“He’s a coldhearted bastard,” Maeve said. “First impressions are always correct.”
I waved to Holly as Maeve and I walked into the lobby of the Quantum Cyber tower and took the elevator up to the office. I still had Beck’s credit card. I supposed I should give it back.
We were done, right?
But what if he wants to make it up to you?my mind whispered.What if he had just panicked? You’ve made bad decisions. You are not in a position to judge. What if he comes with a grand gesture and says he loves you?
I mean, would it be so bad? The painting represented my mother, sure, but it also represented her naivete in thinking that my stepfather actually cared about me.
Maybe this was just a blip in our epic love story.
Beck was in his office when I arrived at my desk. Through the glass walls, I saw him pacing. He looked like he hadn’t slept. Did he regret what he had done? What would it take for me to forgive him?
Honestly, probably just a heartfelt apology. All my life, my mom, my sister, all my mom’s boyfriends, my stepfather, that bitchy train conductor who fined me even though I had a valid ticket, whenever they had wronged me, none of them had even acknowledged that what they had done had been hurtful, let alone try and make amends.
I didn’t think I was ready to give up on Beck yet.
What if he were the love of my life? It could be like that movieAtonement, where we were kept apart and realized too late that we had squandered our potential relationship.
The door to Beck’s office opened.
“Tess,” he said. “Good morning.” His face was unreadable. “Could you come in here please? I need to talk to you.”
He was so formal.
Was this the big apology? Was there going to be a grand gesture?
Maybe he’s going to propose!
“Please.” He gestured to the chair on the other side of his desk.
I perched on the edge.
Was he going to give me jewelry? I didn’t see any flowers or even chocolate.
Beck went to stand by the window.
“I’m sorry to have to do this, Tess.” He wasn’t even looking at me. Why wouldn’t he look at me?
“But as you know, our relationship is against company policy.”
Uh… what?
“Yes?” I said, confused. “But it’s your company.”
“I know,” he said, hanging his head, “and as such, I have to set the example.”
“So we’re breaking up.” It felt like someone else was talking.
Breaking up?my mind chattered.Were you ever really together?
“No, of course not,” Beck assured me, “but I’m going to have to fire you, unfortunately. I hope you understand. It is an awkward situation, and I appreciate your discretion.”
“I’m sorry,” I said my voice rising, “youunfortunatelyhave to fire me? What about you? It takes two to tango.”
“Well, this is my company…”
“So I’m just supposed to be thrown out on the street?” I screeched, jumping up to jab a finger at him. “You kissed me first. You were the one who said I had to be your girlfriend.”
