She has never called me in the middle of a job, particularly not one this important to the company. “What’s going on?”
“I understand this is highly irregular, Jessa…”
I shudder. That’s the second time tonight someone has said as much to me. “What is?”
She continues on as if I hadn’t spoken up. “But the unfortunate truth is… we’re going to have to let you go.”
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. “Excuse me? I’m not sure I heard you correctly.”
“I’m afraid you heard me right,” Melissa says regretfully. “We’re going to have to terminate your contract with Starlight Caterers, effective immediately. Of course you’ll receive a generous severance package and a glowing recommendation letter—”
“What’s the reason for termination?” I demand.
Melissa stops short. “Um, well…”
“You need a legitimate reason for terminating my contract, Melissa. What is it?”
“We’re downsizing.”
“That’s bullshit,” I say instantly.
“Jessa.”
I’m not an angry person and I’ve certainly never talked back to Melissa. I like her, for Christ’s sake! We’ve gotten drinks after work before, and she’s always been a good boss to me.
But if I’m being fired, Melissa isn’t my boss anymore. I’m tired and I’m pissed and I’ll talk to her however I damn well please.
“I was promised a promotion next year. You were gonna make me head chef, remember?” I hiss. “I was going to be the head freaking chef for all catering gigs. You don’t go from that to being fired in a matter of seconds. I want the real reason, Melissa. You owe me that.”
She’s silent for a long time. I wonder if she’s just going to hang up on me.
“Oh, hon,” she says. “I don’t know the real reason either. I got a call from Mr. Mandelson.”
“As in… the Mr. Mandelson? The owner?”
“Yes. He’s the one who gave me the directive,” Melissa says. “All I can say is you pissed off someone powerful. He called me after hours and said to let you know right away.”
I look up and catch my reflection in the mirror. My face is a mask of disbelief, but I’ve never looked more alive. My cheeks are flushed with color and my eyes are bright. Fighting fit.
But my fight isn’t with Melissa.
“Thanks for telling me, Mel. You’ve been a great boss.”
Before she can say anything, I hang up. Then I march out of the bathroom and back into The Gilded Room.
Douglas sees me first. He must sense the change in my demeanor, because he starts shaking his head, trying to cut me off at the pass.
But I don’t listen. I don’t fucking care anymore.
All I care about is screaming at the man who has repeatedly ruined my life from the moment he walked into it.
Of course, I have to wade through a crowd of women to get to him. They’re all chattering, trying to get his attention. When Anton looks at me instead, they finally take notice. The conversation stops and all eyes find me.
I pin him with a glare.
“We need to talk, asshole.”