“I don’t thank people for doing their jobs.”
“It’s for busting my ass day after day and continuing to work on a special project for you,” I seethed. “For not jumping ship like plenty of other people are planning to in the coming weeks because they can’t stand working under an egomaniacal tyrant who’s too damn selfish and self-absorbed to show appreciation.”
I should’ve left it there, but I couldn’t stop.
“You treat me like I’m your personal teleporter, but the subway doesn’t run on your schedule,” I said. “I can only use your town car when you’re not in it, and since that’s pretty often, I don’t understand why you complain about things taking me longer than usual instead of simply saying, ‘thank you.’”
“Why are you just now telling me that you’ve never had town car access?” he asked. “Mr. Lewis didn’t give that to you?”
“You’re missing the entire problem.”
“No, I’m seeingherquite clearly.”
“You’re an asshole,” I said. “But I’ll get back to work until I don’t have to be here anymore. Goodbye.”
“Stop.” He moved in front of me. “Say a different word than that to end the conversation.”
“You mean, asshole?”
“Goodbye.” His irises flashed with fury—and something darker. “Don’t ever use that word around me again.”
“Fine.” I shrugged. “See you later. Better?”
“Much.”
I moved past him and returned to the café.
Plopping down in my seat, I could feel his stare on me long after I stopped looking back.
SIXTEEN (B)
ANDREA
A little after 2 A.M.
Icollapsed onto my mattress face-first.
There was no point in getting undressed, no point in taking a shower.
Within seconds, every ache I’d ignored all week hit at once.
“Ohhh…” I moaned. I didn’t even have the energy to move under the covers or adjust the pillow.
My eyes glazed over, and I could feel sleep pulling me under.
Bzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzz!
My phone vibrated next to my head, and I ignored it.
Bzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzz!
I lifted my hand and swatted at it.
“Miss Stone?” Mr. Cross’s voice came through the speaker. “Miss Stone?”
Huh?I rolled onto my side and realized I’d somehow answered his call anyway.
“Are you there?” he asked.
