Page 37 of Mistaken


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“That’s not what those meetings are about, Elle. I can assure you. What did Starr say that made you think that?”

“She wasn’t even there,” I shouted just as Starr walked in, and Bobby behind her.

Dean focused on the first email in the pile, then flipped to the next one. Bobby appeared smug, while my high-heeledotherboss looked highly irritated.

“Elle, did you walk out of my meeting,” Starr demanded.

“You weren’t even there,” I repeated.

“I was a little late and surprised to hear about your outburst. Elle, these meetings are essential for our success. Yes, there’s sharing your ideas and brainstorming, but there’s also a lot to learn.”

Was this woman serious?

Eight successful years in the industry, and I was answering to these imbeciles? I turned to Dean who was not the least bit engaged in the conversation. He was clutching the emails like a lifeline, skimming them over again.

Bobby turned to Starr, “I appreciate your support. It was just extremely disruptive and completely counterproductive,” he spoke low, making me sound as though I were an irrational maniac.

“Of course it was. Elle won’t be disturbing our meetings anymore,” Starr started.

Dean shoved the email print-outs back into the folder and stood, coming around his desk and handing them back to me. “No, she won’t be. She’ll be leading them.”

I was definitelynotexpecting that.

Starr glared at Dean.“Excuse me? Dean this is—”

“Highly unacceptable that Bobby doesn’t appreciate Elle’s history and knowledge. There’s plenty you can all learn from her experience.” He turned toBobby whose mouth fell open. “Bobby, have Erica reschedule today’s meeting to Monday.” He handed me back the folder. “You’re in Monday, right?”

“Of course.”

“Great, let’s talk about these tomorrow.” Finally, he turned back to Starr who had both hands in the air. “Starr, if there are other meetings you think Elle would benefit from, I’d like to be consulted first.”

I looked at Dean. I was never the ignorant type and didn’t like people assuming I was. I placed the emails back on his desk, gently this time. “You should hold on to those and disperse them as you like. I’ll keep searching till I find something I’m interested in.” I glanced in Starr’s direction, “You’ll also need it to justify what just happened here.”

I walked toward the door and stopped in front of Bobby. “Please try not to be disruptive on Monday. Oh, and…welcome.”

I speed-walked to my desk needing desperately to hide in the tiny confines of my cubicle before I did anything that stupid again.

Yes, it was slightly invigorating to be able to march into the boss’s office and give him a piece of my mind but only because it ended up working out in my favor. Andonlybecause I waved a handful of new leads in front of his face while half the staff was struggling to getone.

My heart dropped to my knees when I thought about where I was before I started this job. Nearly two months unemployed and considering moving in with Char.

I plopped back into my chair and rubbed my temples, pausing when I heard a chair roll up to me.

“You got a secret trust fund or something you planning to fall back on?”

I lowered my hands to look at her. “No.”

“Well it sure sounded like you were trying to get yourself on the top of the list.”

“What list?”

“The list of people to get canned once Dean and Starr finally fess up that this firm is seeing its worst days.”

I frowned. “Did you hear what went on in there?”

“Everyone heard. You left the door wide open when you stormed in there.”

I felt myself turn beet red and lowered my head again. “I don’t know what came over me, Mimi, I’ve just had it with the bullshit, I guess.” I was going to add something else about my being better than this place, than what’s being offered to me here, but I didn’t want to offend her.