He laughs. “Since this is my company, I can do whatever I want. Don’t like it? Leave.”
“You’re not bulldozing me out. Your father hired me and the way I see it, he’s the only one who can fire me.”
“Then I guess, you’re gonna have to just find a way to deal with the new leadership style, and maybe if I ask for favors, you’ll be more than willing to oblige.”
Scoffing, I stand. “That’ll be a cold day in hell.”
He laughs.
“I hate you, Ryder.”
“What’s that got to do with fucking me?”
“I can’t believe how wrong I was about you.”
“Oh, you have no idea how wrong you were, kitten. When I am done with you, you’ll be running to that door willingly.”
Slamming his office door behind me, I have to take a minute to get my bearings. If he thinks I’m gonna play his wicked little game. He’s wrong.
* * *
At lunch the next day, Marcella won’t talk to me. With college and the job, I’ve neglected her, so a pouty Marcella has been the norm, but the one throwing daggers at me isn’t.
“Will you just spill it already?”
She turns her phone toward me, and my eyes widen. “How could you? You’re my cousin and I defended you to Dylan, and then I see this. What were you thinking? God.”
“How the hell did you get this?” I hiss, turning down the volume and pressing the home screen button.
People around me turn and whisper, or giggle, and my face heats. “He didn’t.”
“He did. The entire college has your little sex tape, Ash. This is so beneath you.” Marcella stands and takes her tray to the recycle bin, dumping the whole thing inside.
“How much for an hour, Hawthorne?” A guy hollers. I feel my insides sink.
Porter slaps the guy on the back of the head. “One more fucking time,” he warns, then sits across from me. “Don’t listen to those assholes.”
I don’t think I have ever been so happy to see Porter, even under the circumstances.
“It’s kind of hard not to. I’m sure you’ve seen the video. I can’t believe Ryder would do this to me.” I run my hands through my hair, angry tears brimming.
“I deleted it the minute I realized what it was.” My eyes meet his, and I know he’s telling the truth. “Look, Lucia has an exhibition tonight. You’re welcome to join us.”
I shake my head. “Thank you for sticking up for me.”
“Look, whatever happened between you and Ryder doesn’t give him the right to humiliate you. Just remember that.”
* * *
My aunt is in the garden when I get home digging at the earth around some colorful flowers she’s planting. This conversation is long overdue, and I am glad Marcy isn’t home.
“Ash, hey, sweetheart,” Felicity says out of breath.
“Hey, Aunt City.” I sit cross-legged on the grass, picking at it.
“Feels like I barely see you girls anymore.” She sets down her trowel and pats the earth with her gloved palms, then sits back on her haunches. “Marcy told me about the break-up. I’m sorry honey. You know I’m here if you need someone to talk to.”
I love my aunt and she’s been amazing, but somehow, I don’t believe that last part. Still, I have to try to get answers. “Aunt City, what does Coben Rothwell have on you?”