The following day, I head into work with swollen eyes and a sore throat. Cruella is waiting by my desk with a face like thunder. “I thought you might like to know that two of your new clients have cancelled this morning.”
“Really, who?”
“Rebecca. She called to tell us you’ve been having an affair with her fiancé.”
“That’s not true,” I mutter.
“Was this before or after she came here? Because she said you kissed him last night.”
“I didn’t! She walked out and stopped it,” I snap.
“The other client is the lady we have a dress for but you insulted by telling her not to take the dress in.”
“We say that to all our clients!” I say defensively.
“It’s two too many, Andi. I’m sorry, but I can’t put up with your behaviour anymore.”
“My behaviour?” I yell. “You treat us like fucking shit. I’m surprised you have any staff at all. I’m a fucking dress designer, and you have me fitting women in your overpriced trash. So, fuck you, Cruella. And fuck your shop. One day, I’ll have my own dress line and you’ll be the only shop I refuse to stock!”
She gives me a smug smile as I gather my sketchbooks. “I doubt it very much. You wouldn’t be the first girl I’ve had telling me that. But good luck, Andi. You’ll need it.”
CHAPTER SIX
Iwander around the city centre, browsing shops and watching the world go by. I can’t face going home and telling Dad my news. I pay the bills and without my income, we’re screwed.
At the usual time, I head to Mum and Beck’s graves. I sit on the damp grass, open my design books, and flick through. “What the fuck is going on, Mum? Everyone said you’re meant to watch over me, but where the hell are you? I need some luck.”
“Bad day at the office, dear?” comes Nyx’s voice. He drops down in his usual spot.
“I’ve upset Beth, lost my job, and let my dad down.”
“Jeez, I leave you for a few hours and you go and tip your world upside down.”
“Why do you come to my bedroom so late?” I ask. “And then leave before I wake?”
“Why did you get sacked?”
“Because Cruella hates me.”
“She’s always hated you, Andi. What tipped her over the edge?”
“Nate almost kissed me last night.”
I watch his face change from relaxed to pissed. He pulls his cap farther over his face. “Almost?”
“Rebecca caught us and ruined it.”
“What a bitch, ruining you and her fiancé kissing.” His voice is laced with sarcasm.
I roll my eyes. “They’ve been together for two minutes. I’ve been there all along.”
“And so, you have claiming rights? Is this an old rule or did you just make it up?”
“I have more rights than she does,” I snap.
“Tell me, when she caught you trying to thrust your tongue down her fiancé’s throat, what did Nate say?”
I narrow my eyes, knowing what he’s trying to ask. “He was in shock and didn’t expect to get caught.”