“How was everything today?” I ask her as she comes out of the room.
“Delightful. I feel ten years younger. Thank you, Miss Stephanie. I’ll be sure to ask for you when I come back.”
“Thank you.”
I show her to the quiet room and write up my notes for her. By the time I’m done, my feet feel like they’re walking through cement as I walk to Maryann’s office.
I knock on the door and wait for her to call me in.
“You wanted to see me?” I take a seat in front of her desk.
She’s the only one of us with an office. Seeing as how she’s the manager and spends more of her time away from guests, it makes sense.
“I’m sorry we’re having this discussion today, Stevie, as you’ve always been one of my best aestheticians.”
Oh God. My stomach drops and my heart catches in my throat. This isn’t good.
“Without your clients, there’s been a drop in sales and I’m afraid we’re going to have to let you go.”
“You’re firing me?”
She at least has the decency to look chagrined. “I’m sorry. But we can’t keep losing business because of bad press.”
“But I haven’t done anything wrong.”
She leans across her desk. Papers are strewn over it. “Maybe when things settle down, we can talk about you coming back, but for right now, I think this is the best course of action.”
Tears well in my eyes. Sure, I’ve changed jobs over the years because things weren’t right, but I’ve never been fired.
I work hard. I never call in sick and am never late. I don’t cause drama.
Because of something out of my control, I’m getting fired for the first time in my twenty-five years.
It feels terrible.
“We’ll pay you out two weeks, but today is your last day.”
“Right.” I stand, my vision blurring in front of me. “I appreciate you giving me this opportunity.”
What else can I say? I keep my composure as best I can as I dash to the bathrooms.
Except I’m not the only one in there. Cressy is wiping her hands on a paper towel.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, seeing my face.
“I got fired.” I burst into tears as Cressy pulls me in for a hug.
“Oh, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not like I asked for this to happen. I didn’t want people to figure out I’m the one with Bode. And why do people care so much that I’m with him? I didn’t think people would bethisupset.”
“They’re jealous because they want to be with him and can’t be. But it’s okay, Stevie. We’ll figure this out. I’ll help you find another job.”
“Who’s going to hire me?” I try to stop the tears, but they keep coming. “They’ll take one look at me and know who I am.”
“Hey.” Cressy gives me a squeeze before looking me in the eye. “We’ll figure this out. Not everyone has to follow the Knights.”
“In Nashville?” My laugh is watery. “Fat chance of that happening.”
