Page 23 of Remembering Passion

“Thanks. We’re good.”

Leaving Niles standing by my desk, I brushed the front of my skirt and walked toward Millie’s office. There was that sensation of being called to the principal’s office even when I believed I’d exceeded expectations.

“Millie is expecting me,” I said to her secretary, Pam.

“Go on back.”

Millie’s office door was slightly ajar when I knocked.

“Come in, Ella,” she said.

Her office was at least twice the size of mine with a view of a pond and trees.

“Have a seat.”

“Is there a problem?”

“You tell me.”

My mind searched for an issue. “I don’t believe there is. The feedback on the gala was mostly positive. If the biggest concern is for more vegetarian hors d’oeuvres, I call that a win.”

“When you were hired, I called your previous employer.”

My circulation stilled as I sucked in a deep breath. “You called Damien…Mr. Sinclair.”

“I did.”

“So, you’ve known I knew him…since I started?”

“I didn’t think it was as big of an issue as Kevan made it out to be. I have wondered why you haven’t utilized that familiarity to benefit both yourself and Beta Kappa Phi.”

Shaking my head, I searched for the words to explain. “I don’t feel comfortable asking Mr. Sinclair for money.”

“Isn’t that your job?”

Clenching my teeth, I nodded. “Are there complaints about the work I do?”

“No, Gabriella. I must wonder if perhaps Mr. Sinclair would work better with you than with Niles.”

“Niles is capable—”

She lifted her hand. “I’m assigning you to Mr. Sinclair.”

“No.” I stood. “I can’t.” Twisting my body back and forth, I considered walking out on this meeting. “Why?”

“Because he called me Sunday.”

What?

“He called you. At your home?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“He was exceptionally complimentary about the gala and about you in particular.”

About the work at the gala or did he tell her I was a good fuck?

“Niles can—”

“Ella, please sit down.”

---