Page 158 of We Can't Be Friends

“I think you’ve done plenty. I’ve spoken with Tamara, and she will work on all Live Outdoors matters. Additionally, you will no longer be up for the promotion.”

My jaw quivers.

I should just quit. Here. Right now. On the spot without a two-week notice.

I should, but I won’t.

I’m too determined to not let Michael, Tamara, or Seth get the best of me.

Second Chance Beauty should be a dream job, I’ve enjoyed—maybe loved—working here . . .but lately, I don’t know. Leaving my job and having to restart is daunting.

Is my life meant to be a revolving door of goodbyes and starting over?

I’m constantly restarting when it comes to my love life. Sleeping around or dating red flags like you throw spaghetti at the wall and hope it sticks.

And with no apartment. . .

Welcome to adulthood, Chloe; it sure is fun.

I tighten my jaw, maintaining eye contact with my boss. “Okay, I understand.” I don’t, but there’s gotta be another way around this.

“You can go now.” I’m easily dismissed.

Blazing back to my office, I unlock the door, grab my phone, and leave.

I say to the receptionist by the elevators, “I’m heading out for a late lunch. If anyone needs me, can you take a message?”

“Bring me back a coffee?”

“Usual order?”

“No oat milk, I’m trying to watch my sugar. Skim.”

“You’ve got it.” I warmly smile at the single mom of three before getting into the elevator.

Outside, I walk to a coffee shop and then pass it, needing to work out my pent-up energy. I can’t go home and shower because I have an in-person meeting in forty-five minutes.

I pull my phone out of my purse and press call on his contact.

“Well, well, well.”

“Are you serious?” I yell at Seth.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, babe.”

“Do not babe me, and yes, you do. The partnership? Is this some ploy to get my attention?”

He laughs. I pull the phone away from my ear because it’s heinous. “I’d never do anything like that.”

“Then why is it ending? I was almost fired because of you.”

“It’s been two years. The partnership was fun while it lasted, but the company found new, better products to use.”

“Don’t try to talk in code to me. Everything you just said was about me.”

“Everything isn’t about you, Chloe. You’re so conceited, believing the world needs to revolve around you. It was miserable dating you, having to put up with your schedule, friends, and hobbies.”

“Are you hearing yourself right now? Seth, that was you.”

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