9
Rosslyn dragged herself into the office, knowing there was going to be a lot of chatter about Liz’s termination. She wanted to tell them the truth behind it, but that would put her head on the chopping block. She wasn’t sure if Uncle Max suspected she knew or not. Just because they worked in the same office didn’t mean they’d become each other’s confidant.
But somehow that was exactly what she had become to Liz. It must’ve been very difficult working so close with Max and not having anyone to vent to after she and Sam broke up. With Rosslyn coming in from out of town, Liz probably assumed she didn’t know anyone. Lucky for Liz, Rosslyn wasn’t fond of Max and Laura either. Although she’d prefer not having any other reason to dislike them than what she’d already had. All negativity did was suck the life out of a person.
This weekend was exactly what she’d needed to recharge her batteries. Of course no batteries were needed with Charles. The connection between them was . . . amazing, yet scary. She didn’t want it to end. Now back in the city, she was afraid it would. Being here was like throwing ice water on yourself.
“Rosslyn, come in my office,” Max barked on the intercom.
And here we go.She rushed to his office, but even if she ran, it never would be fast enough for him. Forcing a smile, Rosslyn said, “Good morning, Mr. Grayson. How was your weekend?”
“I didn’t call you in here for small talk. Liz is gone. There will be a woman arriving from the temp agency within the hour. I want you to show her around. Understood?”
“Yes, Mr. Grayson. Anything else?”
“Laura and I will be traveling this week. Just because I’m not here to watch you, doesn’t mean you can screw off.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” In a normal situation, she would wish the them safe travels or ask where they were going. Nothing normal there. Anything she said wouldn’t be accepted as the kind gesture it was meant to be. She’d probably be accused of prying into his personal life. And I don’t want to know anything about that. “Is that all?”
“No. I want to confirm that no one is aware of our . . . connection.”
“I haven’t said a word.”
“Good. You’re not as daft as I thought.”
Gee, thanks. But you’re an even bigger asshole than I thought.Almost chocking on her forced smile, Rosslyn asked, “Would you like me to bring your coffee in now?”
“You should’ve done that when you came in this time.”
Biting her lip she said, “I’m sorry. I’ll get it right away.” As she scurried off to make it, she thought to herself, How is it no one has poisoned him yet? She shuddered at the thought. Usually she was kind and understanding, but he was really pushing it. Was this all a test to see how much she’d take?
Rosslyn wasn’t sure what Max’s problem was. When her grandfather died, everything was left to him, the business and the money. He had everything he wanted at his fingertips and, from what she could tell, he had his health as well. What he needed was a good old-fashioned butt-whooping to straighten him out. Maybe then he’d be a bit more . . . grateful.
Even a bit would still leave him ornery.But her day wasn’t a total loss. She just learned he was going to be gone for a week. That sounded like heaven to her. Not that she had a heavy workload, but she didn’t want him to question her about Charles. The only good thing was Charles worked for Lawson Steel. Max couldn’t fire him like he had Sam. She’d still need to be cautious who saw them together, though.
She brought Max his coffee and put it on his desk. He never looked up at her as he took the cup and sipped. Rosslyn could tell from his face it wasn’t her best. Max put the cup down and pushed it to the side.
“Worthless.”
As she left the office she wasn’t sure if he was talking about the coffee or her. In his eyes, they were probably the same. An utter disappointment.
Rosslyn didn’t expect anything different, so it wasn’t about to ruin her day. What was affecting her was Liz’s absence. She was at least fun to talk to. Walking over to her desk she noticed Liz’s personal things were still there. If a temp was arriving shortly, she didn’t want them lying around. So she went over to the supply closet and found a half empty box. Removing the remaining contents, she headed back to Liz’s desk. She collected the few family photos and trinkets she had hanging around. Inside the drawer were earrings, nail polish, and a few romance novels. By the time Rosslyn had compiled it all, the box was practically bursting at the seams.
Guess this is what you get when you’re here for ten years. Ten long years.
Rosslyn would go crazy working for Max that long. A year seemed too much. But somehow she knew that wouldn’t be a problem. Her time there was short-lived. Max or Laura would find something, and she’d be gone and cut off for good. Not that it was a bad thing, but she hoped to make enough money to cover the bills for a few months first. With not having to pay any rent right now, just about every penny was being utilized back home.
When she was home yesterday, she was thrilled to be able to hand her father eight hundred dollars. If she could do that every week, that would be perfect. The cost of living was so much cheaper back home. Since her father didn’t have a mortgage or a car payment, all they needed were the basics. All this hassle wasn’t for nothing.
She heard her phone ding, announcing a text. Rosslyn rushed over, hoping Max didn’t hear it. The first thing she normally did was put her phone on silent. Before she could pick it up, another came through.
“You know the policy. No personal calls during business hours,” Max snapped from his office.
There were rules on top of rules here. No one followed them. The game was not to get caught. She hit mute and then checked her messages anyway. Thanks Liz. Are you trying to get me to join you on the unemployment line?
CAN YOU PLEASE GET ALL MY THINGS BEFORE MR. ASSHOLE HAS THEM THROWN AWAY?
Rosslyn joyfully replied. ALREADY BOXED. I’LL TAKE IT HOME WITH ME TONIGHT.