Page 81 of Reason to Believe (White Lace 2)

There was no question in this world that I hadn’t already been asked.

“Go ahead.” I settled back in my seat, bracing myself for the worst. “Ask whatever you want.”

It took her a few moments to bolster the courage to get out the words. “Was Ken’s referral because he was your…”

She didn’t have to finish her sentence for me to recoil in shock. “Absolutely not.” Colette visibly breathed a sigh of relief. “I met him during a symposium at school. He gave me his card and said if I ever wanted to talk employment to give him a call. That’s all.”

For the first time since I’d walked in, Colette’s shoulders were perpendicular to the floor. “I just wish you had told me. I don’t like being in the dark. I don’t like surprises. Especially ones that give my brother a one-up.”

I didn’t blame her. Scott was a manipulative, entitled jerk.

“It’s not information you go around volunteering, but I wouldn’t blatantly lie about it. If you had asked me point-blank, I would have confirmed it, and I just want you to know…”

I liked Colette, as a person and as a boss, and I felt awful that the information had come out the way that it had. But I knew my place. I would soon be walking out that door for the last time. And I was going to go out on my own terms and with a clear conscience.

“I’m not ashamed of my choice. I needed to help my family. I needed to pay for school. If I could go back, maybe I wouldn’t make the same decision. But it is what it is, and I did what I had to do.”

Colette nodded, apparently still at a loss for words.

“It’s for the best that I won’t be working here anymore. I just ask that when you tell everyone that I was let go, you keep the reason to yourself. I know I may not deserve it, but I hope you can extend me that one last kindness.”

“I read your report,” Colette blurted.

“Oh…kay.” I hadn’t expected to talk about business. I actually hadn’t expected to talk at all. I figured there would be yelling on her part. So this was unexpected.

“And I fired my brother.”

My grip tightened on the arms of the chair. “I’m sorry, what?”

If a dog walked up to me and started t

alking, I would be less surprised than I was at this moment.

“He’s redundant in a professional capacity, not to mention a complete nightmare in every other capacity.”

I had to stifle my laugh, because it wasn’t the time or place.

“I just wanted to tell you that.” Her face lightened, as if saying the words aloud had smoothed out the wrinkles at the sides of her eyes and on her forehead.

“Thank you.” I wasn’t sure what to make of this turn of conversation. I hadn’t expected Scott to face repercussions for his actions. Although I still had the sinking feeling that losing his job wouldn’t help him learn his lesson.

“Look, Grace, I like you. You did great work. And did it quickly. You did exactly what I asked of you, which is more than I can say for some of the employees that have worked here for years.” Colette had begun scratching her thumbnail on the edge of her desk. In all the time I’d known her, she wasn’t one to offer signs of nervousness or weakness. But right now, she was doing both. “I don’t want to get rid of you. I just don’t know how to proceed.”

That made two of us. I had been so content working for Colette. Having a steady paycheck. Making friends. I had thought I’d figured it all out. But at the end of the day, it seemed I’m better off flying under the radar.

“I think it’s best if we part ways. There’s really no reason for me to stay on.”

Except for the fact that I need a damn job.

“It’s the most logical decision,” Colette said. “But now that it’s been said out loud, I’m not so sure.”

I appreciated her confidence in me, but in the long run, it would only serve to cause trouble with the rest of her employees, and maybe even clients. Leaving was everyone’s best option.

I stood, and Colette followed suit, extending her hand.

“Thank you, Colette. For the opportunity. For…understanding.”

She simply nodded.

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