
He gets in my face, pointing a bubble gum, stiletto-tipped finger in my face, voice low and mean. “You’re here because nobody else would hire you. Remember that. You’re nothing without this job.”
My voice shakes, but I don’t back down. “Maybe I would rather be nothing than have to endure another second of your heinous disrespect.”
I hear a ruckus, then the thud of heavy boots on the tile floor.
I know that sound.
My heart stops.
When I move and look at the commotion, I see Garrett moving toward us like a storm; all muscle and that wild look in his eyes. He’s out of place here…towering over everyone, his stare pinning Elliot to the wall.
He growls, “Back away from her. Now.”
Elliot puffs up, all fake smiles and arrogance. “Who the hell are you? Security…”
