Page 26 of Sassy Love
The second it’s over, all I feel is empty and alone. Bar the images of Rawlins that refuse to budge. I groan, and the noise resembles the man himself.
I need to get laid.
The sooner the better.
Chapter 8
LAWSON
Serelle’s apologetic smile alternates between me and Satan’s Little Helper to my right. Who currently smells like apples and strawberries with a hint of something heady I can’t place. Her hair is twisted up, her red lipstick like a fucking stop sign.
Like I need a reminder.
Her personality is enough to repel the most desperate of men.
Okay . . . that’s probably a little harsh.
“What do you mean, one of us goes?” Lamont bites out, her face stone as she pins her boss, nonetheless, with a glare.
Nope, I was right the first time. It’s her, not us.
My mother would be telling me to look at the bigger picture here, give her the benefit of the doubt, and see the situation from where she’s coming from.Not today, Ma.
“To clarify, the contract from the city that funds our executive program doesn’t cover the cost of two wages after the Christmas period. So, as of January first, the glass corner office will be one of yours. Solely.”
“And just how are you going to determine who stays and who doesn’t?” Lamont says, her grip around the arm of her chair tense.
I’m worried, sure. But I’m obviously better at rolling with the punches.
“Whoever makes the biggest impact stays.” Serelle’s gaze doesn’t meet either of ours.
“So, I have around three months to make a difference?” Lamont rephrases the statement as question.
“Yes, that’s correct.” Serelle is game enough—or professional enough, I should say—to meet her gaze now.
“Fine. I assume there will be a three-month review, regardless?” Lamont adds.
“Yes, also correct. And Carlie,” Serelle says, her face all empathy, “I know what this looks like. I am truly sorry. It was never my intention to reduce our exec team further. But funding is a citywide issue. We can only ask for our allotment each year, unless we have the man—sorry, person- or people-power to hedge a bigger project. With your background and experience, I’m sure you can understand that.”
Curious just got curiouser.
Her background?
Is this a rags to riches thing?
“Not a problem, Serelle. Is that all you needed me for?” Lamont says, gathering up her phone and laptop.
“Yes, please don’t let me keep you from your work. Lawson, can I have a word?”
Lamont gives me the side-eye as she rises and leaves. To sit at the wonky desk I assume she put together after we all went home. Now the joke seems a little over the top, in light of the new situation.
She leaves Serelle’s office, tapping on her phone like it burns to the touch.
Serelle stands and shuts the door before pulling the chair beside me away a little and dropping into it, lacing her hands in front of her chest with a smile. “How are things going in the corner office?”
“Fine. We’re working on the last quarter numbers, planning and projecting accordingly.”
She offers up a tight smile before dropping her focus to her hands. “It was brought to my attention yesterday that you and Carlie have a little history.” She sighs. “Today feels like one constant apology, but I want you to know that we are all here to support you. I hired you both because of your talent in your respective areas. I really hope the situation at Carlson’s isn’t going to make your time here uncomfortable.”
