She bit her tongue—arguing would do no good.False reports with the intention of firing me.
“Your work ethic has suffered over the past few months.”
Zero complaints from customers.The other staff even nominated me for employee of the month.
“You are consistently late.”
I’m temporarily disabled.
“Your attitude is insufferable.”
Everyone here likes me.The customers have provided good reviews on my character.
“You’ve been using our restroom like it’s a smelly locker room to change into your soccer gear.”
I do that after hours, and I always clean up after myself.
“I run a professional organization,” Nigel continued.“As a result of your sports endeavors—outsideof work—you suffered a broken ankle and used that as an excuse for your poor-quality performance in the office.You’ve also missed an excessive amount of work time.
I sent you my appointment schedule and used approved sick leave.
Ralph’s warning—but a blessing—came to mind.Wrongful termination due to injury.Keep talking, Nigel.See how deep you can dig this hole you created.
The smug look never left his face.“I have a stack of memorandums documenting your consistent lack of responsibility, uncaring attitude, and inadequate performance.”
More falsified statements.My good record—and witnesses—will speak for themselves.
Nigel set his elbows on the desk, fingertips touching as he gazed over them like a mob boss.A smile tugged his lips.He seemed on the verge of exploding in glee while preparing for the grand finale.“Therefore, I have no choice but to fi—”
“Fries!”Giselle shouted before he could finish.
Nigel blinked in surprise, his face turning red again.“Wh-what?”
“Fries,” she repeated.“It’s what I want for lunch.Smothered in ketchup.”Giselle turned her back and hurried toward the door.
“Get back here!”Nigel called out, the fury in his voice evident after being denied his storybook ending.
Giselle closed the door behind her, knowing he wouldn’t give chase.He’s too pompous for that.Nigel would look weak in front of everyone scuttling after me like a dog.He’s got to be fuming right now!
“Go, Giselle,” Ralph said as he approached.“That creep sent a company-wide email right before you stepped into his office.He announced your termination to everyone before it was even official.I’ll box your things up for you.Don’t worry about anything, sweetheart.Just go home.Will you be okay?”
Giselle waved a dismissive hand, blew a raspberry, then embraced Ralph.“Yeah, I’ll be fine.And thank you again for everything.We’ll talk again soon.”
“You bet,” Ralph said, apprehension creasing his brow as he gazed at her.
Giselle turned away, her emotions a simmering pot she battled to keep the lid on.Walking toward the glass doors, she struggled to keep the hurry out of her step as the boot created an awkward shuffle.
She made it outdoors and into the parking lot.Her vehicle awaited in the front handicap zone, her red, temporary placard having been a lifesaver over the weeks.Giselle climbed behind the wheel and drove off.
Once out of sight, the simmering pot boiled over and the lid blew off.She quickly pulled over along the curb as a somber cry burst from her throat.Sobs heaved her chest, a pain burrowed deep and pulsing around her aching heart.Tears fell and streamed down her face.Frustration, helplessness, and humiliation drove her palms against the steering wheel in an agitated thump.She sat wounded, a vulnerable little girl lost on the side of the road.
Giselle may have played it off in front of Ralph and tried to look cool as she walked out, but it had all been a farce.Her true feelings welled and spilled forth—a cascade of raw, hidden emotion that accumulated for months under Nigel.She had acted tough in front of her ex-boss, but her poise during the firing had also been a sham.He had already informed everyone of her release, the summoning to his office just part of the show for added shame.
Giselle’s confident mask now slipped with her tears.Each drop cast further doubt on her situation, shattered hope, and amplified fear over her future.
Chapter Eleven
Stress Relief
