Page 136 of The Charm of You

Disbelief flashes across her stony expression.

“I won’t be coming back to Five Star, because quite frankly, I’m too good for you. I busted my ass for this agency for years, only to be tossed aside because of your sleazy husband’s wandering eye. By the way, I am sorry to hear about your divorce, and I mean that. It sounds like it’s for the best, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a difficult time for you. And I’m truly sorry you have to endure that.”

She purses her lips and angles her face toward the window, which holds a panoramic view of the harbor. It’s breathtaking, really, and while I’d hoped to someday move into this office myself and bask in the powerful view every day, it’s no longer my dream.

That dream belonged to a different, hindered version of me.

I rise from my seat, brace myself against the edge of her desk, and peer down at her. “I deserve better, and you did help me see that by being a coward and firing me. In a way, I should thank you, but I won’t give you the satisfaction.”

She releases a mocking pfft. “You’re being ridiculous. You know I can ruin you, right? I can and will stop you from ever working in this city again. It’s in your best interest to back away and grovel.”

I push off her desk and throw the strap of my purse over my shoulder. “There are other cities.” I sarcastically tap my finger to my chin and jut my hip out for added drama. “Better yet, there are plenty of small towns who’d appreciate me and my talents.”

She mumbles in a very unladylike manner, if I do say so myself, as I make a big show of blowing her a kiss goodbye on my way out the door.

I blow this entire office a farewell kiss and only stop by Beverly’s office for a quick rundown.

“So?” She jumps out of her seat, exhibiting even more excitement now than she did in the elevator. “Should I bring you up to speed on my latest client? Did I mention she works with Fields Company? As in, Carter fucking Fields. If this goes well, do you know how far?—”

“I quit.”

“You what?” She holds her arms up.

“I mean, I declined. There was nothing to quit because I was already fired, and I declined her pitiful offer to return. I will live on my severance that was already signed off on until I figure out my next move, but I’m done with this bullshit, Bev. I’m so done.” My shoulders slump forward as a large weight lifts off them. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. I wasn’t sure about it, and I thought you’d try to talk me out of it.”

“I definitely would have!” She shakes her head. “This is not happening. Again. I already had to mourn you last week, and I’ve been so excited since you came back to the city. I thought we’d be working together. Now you’re telling me I have to grieve all over again.”

“I’m so sorry.” I wrap her in a bear hug and hold her there. “You know how much I love you, and I’d do anything for you. But I can’t accept this job. I can’t just accept how easily Melissa threw me under the bus, nor can I settle for something that doesn’t make me genuinely happy.” I pull back and squeeze her arms. “It’s time for me to move on.”

Beverly bites her lip. “I’m going to fucking cry, but… I get it.”

“Watch your back too,” I whisper sympathetically. “They did it to me, and they can do it to you too, Bev.”

She lifts her eyes up to the ceiling. “Now I’m really going to cry, because I know you’re right. I’ve been trying to stay positive, but I’ve been a mess, looking over my shoulder ever since you left. I keep thinking I’m next.”

“I’d like to say you won’t be. Just be careful, okay?” I nod and force a smile.

I promise to see her at home, where I’ll have a bottle of champagne waiting, and then I wave to the rest of the office. A few heads pop out from their cubicles, so I do what I can and give them a show.

I open my mouth… and I sing.

I bellow out the words of a Laney Wilson song like I’m at karaoke night at the fucking Tap.

Some of the others smile, and I even earn a couple cheers. Right before I step onto the elevator, I hear Melissa barking for everyone to get back to work. As the doors close, I catch one glimpse of Beverly, who’s one of the people cheering, and I grin harder.

Alone in the elevator, I rest the back of my head against the wall and sigh. Warmth floods my body, and my nerves tingle with excitement.

That felt good. Really freaking good.

I feel a fraction of the elation that overcame me right after my speech on the courthouse steps last Friday.

When I exit the building, I come to a stop on the sidewalk and frown.

I wish Austin were here. If he were, I’d leap into his arms just like I did at the end of the homecoming parade. It would be the decadent icing on this giant fuck-you cake I just served.

“My stars, if it isn’t Sapphire Creek’s very own golden princess.”

The low, rumbling voice brings instant tears to my eyes.

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