Salinger sits next to me in the back seat of the car, seething.
“If you”—his voice cuts through the cold interior of the car—“hadn’t fucked up and failed to acquire a suitable date for me, I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”
“Me?” I squawk. “How is this my fault? Also, I think the evening went well.”
“You’re such a stupid girl. This evening was a complete fucking disaster.” His fist cracks against the wood-paneled interior of the car. “No one in this country makes big infrastructure investments anymore. This was my one shot to build a fortune—to cement my name—and you ruined it for me.”
I shrink in my seat.
“And I know Aaron,” Salinger continues. “He’s going to go back to Wolf and tell him not to involve Van de BergInsurance in this port deal because anyone with half a brain cell can see it’s a complete shit show. I spent so much time and money on this deal, only for you to ruin it.”
“That’s not fair.” I gasp at him. “You know these deals don’t just materialize out of thin air. You have to lay the groundwork. Nothing’s lost yet. Linda was very pleasant this evening.”
“Of courseyouthink that.” The shadows cast from the streetlights flicker on his face as the car glides down the dark street. “You spent the entire evening gossiping.”
He flexes his fingers. “Contrary to what Isaacs thinks, Linda is going to do everything in her power to make sure I’m not involved in the port deal. She thinks I’m dating my assistant, as if I would ever debase myself.” He makes a disgusted noise. “All because you wanted to play ‘billionaire girlfriend’ and fucked up at the charity function.”
“I told you it wasn’t on purpose.” I hate how small my voice sounds. “I’m really sorry, Salinger, but I just think you’re overreacting.”
He lunges at me.
“You don’t get to decide if I’m overreacting! You’re just an assistant—you’re not an investor, you don’t know anything, you have no idea what’s going on, and you clearly have no concept of what you cost me.”
I clutch Pepper as he rails at me. Mercifully, the car soon pulls up in front of his building.
“Get out,” he orders.
I scramble out of the car into the cold, drizzly Seattle night.
The car drives off.
Salinger gives me a cold, gray look. Adjusts his suit. “I can’t decide if I’m going to fire you right now or just waituntil this port contract completely implodes.” His words are a scythe.
“I—you can’t!” I grab his suit. Lose his protection and be out on my own? At Jaxon’s mercy?
He shakes me off. “I’m your boss. I certainly can fire you.”
The doorman opens the door for Salinger then walks in behind him, locking it.
I’m standing all alone outside of his swanky residential tower. Suddenly, I realize that I parked back near the restaurant. I check my phone. It’s Friday night, and surge pricing is in effect on all the rideshare apps.
“One hundred fifty dollars?” I suck in a breath.
For a brief moment, I consider knocking on the door, asking the concierge to call a ride.
But they would probably ask Salinger if that was approved, then I would have to beg, only for him to say no.
Eff that.
Hugging my purse and Pepper close to my chest for warmth, I step out into the rain. The restaurant isn’t that far away. I can walk.
Pepper grumbles as a raindrop hits her nose.
“We’re saving money,” I remind Pepper, who is not wearing her raincoat and is very upset that she’s getting wet.
The streets are dark and empty. My car is parked on one of the side streets. I dodge a trash can, my feet numb in my sandals. I shift and slide in the shoes as I try to hurry to my car.
“We need the exercise,” I tell Pepper. “Also, I really wish I owned a bath tub. I’d love a hot bath when we get home.”
