Page 147 of The Stud

“Were you actually fired?”

“Yes.”

“Like actually,actuallyfired?”

“Pretty sure.”

“Did she say those words?”

“She didn’t exactly sayanywords to me.” I bury my sadness in another bite. “Justaboutme.”

“Which were?”

“I should go. I should get in my car. I should not come to the office for an undisclosed amount of time.” Faster chewing is engaged. “All the normally equals fired bullshit.” Swallowing swiftly occurs so I can coherently proclaim, “Sorry if that little scene tanked the store’s launch stats. It wasn’t my intention. You know I would never-”

“Plana publicity stunt like that?” He angles himself against the cushions as Bear protectively rests his head in my lap. “No. That’s your sister’s department.”

It’s impossible not to glare.

“And I’ve never been more convinced than I am now that she had had this planned for quite some time.”

My scowl deepens.

“Publicity stunts tend to gather more media attention – especially in this day and age – more attention means more customers, more customers means more sales, more sales means higher stats, which is exactly what we had thanks to your Sports Opera.”

Gagging and throwing the bone are done simultaneously. “You have got to be shitting me.”

He casually shakes his head on a small grin. “One of the highest opening weeks in the past decade.”

Fuck, I hate her.

I hate her so much.

How is it she managed to turn my pain into profit?!

What kinda fucked up sorcery is that shit?!

“She prevails and I get fired,” I sarcastically sneer. “Well…isn’t that just kick you in the taint during your MVP acceptance speech fantastic?”

“You don’t know you got fired.”

“Dad.”

“But if you did-”

“I totally did!”

“Then you will be pleased to know at dinner last night with Thunder-”

“Your old college frat bro?”

“That would be the one.” His hands fold politely in his lap. “You came up.”

“Not feelin’ like this is a stick tap moment.”

“Remember how he works for STN in their featured programs department?”

“Yeah.”

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