“I am listening,” I snapped. “All I do is listen.”
He wasn’t expecting it, eyes widening a moment before he masked it. “Lower your tone when you speak to me.”
I glared, my chest tightening as he glared back. The intensity of it made me feel like he could see right through me. Something dark and ugly twisted in my gut, pulling me down, making me smaller. I was sinking and guilt was rising. Why did it always feel like I was guilty of something?
My breaths came in shorter, faster. I looked away.
“Get out. I expect it done by the end of the day.”
I stood quickly, leaving his office as fast as possible.
Once I’d reached my own and closed the door, I pressed myself against it. My head thumped against the dark wood. My eyes burned. Something so small and I’d crumbled.
I was weak. Powerless. I always would be.
Except when I was with him.
I pulled my phone from my pocket. Fingers trembling as I opened V.
5:22 p.m. H:
What are you doing tonight?
Every second that passed with my phone in my hand waiting for him was a rebellion. One I was barely strong enough to carry through with.
5:24 p.m. B:
Hey! This is early for you. Is everything okay?
No.
5:24 p.m. B:
I’m not doing anything tonight. Family dinner got moved to tomorrow [smiley emoji]
5:24 p.m. B:
What are you doing tonight?
My heart beat like a war drum, signaling the start of something I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
5:25 p.m. H:
Meet me.
5:25 p.m. B:
I’d love to! I can leave now if you need me to?
5:25 p.m. H:
No. I need to finish work. After.
5:25 p.m. B:
Sure. Just let me know when [smiley emoji]
5:26 p.m. B:
