Page 60 of Gross Misconduct

He looked extra slimy today, with his dark brown hair slicked back like a used car salesman. His excessively white teeth sneered into a smile, and I braced myself.

“My team and I were wondering how you plan to juggle all this, especially since you’re relatively new to the job, unless Clay has waived your probationary period.”

Ah, the backhanded compliment. “I’m sure you’re aware that my position with the Ravens is temporary. And don’t worry about me juggling my two hats. I have a great team with the Kodiaks that can handle anything thrown at them.” I could see he was opening his mouth, so I kept talking. “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we can adjourn. If you’d still like to have a chat, I’d be happy to,” I said to Mark with a smile.

Our teams filed out, but Mark didn’t move from his seat at the boardroom table. He kept up his faux smile, and so did I, waiting for his next insult. I’d give him a few minutes before I took off.

“Of course, I only want you to succeed,” Mark said.

“Of course,” I said, matching his phony tone.

“But I’ve been hearing rumors. I’m sure you are aware of them?”

I kept my body language confident, becauseassholes like Mark thrived on people’s fears and anxiety. I maintained my posture and barely moved, and made sure my expression didn’t change. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m sure that you’re more than capable at your job, and your team appears to like you, but people are wondering about your relationship with Jeremy Vaughn. They don’t think it’s a good look. Should you really be dating one of the players? It’s a little unseemly.”

Not once did I crack. “I don’t think my relationship with Jeremy is anyone’s business, and I can assure you it doesn’t affect the day-to-day operations of the Kodiaks.”

“True enough. And normally your relationship wouldn’t be anyone’s business, but it’s a rather public relationship. You do post an awful lot about it on your social media platforms.”

“Are you stalking me?” I said as a joke, although it wasn’t really meant as one.

“No. But people have mentioned it.”

He was such a slimy bastard. “We aren’t hurting anyone. Is it bothering you?”

He shook his head and laughed. “No, it doesn’t bother me one bit, but the perception isn’t great. It makes people uncomfortable.”

“Are you suggesting I break up with him because it makes you and others uncomfortable?”

“No, that’s a decision you would have to make. I’m not in your shoes, but if I were, I’d worry about future prospects.”

I fought so hard not to roll my eyes. “Well, I appreciate all of your concern. Is there anything else? I do have to get back to actual work.”

Yup, his time was up, and I wasn’t giving him any more oxygen.

“Still on the subject of Jeremy Vaughn, another rumor is going around that the whole relationship with him is a charade.That Clay came up with it to make sure Vaughn didn’t get tarred and feathered by the media and public opinion. As you’re in PR, you’d understand all the fear of that happening.”

My smile slipped a little. I racked my brain trying to remember who knew about the fake relationship that now wasn’t fake at all. No, I would have to deal with that later, if at all. I also had to consider the possibility that Mark was bluffing.

“There is nothing fake about my relationship with Jeremy, and I certainly don’t have to defend that to you. If I can give you a piece of professional advice?”

He nodded with his familiar smirk.

“You have crossed a line. And your behavior right now reeks of unprofessionalism. I know you’re better than that, and above gossip and spreading misinformation.”

He snarled for just a second, and I could see that I’d hit a nerve. The smile vanished from his face and darkness passed through his brown eyes. “We are colleagues, Jill, and I’d hate to see you bring the team down with your questionable behavior. I’m going to set aside the niceties and be frank with you. Everyone knows Clay has a soft spot for you. We also know that Clay likes to cheat on his wives with younger women. You wouldn’t be the first. The convenient relationship you have with Vaughn is to serve two purposes: get Vaughn out of trouble and to hide your affair with Clay. It’s not a secret.”

My mouth opened in shock, then I burst into laughter. “Affair with Clay? Are you serious right now?”

“Very. We all know what’s going on. Who gets an office two doors down from his after working here for two months? And don’t you live in a fancy condo downtown? And the two PR jobs? It’s his way of funneling cash to keep you happy. Who do you think you’re kidding?”

I couldn’t stop another round of laughter. “I got the office because I asked for it. I also got the office because I’mdoing a damn good job. Not that it’s your business, but I declined the office, but Clay was impressed with the work I’d done with Jeremy’s issue and rewarded me with it. Now let me tell you about the condo, since you seem to be misinformed. That condo is owned jointly by my friend Tangi and her husband. I rent it from them. Finally, if you think working two PR jobs is a perk, I would love to know what you’re smoking.”

He sighed dramatically. “Let’s recap. You got one of the best offices in the building because you did a stellar job getting Vaughn out of a jam by dating him. The condo you’re renting is owned by Ethan Grant, the Kodiak who got you the PR job in the first place, and the two PR jobs? Clay is trying to prove how indispensable his mistress is.”

I’d had enough. No more façade. My foundation was crumbling, and I was okay with it. “This is appalling. You should be embarrassed. I’m taking this to HR.”

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