“I respect that. For what it's worth, the ELK campaign was some of the best work this firm has ever produced. That was you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity you gave me when I needed it.”
“I hope our paths cross again under better circumstances.”
We shake hands. Professional. Final.
The hallway back to my desk feels longer than usual. I pull the box I brought from under my desk and start packing. The jade succulent Zoe gave me. My good pens. The framed postcard of a Monet water lily I’d pinned above my monitor because this office needed something alive in it.
“Well, well.”
Miles. Arms crossed. Smirking. He looks at the box, then at me, and his whole face lights up with the kind of satisfaction that makes my skin crawl.
“Couldn't hack it?” He tilts his head, faking sympathy. “Don't feel bad. Not everyone's built for this level.”
I tape the box shut, taking my time.
Then I look up.
“I resigned, Miles. Voluntarily. Happily. With a very thorough exit interview that Hawthorne has committed to reviewing personally.” I pause just long enough to watch the smirk falter. “You might want to check your email this week. HR tends to follow up on these things.”
The color drains from his face first. Then floods back too fast. His mouth opens. Nothing comes out.
I tuck the box under my arm and step past him. Close enough that he has to move or be bumped.
He moves.
“Good luck,” I say over my shoulder without looking back.
Petty? Maybe.
Good for the soul? Absolutely.
Kai is already at Luca's when I arrive. Corner booth, boot propped on the bench beside him, sparkling water on the table. He's frowning at his phone.
He looks up. The frown dissolves.
“Hey.” He reaches for me as I slide into the booth, hand finding mine before I'm fully seated. “How'd it go?”
I take a deep breath. “I did it. I finally resigned.”
His thumb stills against my knuckle. “Yeah?”
“Told Hawthorne the culture was toxic. That everyone in that office deserves better. That I documented everything in my exit interview and he should read it carefully.” My words tumble out in a rush. I'm buzzing with pent-up energy.
“What did he say?”
“That he respected my decision. That ELK was the best work the firm has produced.” I shrug. “He wasn't wrong.”
“That's true.” He smiles.
“Oh, and Miles assumed I got fired.”
“Of course he did. Did you set him straight?”
“I did. He’s probably worried about an upcoming HR meeting.” I pick up the menu. “He even moved out of my way. Physically stepped aside when I was leaving.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners. The way I adore. “That's my girl.”
