Chapter 1
Francesca
“You’re fired.”
“Wait—what? You’re not even giving me a chance to explain.”
“Miss Casanova, we’ve already heard and seen all we need to. We’ve made our decision, and we cannot accept this type of behavior in our office. Now please, quietly gather your belongings. You’ve been paid through the end of the month.”
“But you’re not hearing me… who? I don’t…” I stammer, trying to comprehend what’s happening.
My boss sighs. “Francesca, you’ve been with us for two years now, and we love your work and all your fresh ideas. However, blaming someone else for your shortfalls, taking credit for their work, and trying to pass it off as your own?—”
“What?” I gasp.
He shakes his head and mumbles something about upper management. He clears his throat and says, “I just cannot, in good conscience, let this go. There is no room for this in this organization.”
My head is spinning. None of this makes any sense. I didn’t take credit for anything that wasn’t mine.
“Mr. Bloom, I’m so blown away right now I don’t even know what to say. Can I at least ask whose work I’m allegedly stealing? You know me. Thisis ludicrous.”
Quietly, Mr. Bloom—my boss and mentor for the past two years—says, “Miss Belinsky has already come to us with documentation, Francesca. I’m very sorry, but to avoid an HR issue, I must let you go. I was honestly shocked when Ava came to me, but…” He trails off.
“Can I see it? Whatever she gave you? Please, Mr. Bloom. Let me defend myself,” I plead.
“Francesca, my hands are tied.My bossis putting the pressure on me to handle this.” He stands. “Mr. Goldman—er—Iwill gladly give you a letter of recommendation, but it will come from me, not this office. We must cut ties. Now please, grab your belongings. I wish you all the best.”
He stands, and I do too. Despite shaking, I manage to move my feet to my desk, clear out my things, add them to the box already waiting, and then walk to my car.
Miss Belinsky, my ass.Ava has had it out for me since day one. I’m not sure why—except that she’s a bitch. She undermines my ideas and flirts with my boyfriend right in front of me.
Nick.
Wait until he hears this.
Maybe he can speak with his father and then go to Mr. Bloom. His family owns Goldmans PR, and once they sort this out, I’ll get my job back. I made sure I proved myself before accepting any handout. I wouldn’t allow his family to just offer me a job without any credentials. I’ve never stolen ideas. That’s not who I am, and I cannot believe Mr. Bloom wouldn’t even hear me out.
Maybe Nick heard office gossip and he can go to bat for me. I’d love to see these doctored documents I supposedly stole. Surely my boyfriend will be on my side.
I drive home on autopilot, still dazed by what just happened. I enjoy the PR world and I’m good at it. I don’t love working for such a large company, but it pays the bills. I have high-profile clients, and was beginning to make a name for myself. If word gets out that I was fired for sabotaging someone else, I won’t survive in a new firm. Public Relations is cutthroat when it comes to landing those sought after clients.
I’ve encountered plenty of smarmy employees over the years, but naïve me never thought someone would stoop that low as to get me fired.
I have no idea what my next move is if this doesn’t work out.
I pull into our parking garage and snag a spot near the elevator. Lugging my box of belongings, I head toward the door and notice Nick’s car.
Why is he home already?
In the elevator, my adrenaline crashes, leaving exhaustion behind. My thoughts spiral as I fumble with my keys, balancing the box as I push the door open… and freeze.
On the couch that we bought together, is Nick.
And he’s not alone.
Ava Belinsky.
She’s topless, riding him like her life depends on it.
