I took a breath and rubbed the back of my neck as the elevator reached the floor to my office. I reminded myself why I always put my work first; distractions were a hazard. And I let it happen because of a man.
Oh hey. It was Monday. I was supposed to lead myplanned to perfectionmeeting today. I laughed to myself as I reached my desk.
Mimi rolled over to me in her chair. “Are you drunk?”
“What?”
“What are you laughing about? We’re going to be in serious trouble today. I’m astonished that someone didn’t hunt us down last night,” Mimi whispered.
“Oh it’s coming Meem, don’t you worry. But seriously; don’t worry. Last night was on me.”
“No. We’re partners.” She put a hand on my shoulder. “We stick together.”
My new friend warmed my heart. “Thank you. But you did your part flawlessly. And mine would have been too if I hadn’t...” my voice trailed off.
Froze from jealousy.
“You’re human,” Mimi shrugged and gave me a soft smile and then frowned, taking me in. “Not that you don’t look terrific otherwise, but I’m going to recommend an eye cream that doeswonders,” she offered, sliding back to her desk and reaching for a notepad.
“Thanks.” I glanced at Dean’s door, expecting anxiety to consume me. Instead, all I felt was infuriated that after everything I’d accomplished in my adult life; I had to explain myself to anyone.
I was better than this. And maybe it was time I stopped being afraid to declare it.
My desk phone rang.
I bit my lip. Maybe today wasn’t the best day to claim my Godliness.
SCOTT
A few minutes earlier…
“What the hell happened last night?” I barked when I stormed into Dean’s office first thing Monday morning. After barely sleeping the night before and being in the dreadful mood I was in, I needed a reason why there was a major screw up at one of the biggest deals I’d handed this struggling company. Now that my name was all over this event planning firm, I had a great deal to lose.
Dean jumped out of his chair. “Scott, Starr called me this morning and told me about the fumble last night.” He ran around his desk nervously. “Look I can’t imagine what happened, but this never—”
“Where the hell was your team? Where was she? I didn’t see anyone working the floor last night.”
“That’s how we like it, Scott.” Starr walked in and hung her coat up. She appeared so casual and unaffected.
“What? That doesn’t make any sense.” I turned away from her and faced Dean. The only one who seemed to care about the business at all.
“It’s part of our image,” Starr announced proudly.
Dean eyed her tiredly, then turned back to me. “Look, we will find out what happened and we’ll fix it.”
“This is irreversible damage, Dean,” I shouted, knowing full well where part of my frustration was coming from. I rubbed at my forehead and walked to the window, lowering my voice. “Dean, I just signed to protect you guys from sinking as a firm because you showed me that you could handle anything after Donovan’s party.”
“Same person,” Dean mumbled, staring absently out the windows of his office, regardless of the shades being down.
“I don’t give a damn.” I seethed, turning to Dean and pressing a finger against my chest. “Do you know what she cost me last night? Why don’t you both show me you mean business; I want her gone. Now.”
Dean looked alarmed. “I don’t think that’s necessary. We don’t fire people for a mistake.” He held his hands up. “Listen, I get it, it was a big one, and I’m not sure why, but I’ll talk to her.”
Dean’s loyalty to his staff was honorable. Something Isabel would appreciate. The thought of losing her angered me again and I glared at my new partner, my tone not to be misunderstood. “This is my firm now too. Those aremyemployees just as much as they are yours until I feel like you can handle it on your own, Dean.”
After a moment of hesitation, Dean looked at Starr. “Call her in,” he turned back to me, his eyes filled with regret. “I’ll do it.”
Starr picked up her phone and dialed a few digits. “Oh hi, Elle. Would you mind coming by for a moment?” her eyes flicked to me. “Great, thank you.”
