Page 61 of One Month's Notice

Nat’s cheeks flushed with rage. She leaned forward slightly, a whisper away from confrontation.

“What exactly is your problem with me?”

“Problem? Why would I have a problem with dear little Natalie?” Clara looked over Nat’s shoulder in dismissal. “Although I really don’t know what Michael sees in you.” She stared directly at Nat, a challenge in her eyes. “Incompetent doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

The accusation hung heavy in the air, and Nat felt every hair on her body stand on end.

“Excuse me?” Nat’s voice was a dagger of ice.

“Come on, you’ve struggled from the start. Remember your first week? Michael told me all about it. You messing up the restaurant booking? He really wasn’t happy at all. And now this deal—the company will be lucky to survive after you messed everything up. It’s a wonder he keeps you around. I think he feels sorry for you.”

Nat’s heart pounded in her chest, but before the tears that were threatening could escape, Lexi was there at her side.

“That’s enough, Clara.” Lexi’s firm tone left no room for debate.

“I think it’s time for you to leave.” Nat pointed toward the exit with unmistakable intent.

Clara opened her mouth, perhaps to argue or insult further, but then closed it. With a huff, she made her way towards Tia, grabbed her arm and weaved through the crowd. Nat watched them go, her gaze unwavering until the door swung shut behind them.

Lexi’s face was stern, relaxing only when she turned to look at Nat. “Are you OK?”

“I’m fine,” Nat lied, her voice not quite steady. “I just need some fresh air.”

Without waiting for a response, she threaded her way through the throng of party-goers and stepped out into the night air.

She pressed her body against the cold brick wall, gulping in breaths that came fast and uneven. She couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal. Why would Michael say something like that about her to Clara, of all people? Clara, who had never been nice and always seemed to have it in for her. It made no sense.

“Natalie?” Michael’s silhouette emerged from the doorway. “What’s wrong?”

She didn’t turn to face him, afraid that the sight of his usually serious face softened by concern would undo what little composure she had left.

“How could you? Clara…” Her voice wavered. “You told her about my mistakes at work.”

Michael moved closer, his shadow merging with hers on the pavement.

“I—”

“Did it ever occur to you to support me? To stick up for me?” The question hung heavy between them. “Every time she belittled me, you said nothing.”

“I was just frustrated when I told her about that stuff and I didn’t really know you then. Not like I know you now. I didn’t think she would tell you what I said.”

“And what about when she was deliberately putting me down at work?”

“I thought you could handle it. If I’d known how much it affected you, I would have said something.”

“It just feels like you don’t…” Her voice trailed off.

“Like I don’t what?”

“That you don’t care.”

“I do care,” Michael insisted. “More than you know,” he added, his voice low.

“I know we agreed on just friends.” Nat finally turned to look at him, her eyes glistening with the onset of tears. “But if you really cared, you wouldn’t have said those things.”

“Nat, I…”

“Please, just…” She couldn’t let him see the tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Tell Lexi I’m sorry I had to leave.” Her words came out in a rush as she brushed past him, her heart sinking with every step away from the warmth of the party—and away from him.

---