Page 65 of Forever Not Yours

“Funny,” I said flatly. “I need to rest. Apparently, everyone around me can see I’m completely burnt out. I think it’s time I paid attention.”

“And perhaps less rampant sex for a bit. Let yourself heal.”

“Faye!” I gasped, and she just laughed.

“I had a very good meeting with Juliet. She’s probably going to fire me on Friday when I have my appraisal.”

“And you’re this calm about that?”

“I feel good about it because I was honest and put my foot down.”

“You did good,” I said. “And in all honesty? I feel bad because I should have done the same, ages ago.”

“It’s not just the girls, I promise you that. There’s a certain project manager who definitely has it in for the boys. And Jenna, in lending, is right nasty to Kiki on reception.”

“I’ve had words with Jenna before.”

“Then perhaps you should have words with Kiki too, because they are about to walk. Wedon’t need that kind of crap here. Kiki is on the ball and like a human Google, we need not to lose them. They know this company inside and out and are constantly harassed by head hunters.”

“And you know this how?”

“Because I’m a nice person. And nice people listen when other people talk. They read between the lines, and they also use their eyes, Bash.”

“I see,” I said, scratching my face. Scruff. I probably did look a mess. I was also tired, and all this new information was making me panic on the inside. Too much to deal with. No space in my frazzled brain. I was still wrung out from having to sit down with Juliet, and now this?

“Don’t stress. I told Juliet, and she’s dealing with it. You? You need to go home and have a bath. Then go to bed and try to figure out how to get a full night’s sleep. Napping is key. Small rests in between tasks. I’m assuming you’ll be available for me to check in?”

“Set up a schedule for me?”

“Done. How many weeks are we dealing with?

“Four to start. Six at a push.”

“Eight then. Take a break, man. Let’s get this all under control. Now. How are you getting on with this finding me a man search? That should be top of your priority in the coming weeks.”

“Really?” I smiled.

“I’m right here sorting your life out, reorganising your schedule and doing your dirty work. I thought we had a deal.”

“So we did,” I grumbled. “Give me something to work on. What are we aiming for?”

“Someone nice.” She leant back in the chair. “Honest. Hardworking and straight talking. Knows their worth and mine. Puts me first. No baggage.”

“A unicorn?”

“Perhaps, but I’m sure you can find him.”

I scratched my scruff, wondering what on earth I was doing.

“Am I about to ruin my career here?” I asked. “Am I being an idiot doing this?”

“Do you have a choice?”

“I don’t know. Are you being a snake and stealing my job?” I hadto be honest.

“Underhandedly getting rid of you by taking over your office and hacking all your passwords?” She smiled. “I don’t appreciate you calling me a snake, but I do appreciate you sharing your concerns. And no. I don’t want your job, but I do want to be taken on here at the end of my internship and be permanently employed. But I would much prefer to still have you on the team. I already know all your passwords, so you need to change them if you don’t want me in your business, but right now, I think you do.”

She paused and gave me a chance to breathe. I needed a rest. I needed out of here. I also needed a snack, and I needed to go to the gym and run until I couldn’t run anymore.

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