Page 50 of My Three Roommates

A seed of dread begins to grow in me. “I understand, sir. I won’t bring Kenna to any more events. No problem.”

He regards me thoughtfully. “I’m afraid it’s too late for that, Cody. In this case, the rumor has spread too far and too fast. It’s causing unrest in the office.”

“So what can I do to fix this?” I ask him.

The chair squeaks in protest as my boss moves around, folding his hands together. His expression hasn’t changed since we started this meeting. The small piece of ice that settled in my stomach is growing larger and larger. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done.”

“People gossiping isn’t my fault,” I say firmly.

“I know, but people like to take a kernel of truth and run with it. No matter what’s true or not. It usually isn’t the fault of the person being gossiped about.”

I’m about to protest again but the boss holds up his hand. “I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with you dating this woman, whoever she is. However, Cody, I’ve been informed by my boss that I need to lay somebody off regardless. Remember, you’re still in your probationary period. Since we hired several people at the same time, there is no single person who was the last one hired. Now my choice is made clear. Although I’m very satisfied with your work, someone needs to be laid off. It’s going to be you.”

“You’re not serious.” I blurt out.

“I’m afraid that I am. I’ll be happy to proved a reference for you. I’m sure you’ll land on your feet.” He stands up and shakes my hand. “It’s not a small thing any more. People gossip here, as they do everywhere else. But these rumours that are flying around are getting extreme and wild. I cannot have that continue. Good luck, son.”

I head back to my desk in a daze and start to gather up my things. This can’t be happening.

Stephanie comes up to me right before I’m done. “What are you doing?”

“I’m leaving. I no longer work here,” I tell her. She and I were becoming friends. So much for that.

“Why?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard,” I say.

“You’re being let go because of some stupid gossip? That can’t be right. I’m going to go tell the boss what I think.”

I catch hold of her arm. “Don’t. It’s not worth it. If this company’s volatile enough to let me go after all I’ve had is positive feedback on my work, don’t take the chance of being the next one who gets laid off. I’ll be fine.”

I can’t let her be the next one in the line of fire for something that can’t be changed. “Even if he doesn’t do anything now, he’ll remember it when he’s choosing the next layoff. Protect yourself, Steph.”

“I hate that you’re right,” she says to me. “It’s not true, is it? What I heard?”

“It’s not true. Kenna’s my girlfriend. Nadine’s got her info wrong.” I want to tell Stephanie the whole truth, but I don’t need that getting out either.

Kenna’s got to work things out with Nadine the best way she can. I trust Stephanie, but I wouldn’t put it past the rest of the office to force her into revealing anything I tell her. The pressure here can be immense. “Take care of yourself, Steph.”

“I’ll miss you, Cody.”

I walk out of the office without saying goodbye to anyone else, ignoring the blatant stares. I can’t shake the surreal feeling that dogs me the entire way home.

What the hell am I going to do now?

CHAPTER 29 KENNA

“WHAT’S UP WITH you?” I ask. Cody’s staring morosely out of the living room window, gazing at nothing.

“My boss found out about you and I, thanks to Nadine. Rumours are flying around the office about you cheating with me.” He drags his hand through his hair. “I got fired today.”

“You’re kidding,” I say.

“Nope. I’m out.”

“That’s absurd. It’s none of their business,” I protest. “Your personal life has nothing to do with your job.”

“Yeah, you and I know that. The boss insists that image matters more, and the constant gossip was disrupting the office.”

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