Page 151 of Three Pucks and a Baby

Since they weren’t moving, I shoved my cart at them before whirling around. As I started running away, they called, “Come back, cumslut!”

As I came around the corner of a shelf, I almost ran into Annette. “Um, I’m sorry. I was going to the bathroom.”

“Where are you cumslut?” a voice bellowed behind us.

Annettte’s hand flew to her throat as horror flashed in her eyes. “Vivian, I just came to find you.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I need you to come to my office.”

My chest constricted. “You’re firing me, aren’t you?”

After glancing around, she curtly replied, “I would prefer to discuss your employment in my office.”

The last thing I wanted to do after being verbally harassed was to go to Annette’s office to be reprimanded. I held up my hands. “That’s okay. I’ll just leave”

Remorse briefly flickered on her face. “I’m sorry, Vivian. While the Dean had left your employment up to my discretion, your presence is just too much of a disruption.”

I wanted to argue that I’d barely been here thirty minutes. But I knew what had happened was bound to happen again. Having the word “cumslut” shouted in the library wasn’t conducive to learning.

“I understand.”

As I started to walk off, Carlee sprinted up. One look at my face and her expression turned lethal. She quickly turned her wrath onto Annette. “You cannot fire her!”

“That is none of your business, Ms. Flannery.”

“Do you know who my family is? I will be happy to phone my father right now!”

“Carlee, don’t,” I pleaded.

Shaking her head, she countered, “They cannot fire you over this, Vivian. You’re the best damn librarian they have.”

I grabbed her arm. “I’m serious. Don’t fight for me.”

Her brows creased in confusion. “Are you sure?

Nodding, I replied, “It’s not good for me personally to be here, and it’s not good for the library either.”

Carlee’s expression turned forlorn. “But this was your life.”

She was absolutely right. For a time, it had been my world. I enjoyed every moment of serving Southeastern’s students. It had filled the purpose-driven part of my life.

But things change.

People change.

I would be lying to myself if I didn’t acknowledge how much my purpose in life had shifted after meeting the guys. It also went without saying how much being pregnant had changed my life view.

Although it wasn’t the way I would’ve wanted to leave, I knew it was the right thing. With a smile, I said, “It’s time for another life. One with the guys and one with my son. And maybe one with more focus on writing.”

“You’re sure?”

Nodding, I replied, “Positive.”

“Well, if you change your mind, just know I’m ready to ride into battle with you.” She winked. “Anytime.”

“That’s why I love you,” I said as I wrapped my arms around her.

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