Page 4 of The Sweetmate
Kourt glances up from his laptop and arches a brow. “Lisa? Thinking about our previous conversation.”
“In a way of sorts, yes. I’ve heard something troubling, and I want to ask you about it. I need you to be honest with me.”
He slowly closes his laptop and gives me his full attention. “Of course. Honesty is the only policy I believe in.”
If that’s true, then what Sterling said must be a lie or a misunderstanding. “It’s kind of personal, but it needs to be addressed.”
“I’m proud of you for being so direct about this.”
Not that I have a choice. My anxiety would never allow me to sit and dwell on this serious matter.
“Have you in any way hindered my career? As in preventing me from being promoted? Again, I’d appreciate your utmost honesty.”
His eyes don’t waver from mine, and his voice holds no remorse. “Yes.”
No.I stare at him for a beat, and still, there’s not a shred of shame on his face. He’s not even blinking.
“Why?” I demand. I’ve never despised a smirk more in my life.
He tilts his head, and his voice comes out smooth. “You know why.”
“No. I don’t. Why would you—how could you be so cruel? What have I done to you?”
He releases a heavy sigh. “It’s what you haven’t done.” He licks his lips. “But we can fix that. I can make things better around here. I can start treating you differently, and then everyone will start treating you differently. Get you that promotion. An arrangement that will greatly benefit us both.”
“What about honesty? You’re married. You’re my boss.”
“I didn’t lie. I’m being honest. Maybe not ethical.”
My voice turns cold as I stare him down. “You pig.”
He actuallyoinksat me. I’m officially flabbergasted. I don’t have the ability to process what’s happening right now. This is morally wrong, unprofessional, and sordid.
A voice from outside calls out, “Staff meeting!”
Kourt stands and shoves his hands into his slacks. “We can discuss this later.”
What’s there even to discuss? I open my mouth to tell him that I quit, but Mr. Brunner, the owner of the company, catches my eye through the office windows and waves for me to come out. Reluctantly, I force my feet to carry me out and follow everyone to the giant boardroom.
Life has been one major disappointment after another. I feel so foolish. I thought I was smart and had everything figured out. Do the work and reap the rewards. Simple.
Kourt’s voice whispers in my mind,“Simpleton.”
Maybe I am. I wish life was. Life’s not so simple. It’s a bitch. It’s unfair. Things aren’t black-and-white, and people pretend to value hard work, morals, and ethics, but they don’t. Respect is earned, not given—another lie. There are plenty of people here who haven’t earned the respect I show them. I feel I have earned it, yet I receive none. I’ve wasted my life living in the illusion that if I do what I’m supposed to, life will go accordingly. Because I really am that simple-minded and naïve.Simpleton.
Mr. Brunner stands at the head of the long table, gripping the back of his chair. There’s a seat available next to him, and he nods toward it. Of course, notes need to be taken, so that’s my assigned spot. Not because anyone wants me to contribute to this meeting.
I hurry between the bodies of people sitting and standing. Interesting that he’s called everyone in for this. I settle into the seat and have my tablet ready to record any information Mr. Brunner needs. Feeling eyes on me, I look up to see I’m seated across from Kourt. He winks, and my stomach churns.
Mr. Brunner clears his throat and greets everyone, so I focus on the task at hand, even though I feel defeated, and this will most likely be my last day with this company. Unless I can somehow get moved to a different department, but that’s probably wishful thinking. I’m unsure how to accomplish that without disclosing all that’s been happening. This has turned into an unnecessarily complicated situation. I loathe anything unwarranted, especially drama.
“We have a major client who needs content and social media management for two weeks as they compete in a baking challenge in New York City. This is a top pastry chef. We need someone to be accessible to them twenty-four seven. You’ll be sharing a suite. All expenses paid. But promoting Casey will be the top priority. This isn’t a luxury vacation.”
Sterling’s voice is full of excitement as he asks, “Casey? As in Cakes with Casey?”
“Yes,” Mr. Brunner announces proudly.
Cakes with Casey? That sounds cheesy but cute. Everyone in the room is buzzing with energy over the announcement of someone I’ve never heard of. This Casey person must really be some pastry chef. For Mr. Brunner to call a meeting and want to offer such special attention speaks volumes. This could be my chance to prove myself.
