Page 12 of Hate Notes

She raised her eyes to meet mine. I finally saw just a hint of nerves in her features. "You've been served thirteen Hate Notes today, and I'll be?—"

"Cut the speech," I said. "I'm prepared to offer you a thousand dollars to walk away. I'll give you two thousand immediately if you agree to quit your job."

Why was I starting with such a large bribe? Maybe part of me worried that the defiant spark in her eyes was trouble. Or maybe I thought this girl would be better to get rid of quickly?

She blinked. "Um. No. You're going to hear these."

Hm. I had started with a higher number than usual, and the woman had barely blinked. "What's your name?" I asked.

"Ember," she said, clearing her throat as she held up her stack of cards and began to read. "You're arrogant, think your shit doesn't stink, and take joy in costing people their jobs. You should be ashamed of yourself."

I leaned forward, glancing at the card she was pretending to read from. "That card is blank..." I said.

Ember smiled up at me. It was a crooked, mischievous smile. "Yeah. That one was a personal Hate Note from me. You'll get a free one daily so long as I'm your delivery girl."

She had a somewhat raspy, deep voice that was unusual but interesting. If nothing else, it wasn't the worst voice to hear for a few mornings.

"That's not how this works," I said tightly.

"No? What will you do, call my boss and get me fired? I'm sure she's really worried about your satisfaction, Mr. Foster."

Unfortunately, she had a very good point, even if I wasn't about to admit it. Knowing her employee was pissing me off would probably only make Patricia give the girl a raise. So she was defiant and clever. Wonderful.

I folded my arms, waiting for the woman to get it over with.

Ember smiled a little again. I could practically feel the vultures eating this up, and it pissed me off.

She flipped her blank notecard to the back and read the next one.

"You get this wrinkle between your eyebrows when you're mad," she said. "And your tie is boring."

I snatched the notecard off the top of the pile. It was blank again. "I don't have time for this bullshit," I snapped.

Ember grinned. "Sorry. I must've put two blank ones in here by mistake. I was just rolling with it." She watched me briefly, eyes narrowing as if something was on my face.

"What?" I snapped.

"Your nostrils flare when you're mad, too."

"I'm done with this," I said, storming up the stairs.

"Hey," Remmy said. "You're not even going to say bye?"

"Bye," I snapped.

Ember jogged after me. "Miss Rosh said you might storm off. She said I can follow you into the office, though. I guess I just have to finish reading before we reach your floor. So... speed reading time!"

She started reading a Hate Note as we walked in through the lobby.

I glared hard, scattering nosy employees standing around, hoping to listen in.

Didn't they have work to do?

Ember read the note in an annoying loud voice. I was pretty sure the entire lobby could hear.

"Dear Mr. Foster,

Remember when your chair kept breaking? It was because I loosened the screws every day when you went to get lunch. You deserved it. Maybe next time someone asks you for a replacement chair, you'll have a little more sympathy. Prick bag.

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