Keeping that goal in mind, I had a feeling I was going to be able to weather a lot more storms than my predecessors.
There was a sticky note on the monitor, maybe from the IT department or whoever used to have my job, instructing me on how to set up a new login on the system.I turned the computer on and started setting myself up, hoping I wasn’t going to have to call anyone for help – because Ace hadn’t actually told me who to call for help.I hadn’t even been down to HR.He had just whipped out a contract then and there, watched me sign it, and we were off.
I took a deep breath as the computer entered a loading screen, telling me it was setting up my new user profile and that it might take a few minutes.I grabbed the opportunity to pull my phone out and fire a quick text to my sister.Clara and I lived together, so even if I didn’t have good news to share, she would at least need to know what time I was planning on coming home.
I got the job!!They wanted me to start immediately so I’m at my desk.They told me I have to stay until my boss goes home, so it might be late.
I didn’t have to wait long for a reply.Clara was at home writing scripts most of the time, and I could picture her sitting on her floor with her laptop propped up on a cushion in front of her, reacting instantly to the buzz of her phone.Oh my God Keat!!!!!!!I knew you’d get it!We should celebrate when you get home xxx
I smiled to myself.At least someone out there cared about how I was doing.If it isn’t too late!I’ll text you when I’m leaving.
I glanced up at the screen.It was still loading.I shouldn’t, should I?But…
I quickly went into the menu of my messaging app and opened up my muted chats.
Unease trickled through my bones.I shouldn’t have looked.Because there, just like I’d been sort of hoping and sort of dreading, was a message from Jordan.
I couldn’t help myself.
I opened it up.
K, please text me back.I know you’re upset with me but it doesn’t have to end like this, does it?
I let my mouth thin out into a straight line.God, Jordan was good at getting around me.He always knew exactly what to say to make me come back to him.But not this time.This time, I was done.
So why was I replying to the message instead of deleting it – and him – for good?
Stop trying to convince me, Jordan.I have you on mute.I’m not even reading your messages anymore.
And… sent.
A line of dots popped up immediately, telling me Jordan was writing a reply.
My breath caught in my throat.
Okay.How did you know I sent you that, then?
I closed the app fast like it was burning me.
Maybe it was.
Fuck.
I checked the screen again: still nothing.I went back to Clara, who was safe and not at all a temptation of the devil.
My boss is kind of rude,I sent her.I’d been a little vague with her about why I wanted the job because I didn’t want her to spill the real truth to Fernando and ruin my chances.Sounds like he’s got a reputation for firing people or making them quit.
Rude how?she asked.
Rude like he said about three words to me, didn’t ask me anything about myself, and then just dismissed me to sit out here at my desk.
Sounds better than having a perv for a boss.Or one of those bosses who won’t stop breathing down your neck.
I tilted my head to the side.She was right about that much.Maybe I just had to keep the comparison in mind and this wouldn’t be so –
“What are you doing?”
I glanced up, feeling my face flush red even though I didn’t want it to.Oliver Harvey was standing over my desk – and dear god, he was tall – with a frown on his face.
