When I enter the room, he’s already there. His back faces me as he stares at the flowers. My stomach dances with butterflies, excited to do something nice for the man who’s clearly had a rough go of it. But when he turns around to face me, the smile slides right off of my face.
With his jaw clenched, he stares lasers into me. “What the hell is this?”
“Oh, I just wanted to get you something nice for your birthday,” I say, stammering over my words. “A day late, but better late than never.”
“It is a big deal.” His voice booms, making my bones vibrate. “I told you that I do not celebrate my birthday.”
“I know, I just—”
“I do not need your pity, Miss North.” He spits the words, taking two hulking steps in my direction.
“It isn’t pity, Mr. Clayton.” My heart races, but my thoughts right themselves. “In fact, I was trying to do something nice for you. That’s what normal people do, not that I would expect you to understand.”
“Excuse me?”
“What’s your fucking problem?” Shit. I’m losing my cool, but three days of biting my tongue have built up a backlog of anger. “What did I do to you to make you hate me so much?'' I demanded a little bit of respect because I’m a human being. Well, forgive me,Boss.” I accentuate the word, and it feels good to let it all out. “You know, I’m not surprised there’s no one in your life. You, Vance Clayton, are a complete and total asshole. At first, I thought it was just me, but clearly, you’re like this with everyone, or you’d have at least one friend.” I throw my finger up in his face. “One, who could care enough to reach out to you when you need it.”
Vance Clayton’s face turns the same shade as a tomato. “You’re fired.”
I let out a long, hearty laugh. “Oh no, sir. I quit. You can take this job and shove it up your ass. I don’t deserve this kind of treatment.” I rush over to my desk and scoop up my purse and cardigan from the back of my chair.
I head to the door but turn around for one last look. “You can keep the flowers.”
With his fists balled at his sides, Vance takes one step backward, grabs the bouquet, and tosses it into the trash. The dull thud echoes through the room. It shouldn’t hurt my feelings, but it does.
I turn on my heels and rush out of there faster than I’ve ever moved. I don’t think I take a breath until I’m out of the elevator and down on the street. Morning rush-hour commuters pass me by. I lean against the nearest brick building and cover my mouth with my hand.
Hot tears sting my eyes. I can’t believe I let that asshole treat me like he did, but what’s worse? I can’t believe I thought he deserved any sort of kind treatment. I guess people can consistently prove you wrong.
I wipe the tears away from my cheeks and head to my car parked around the block. My hands are still shaking by the time I hit the freeway. Of course, I’m closing on the condo next week. I needed the next two paychecks to meet the twenty-percent down payment, but I guess I’ll have to adjust that.
So, I’ll owe a little more on my mortgage. It’s better than having to face that demon of a man every day. He doesn’t deserve me or my services. My cat doesn’t even lift her head when I enter my apartment. I toss my keys in the glass dish, head to the freezer for a full pint of Ben and Jerry’s, change into my pajama set, and grab my laptop before flopping onto the couch.
The tears start up once more as I scan the classifieds, knowing that I’ll be back to slinging hash before the week’s end.
Six
Vance
What the hellis wrong with me? A woman does something nice for me, and I treat her like shit. The numbness in my toes stretches all the way up to my chest and sits there like a dull ache. Shame, that’s what it is. I’m ashamed of myself for acting like that.
Ainsley didn’t deserve that treatment, and she was right to quit. I can’t believe I let her walk out of here. Now, I may never see her again. God knows she won’t come back to work here, even if I beg her. Not if she’s smart. I’m a jerk, and I deserve every shitty word she said to me.
“Fuck!” I swipe my arm across the desk, sending everything crashing to the floor. Relief rushes through me, but it doesn’t kill all of the other feelings swirling around inside. I have to fix this, but I haven’t the slightest idea how. In my life, how it is now, I never have to worry about fixing anything. There’s always someone to do it for me.
“Mr. Clayton, are you okay?” Evelyn peeks her head in, and her eyes go wide. “Oh my God.”
“I’m fine, Evelyn.” I say through clenched teeth.
“Oh-kay,” she stutters before backing out of the doorway.
“Evelyn, wait,” I call out before she can go too far. “I need to know Ainsley North’s home address.”
“I can check with HR.”
“See that you do,” I say, then let out my breath. “Please.”
“Of course, Mr. Clayton.”