by Holly Jaymes
“What are you doing here?” I hissed, trying not to make a scene.
“I wasn’t sure you’d be here so I was—”
“You think I’d bail on my clients just because everyone at Sterling Starr are jerks?” I said.
He held his hands up in surrender. “Sterling Starr has a responsibility to its clients, which I was here to insure was being met. I see you’re here and now I’m leaving.” He said it so calm and cool. Like a boss. Gone was the affable smile. The charm.
He turned and opened the door, walking out of the restaurant. I wanted to follow him and give him more of a piece of my mind, but I had a job to do. My last job for Sterling Starr. That thought brought tears to my eyes, but I cleared my throat and pushed them back. Crying wasn’t allowed. Not right now anyway.
“Sasha…oh good. You’re here.”
I turned to see Janice coming out from the back area of the restaurant.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I wasn’t sure you’d be here so I was ready to cover,” she said.
My eyes narrowed. “Did Reece send you?”
“No. You put me in charge yesterday, remember? I figured you’d be here because you said you would be, but in case you changed your mind. I mean, I couldn’t blame you. You’ve been treated badly. I’m so sorry about that.” She squeezed my arm. “They should have fired Reece.”
“I’m no one to them,” I said, again, working to keep tears from coming.
“Not to us. God, if we’d known…well…what are you going to do now?’
I frowned. “Known what?” I had a sick feeling that maybe Reece was right. Maybe there was a plot to get rid of him and it backfired, and instead, I was the one let go.
“You should have had the manager job. Everyone knows that. I think even Reece knows that.”
“What did you do Janice?”
She swallowed and looked down. “I might have called and reported him for breaking the non-fraternization rule. I really thought since he was a man he’d get in trouble.”
“Since he was a man?” That made no sense. Historically, men got away with misbehavior.
“I thought they’d be afraid of a lawsuit and get rid of him.” She shook her head, her eyes filled with guilt. “I’m sorry. I should have minded my own business. I just…I saw you and him in your office and clearly, you two had something going on beyond work, and then saw it as an opportunity to help you. I can’t believe you feel for him.”
“I didn’t fall for him,” I said. The way my heart cracked in my chest was an indication that I was lying.
“Had a fling. Whatever. It didn’t seem like you. Then again, you’re young. He’s handsome and has a certain appeal. I can’t blame you.” She caught me off guard giving me a quick hug. “I’ll go now. Keep in touch with us, okay? I’ll need to know you land on your feet.”
I always liked Janice, but at the moment, it was hard to want to be her friend.
“Ms. Crawford?” the restaurant manager approached me.
“I’ll see you later, Janice.” I turned my attention to the manager and the job at hand.
After the party, I drove to Eden Lake Resort to see if they needed an event planner. I was pretty sure they didn’t as I knew all their event planning staff, but I’d put in an application.
I hit two other resorts for job applications, and then headed over to see my aunt and uncle. Eventually it would get out that I was unemployed. It was better that they heard it from me.
“Sasha!” Uncle George said when he opened the door. Then he frowned. “Is something wrong.”
“I need to tell you guys something.”
He stepped aside so I could enter. “Carly. Sasha’s here.”
I found her in the kitchen making some sort of stew or chili as she did most Saturdays during the winter.
“Oh hey, honey. Is something wrong?” she asked as she gave me a quick hug.
“I got fired yesterday.” There was no sense in drawing out the agony.
“What? Why?” George went to the fridge and pulled out a beer while getting a hard seltzer for me.
“Fraternization.” I took the seltzer, popping the top and taking a long drink.
Both of them arched an eyebrow. “Not with your boss I hope,” George said.
I sank down into a chair at the table in the kitchen.
“What are you going to do?” Carly asked. “Maybe you can appeal.”
“Threaten to sue,” George answered. “I always thought there was something smarmy about that boy.”
My aunt gave him a look. “There’s nothing smarmy about Reece and we don’t even know if he’s the one.”
“Who else would it be?” George asked.
My aunt shrugged and then looked at me. “Is it serious?”
“Losing my job? Yes, I don’t have any income.”
“I meant with Reece,” she clarified.
George gaped at her. “Why are you asking about him? Our girl was fired. We need to focus on that.”
My aunt put the lid on her crock pot and washed her hands, and then came to sit at the table. “There are jobs, but love isn’t something that comes around all the time.”
“If he loved her, he wouldn’t fire her,” George shook his head at my aunt.
“He didn’t fire me. He said he didn’t even know about it when I confronted him.”
“If not him, then who?” my aunt asked.
“It came from the home office. Someone in this office reported it thinking they’d get Reece in trouble, and instead, got me fired.”
My aunt put her hand over mine. “I’m so sorry baby.”
“You should start your own planning business. You’d take all your clients and put them out of business.”
I managed a smile. “As appealing as that sounds, I signed a non-compete agreement.”
