Chapter 1
Gia Gravel couldn’t believe it. Fired? The word didn’t seem possible. Standing on her principles shouldn’t mean losing her job.
“You can’t be serious. I’ve been busting my butt for this company, and because I won’t tolerate some”—she bit her tongue, thinking piece of shit would be a more accurate description—“some man making a very inappropriate proposition.”
“Gia, I’m not saying I condone what he said, but your actions were . . . over the top.”
“I don’t see how a slap across his face was too much.” I actually wanted to kick him in the balls. At first she thought the jerk had been joking when he’d suggested she get down on her knees. That quickly changed when he grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand to the zipper on his pants. Disgusting pig.
“He’s one of our biggest clients.”
“And that gives him what, the right to abuse your staff?” Gia could feel her heartbeat pounding in her head. This was something you saw on television, but not what you’d expect in your own life.
“I spoke to him. He understands that was . . . inappropriate.”
“It was outright wrong. But not as wrong as you still doing business with him.” Gia got up from her seat, her blood still boiling, and headed for the door. Turning one last time, she said, “We agree on one thing. I don’t want anything to do with you or this place again.”
As she stormed out of his office, she knew that wasn’t how it would be explained to her colleagues, and unfortunately it was her reputation that would be tarnished. But at least she was leaving with one thing. Her pride.
The moment her feet hit the pavement, the reality of what had just transpired hit her. Gia couldn’t remember the last time she was unemployed. She’d been working since she was fifteen, right through college, and, since she graduated, Gia had worked for that company. And what does my loyalty get me?
Thankfully the rain had slowed to a drizzle; the showers were supposed to be over by the time she was to leave work, so she hadn’t brought an umbrella. The bus came by often enough that she shouldn’t get too wet.
But like the rest of her day, it wasn’t meant to be. As she rushed toward the bus stop, a dark car flew by. It was too late. She had no time to move. The tires made contact with a puddle, and the water headed in her direction. Within seconds, the cold dirty water covered her from head to toe.
Really?She wanted to scream and stomp her feet. The vehicle stopped, and she saw the reverse lights blink on. They were backing up, but right now, talking to her wasn’t really a smart thing to do. Her fuse was short, and she didn’t want to take it out on the wrong person. The car stopped beside her and the passenger window rolled down.
A deep voice boomed, “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you walking there until it was too late.”
That’s okay. It’s not like I have to return to work.“Thank you. It’s only water.”
“Let me pay for the dry cleaning,” he said, holding out a fifty dollar bill.
She rolled her eyes knowing that was way too much. Her local dry cleaner would only charge five bucks, and her dress was wash-and-wear. Gia didn’t bend down to see who she was talking to. It didn’t matter. She didn’t know him. His car was enough to confirm that. Even her former boss didn’t drive a Maserati.
“That isn’t necessary,” Gia said as she continued walking to the bus stop.
The car kept pace with her. “Then at least let me give you a lift to wherever you’re heading.”
She wasn’t born yesterday. There was no way she was getting into a car with a stranger. Money didn’t make him a good person; it only made him rich. Without stopping, she replied, “No thank you. I’m all set.” She picked up the pace. “Have a good day.”
Thankfully the bus had pulled around his car, and she was able to sprint to it. The doors opened and she stepped in. Dropping her token into the box, Gia made her way to the back. Slumping into the seat, she felt her wet dress clinging to her. Looking down she noticed her choice of white today definitely didn’t work in her favor. It also explained the looks she had received from the other passengers as she walked down the aisle. Crossing her arms in front of her she glared at the spectators. Sorry, no free show here.
It would take about half an hour before the bus approached her stop. Hopefully her dress would dry some by then. If not, at least she didn’t have a long walk, and she knew her neighbors would still all be at work.
Work.This was the worst time to look for a job. All the college kids were out and filling in as interns during the summer. Not that there was a good time to look for work, but some times were better than others. She also didn’t have an updated résumé. Until now, she had no idea she’d need one.
She racked her brain thinking of places that might be looking for someone right away. Nothing came to mind. If she waited too long, what happened might get out. Even though she was right, it would work against her. That really pissed her off. A victim shouldn’t feel victimized twice. Who would listen to her side of the story? If her boss wouldn’t, why would a prospective new employer want to?
Maybe it’s time to get the heck out of Boston and go back home.There was something to be said about living in a small town. They didn’t really follow what was happening in Boston. They sat around and talked about each other instead. Not in a malicious way, just a nose-in-each-other’s-business way. If she moved back to Maplesville, she could tell them she lost her job. The details never needed to come out.
There was no way she’d make enough money in Maplesville to pay for her apartment in Boston. The lease didn’t end for another four months. That wasn’t a long time, but without a solid income, she would quickly fall behind. There really wasn’t a choice. Tomorrow she’d need to seriously find another job here in Boston, even if it was temp work.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a few help-wanted signs, but a coffee shop or diner wasn’t going to pull in enough to keep her afloat. Trying to smooth out her still wet dress, she laughed to herself. Maybe I should’ve taken that fifty. Actually if enough people splashed and paid her, she might just make enough to make it a business.
The bus pulled over, but it didn’t appear to be one of the usual spots. She watched as the driver got out and went around to the back of the bus. She swore she heard some cussing going on in the back, and by the look on the driver’s face when he returned, she understood why.
“Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but the bus has a flat tire. I called, and it will be almost two hours before another bus is available to come and transport. But they will be towing the bus shortly, so I’ll need to ask you all to exit the bus.”