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“So we’ll move forward with this, then,” Booboo said as if nothing had happened. “And I think that’s it for today?”

Xavier cleared his throat. “I’ll work on the T-shirts for the expo.”

Compassion softened his dark eyes when I looked at him.

“You could put that phrase on the shirts.” My voice was dull. “I’d rather be a shot of whiskey than your cup of tea.”

He smiled. “That’s a great idea. Thanks. Are— Will you be free to attend the expo? I thought maybe you, Ivy, and Katrina from Sales?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Ivy’s HR. Why would she come?”

I knew the answer, but I wanted him to say it. Ivy was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, and affable too. She’d draw straight men to the table like fleas to a dog. But Xavier surprised me by saying, “Ivy knows more about bourbon than Jack Daniel. The only people who know our bourbon better have the last name Shepherd.”

As I considered that, Cam rose from the table, eager to get away. “If that’s all…” He stepped out of the room before I could even think to protest. The men gathered their things and left while I stewed.

What was I doing at this company? I was being paid to take pictures of myself day drinking like an idiot. How was this what my life had turned into? I’d wanted to make a difference. Help people.

Instead, I’d spent five years marketing to rich women who’d made yoga an entire lifestyle, then wound up at a job where I was overlooked and ignored, my ideas trampled over, then thieved away as if they’d never been mine. I was still just the token, my femaleness and lack of wealth used to improve the moral clout of those around me.

My white polished nails drummed against Ravi’s beautiful artistry while a fire stoked hotter in my belly.

I debated what to do.

I couldn’t quit. My application for the city job was still Submitted despite my many calls to the office. They’d explained they were understaffed—hence why they were hiring—and “We go in order of receipt.”

If I lost my paycheck, I’d be sent to collections for the debt hanging over my head like a guillotine. My credit would take a hit, and I’d never get out of Ravi and Maribel’s house.

I needed to search for other jobs, but this town was bereft of opportunities, and the commute to Atlanta was too far. Perhaps Mom’s diner was hiring…

My flats made little noise against the floor even as I stomped from the conference room back to my desk. I flung myself into a chair vehemently enough that Helen raised her eyebrows. I waved a hand at her. “Oh, don’t even start with me, Helen.”

On my desk, my ideas and analytics sat out for all to see since I stupidly didn’t think I’d needed to hide them. My finger stroked the edge of the one on top.

I’d rather be a shot of whiskey than your cup of tea.

As relaxed as I could, I breached the distance between my desk and my team. Edmond barely glanced at me when I approached.

“That was a great idea,” I said, using my calmest, least shrill voice.

He paused his computer scrolling to look at me, face full of suspicion. “Thanks.”

I leaned against his desk, totally casual. “How’d you come up with it?”

“Oh, it just came to me.”

“Did it come to you from that time I presented it weeks ago?”

His freckled face turned pink. “What? No, you didn’t.”

“That video was basically what I brought to our first meeting. The only difference was you didn’t apologize.”

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t take it so personally.” He turned toward his comrades. “See? This is what I’m talking about.”

Xavier shifted in his seat. Booboo watched the encounter with confusion stamped over his features.

I crossed my arms and steadied my voice, the better to keep him from playing the Hysterical Female card. “Hard not to take it personally when you stole it from me.”

Booboo straightened. “Hey, now⁠—”