“Does that hold up if you’ve been fired?” my aunt asked. “We should ask a lawyer.”
“Do you need money?” George said.
“Not at the moment, but if I don’t get a job, I might be moving home.”
“Your room is ready for you anytime,” George said.
I sniffed as I let some of the effort to maintain control slip. I was safe here with my aunt and uncle. I didn’t weep, but I let a few tears drop.
“In the meantime, I’m drawing up eviction papers,” George said.
I let out a snort. “You’re the best.”
“You think I’m kidding.”
“He isn’t at fault,” aunt Carly said.
“He touched our girl, that’s all the fault I need.”
“What do you need?” Carly asked me.
I shook my head. “I don’t know. Right now, I’m so tired.” I stood. “I think I’m going to go home and rest.” I stood and Carly rose with me.
“You can rest here,” George said.
I gave him and then Carly a hug. “I just want to be alone to think.”
“Come back for dinner, okay?” Carly said.
I nodded. “Okay.”
As I left their house, I looked up the street toward Reece’s place. His car was in the driveway, but I didn’t see him. Carly might be right that love didn’t come around all the time, but sometimes when it did, it wasn’t right. I should have listened to my instinct when it told me getting involved with Reece was dangerous. I was now paying the price for letting my hormones and yes, my heart, take precedence over what was smart and responsible.
I got into my car and drove to my apartment. I’d give myself today and tomorrow to wallow, and then I’d focus on getting my life back on track.
Chapter 14: Leaving Eden
Reece
Seeing Sasha today ripped my heart right out of my chest. I was glad she was pissed at me, because I’m not sure I’d have survived seeing her gutted. I couldn’t help but admire her showing up to put on a party after she’d be fired. She was definitely more committed to her job than I was. As much as I hated her accusation that I’d set her up, there was
no doubt that she should have my job.
Once I was sure the party was covered, I headed home and locked myself in my office to work on the YA book script treatment. I’d finished the book highlighting all the areas that I felt were more important to retaining the essence of the story. I sketched the basic three act structure of the plot, and then set to work to write the treatment, outlining the characters, the acts, and providing details about the visual set up of the movie.
On Monday morning, I emailed the twelve-page document to my agent to review before I sent it to the producer. Then I showered and headed to work. I didn’t need to see the glares and hear the whispers to know that I was going to be unpopular at the office. They’d blame me, and as I hid in my office, maybe I was at fault. I’d talked her into having a relationship with me. If I hadn’t done that, she’d have a job. I didn’t know Sal’s plan when I was there on Friday because if I had, I’d have done something. But now that I did know, I hadn’t done anything.
I didn’t have a response to my script treatment, but it was time to take action. I could no longer wait to see if I was going to get paid or be able to make a living writing.
I wrote a quick email to Sal and printed out a copy. Then I strode down to Sasha’s office, grabbing the binder for the retreat, and then I went to the conference room, telling everyone I passed that we were having an office meeting.
I didn’t have scones or coffee to offer, but I knew it wouldn’t have mattered. The staff would have grumbled and given me the evil eye no matter what.
“Where are we on this week's events?” I asked, taking a seat at the head of the table.
When there was no answer, I looked around at all the faces that were glaring at me.
“Shouldn’t you address the elephant in the room?” Janice asked.
I sighed and was about to say something, when it occurred to me that I was probably right in that someone here reported me in an effort to help Sasha. Despite accusing Sasha of that, I doubted she had a part in it. But I was sure that the origin of my current troubles was sitting in this room.
“Okay. Which one of you called the home office and got Sasha fired?” It was a douchebag way to ask, but I was pissed.
Janice flinched. Roly poly Jim’s eyes narrowed in confusion. Everyone else looked around the room as if they were also trying to figure out who called.
“I suspect you thought you’d get me fired.” I focused my attention on Janice, my most likely culprit. “Turns out you were wrong. Oops.”
Janice’s jaw tightened.
I continued on. “I’m going to assume you’re all still doing your jobs—”
“And you’ll probably be taking over and taking credit for the retreat?” Janice found her voice.
I slid the binder to her. “Nah, you do it. You earned it.”
All heads turned to her.
“Janice…did you—” Jim started.
“I’ve got good news and bad news for you,” I interrupted him. “The good news is that you won’t have me as your manager anymore.” I slid the email I’d printed. “You may find this surprising, but I agree with you all that Sasha should have been given the manager job here. Had you bided your time, that might have happened. Even so, I know you’ve not been thrilled with me being here, so this is the resignation I sent in this morning.”
Everyone except Janice looked at the paper in the middle of the table with confused expressions.
“I don’t have a problem with you,” Jim said.
“What’s the bad news?” Janice said, taking the paper and reading it.
“You’ll be getting another manager.” I stood.
“Can’t Sasha come back?” Jim asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Janice, with the most seniority, you’re in charge until someone new is selected.” I started out of the room.
“You’re leaving?” she asked, finally looking a little poleaxed.
“I don’t work here anymore.” Then not wanting to be a complete asshole, I said, “I enjoyed working with all of you. You have a great office here and you all do great work.” I turned, left the conference room and walked out the door.
I stood out in the cold April air, sucking in a breath. On the one hand, there was a sense of relief. I’d finally quit my job. But there was also pressure and worry that I’d regret it when I ran out of money. And there was sadness that I had nothing to keep me in Eden Lake anymore.
Pushing that away, I got into my car and drove toward home. I made a stop at Mason McLean’s house. A pretty blonde woman opened the door.
“I’m Reece Alexander. I was working with Sasha Crawford on the retreat.”
She smiled. “Yes. Come in. Mason is back in his office. Do you want coffee? Oh…I’m Willa by the way.”
I shook the hand she extended. “Good to meet you, and no thank you for the coffee.” I didn’t plan to stay that long.
“Let me get Mason.”
I looked around the house. It wasn’t that different from the one I rented from Sasha’s aunt and uncle. It was surprising because Mason owned a fitness empire. Surely he could afford a huge home on the lake or up in the hills. I knew from the few times I’d met him though, that he was a down to earth sort of guy. The money wasn’t important. His family was.
He entered the living area. “Mr. Alexander.” He extended his hand, his eyes narrowed in confusion. “Did we have a meeting scheduled?” He looked around. “Is Sasha with you?”
“No. I’m here to tell you that Sterling Starr let Sasha go and I resigned this morning—”
“Oh my,” Willa said by his side.
“The retreat has been reassigned a planner—”
“I hired Sasha,” he said, his eyes narrow with that look of blame I’d seen in the staff at the office.
“That’s why I’m here.”
“If you resigned, will they hire her back? Why was she let go anyway?” Willa asked.
The details of her firing didn’t seem important or maybe I just didn’t want to admit my part. “It’s possible that if you were to call the main office and maybe some of your friends called as well, and told them how you felt about Sasha’s work, they’d rehire her.” I hoped he understood that by friends, I meant people like his brother Tucker.
He studied me for a minute. “I understand.”
“Good.” I nodded toward the front door. “I’m heading out.”
“What are your plans?” Mason asked as he followed me to the door.
“I’m heading home.” I didn’t elaborate that home was Los Angeles.
As I drove past George and Carly’s home, I knew I needed to talk to them too, but I decided to pack up some items to take with me to Los Angeles. I was going to need to find a new place to stay, so I’d just take some clothes and my work items.
I entered the house, and for a moment, I second guessed leaving. I did like the place and I’d gotten a lot of writing done. But there was no reason to stay. In fact, there were too many reasons to leave. When it got around town that Sacha was fired because she was having a fling with her boss, people would hate me. I’d get the same glares and whispers I’d gotten at work. So I packed a bag, closed up my laptop and gathered my writing tools, and tossed them all in the backseat of my car.
When I was ready, I walked down to George and Carly’s place. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.
George answered, his friendly eyes immediately narrowed. “You have some nerve.”
“Who is it, George?” Carly called.
“Sasha’s ex-boss.”
Carly’s head appeared behind George. “Reece. You caught us home for lunch. Do you want some.”
I hadn’t even considered they might not be home. I didn’t even know what they did for a living. But apparently whatever it was, they were able to come home for lunch.
“No, thank you. I just wanted to give my notice of leaving. I know the end of the month is coming soon, so I’m prepared to pay for May. It will give me time to find a place back in L.
A. and then move my stuff back home—” I was glad I’d signed a month-to-month rental and not a long-term lease.
“You’re leaving?” Carly asked. Then she frowned at George. “Let him in. Where are your manners?”
“Where’s your loyalty. He fired—”
“I didn’t fire her.” I was willing to take much of the heat since it was my fault she got fired, but I didn’t actually fire her.
“You got her fired. How come you weren’t fired?” George glowered at me.
I shrugged. “You’d have to ask my boss.” Ex-boss I reminded myself.
“So, your punishment is that they’re demoting you to the home office?” he asked.
“I resigned.”
They both stared at me with wide eyes. Again, Carly pushed George away and this time he moved enough that I could enter the house. I didn’t plan to stay long, but I didn’t want to have this conversation on the porch either.
“Does that mean Sasha can get her job back?” Carly asked.
“I don’t know.”
“You could put in a good word for her, can’t you?” George said.
“I don’t know they’d care what I had to say.” My resignation didn’t burn a bridge, but it might have scalded it a bit. If I didn’t make it as a writer, I wouldn’t be going back to Sterling Starr again, the contents of the letter assured me that.
“Maybe we can get her clients to call,” Carly said.
I nodded. “I did suggest that to Mason McLean. But I’m here about giving you notice of leaving. I’ll be heading back today, so the house will be empty, which I wanted to let you know about as well.” