I’m just stepping into my office when my phone dings.
I glance down.
I’ll go to therapy.
I stop walking.
For a second I just stare at the screen, rereading it to make sure I didn’t imagine it.
Logan. Voluntarily.
My first instinct is to type,Who convinced you?
My thumb hovers over the sent button but I delete it.
I already know it was Darren. And honestly, I don’t care. I just care that he said it.
Before I can send a dancing emoji back, Mackie slips in behind me.
“I know, I know,” I say quickly. “I’m late. I was busy repairing a lifelong friendship. I’ll get back to the reports now.”
“Actually,” she says, setting a thick stack of folders on my desk, “I already read them. Fixed the errors. Most of which can only be blamed on the education system.”
I blink at the pile. “You did?”
Her confidence flickers. “If that’s okay?”
I sink into my chair. “That’s more than okay.”
Relief flashes across her face. She turns to leave, but I stop her.
“Mackie.”
She pivots back. “Yes?”
“I want you to hire an assistant for me,” I say. “And then I want you to take the empty corner office.”
Her mouth parts. “Really?”
I nod. “It’s time we utilize you as a manager.”
Her smile grows, genuine and bright. “I promise I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t.”
I gesture for her to shut the door. She complies with a knowing face.
“Did you have any success with the other task?” I ask, raising a brow.
She leans in slightly. “I spoke to a few of the old Baywatch staff. And let me tell you…” She lowers her voice. “He’s not well-liked. Especially by the female employees.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I mutter.
“His attitude isn’t new,” she continues. “He’s always had an issue with women unless he’s trying to hit on them.”
“No one ever complained?” I ask.
She hesitates. “You know how it goes. They ignored him. And I’m guessing it was no coincidence he worked under two males.”
