Page 18 of Own Me

I think I’m going to be sick again.

I slap a hand across my mouth and rush to Sterling’s ensuite bathroom just in time.

Later that evening, Shayla and I meet for dinner at Kountry Cookin’ Soul Food Restaurant, not too far from her apartment.

“I hate my boss. He makes me so furious.” I stab at the mashed potatoes on my plate.

“Damn, Yana.” She puts down a fork with a big, steaming piece of yam on the end. “You need a drink and an outlet.”

“I do really need to vent. I don’t know what to do otherwise if I don’t let it all out.”

“You have to figure something out before you end up eating a pound of ice cream every night.”

“I know. I don’t want to do that.” I ponder my options. “I could exercise, but let’s get real. When was the last time I used my gym membership?”

Shayla’s eyes widen. “You’re not the only one. I need to get back in the gym too, girl.”

“I could meditate, but I know I lack patience for sitting still.”

“You remember Tara, my cousin, right?”

“Yeah, I remember her, but what does she have to do with what I’m talking about?”

Shayla pushes my glass of tea closer to me. “Here, honey, take a drink of your tea and chill.”

I reach for the glass and take a refreshing sip, curious about what my friend has to say.

“Anyway, Tara told me how her boss has been treating her. She says he favors the male employees over most of the women in the company, including her. And these women have more experience and a higher degree in their field than the men.”

I nod and frown. “That’s terrible and chauvinistic behavior.

“I agree. You and Tara are in similar situations. You both hate your bosses, even though it may be for different reasons. You should connect with her and share bad boss stories,” Shayla laughs, but something clicks for me.

“We really should connect because I have some stories to share, and it would be good to talk to someone who knows what I’m going through.”

“Tara is always saying she’s damned if she does the right thing, and she’s damned if she doesn’t. She has been on her job for so long, and then she gets a new boss out of the blue, and now she can’t do anything right.” Shayla picks up her fork and puts the yam in her mouth. “Tara has this site she goes on to vent. I think it will help you too.

I smile. “Really? What’s the name of the chat room?”

“It’s calledBoss Be Damned. And it’s a place where women who are having problems with their bosses can come and vent. It’s called BBD for short.” Shayla giggles and winks.

“Hm, I already love the name. I like the idea of venting about my boss assholes like I’m feeling better already. We can empower each other to survive each day.”

“I’m glad I could help my friend.”

“I wish I would have known about this site sooner because I have some things to get off my chest about Mister Bossy Pants.”

Shayla laughs even harder. “I think this site will be a hit with people working for asshole bosses.”

“Yes, because there are more boss-holes out there than we can imagine,” I reply and scoop a helping of mashed potatoes, shoving them in my mouth. Their taste was nearly as gratifying as my self-satisfaction. I couldn’t be more excited to start venting on the BBD chatroom site.

CHAPTER 10

Sterling

Iknow I’ve been giving Ayana a hard time. I admire her because any other employee would have quit by now. My length hardens beneath my slacks, just thinking about how she comes out swinging with every obstacle I set before her. I lose myself in fantasies of the countless ways I could please her. My memories ignite with the delicate smell of her eucalyptus-and-mint perfume.If she was here now, I would eat whipped cream from?—

“I’m all finished with the Carlyle contract, Sterling,” says the new assistant, Lux, as she opens my office door. “I emailed you the paperwork. Can I do anything else for you?” As she closesthe door behind her, she passes the tip of her tongue over her injection-filled, red-painted lips.

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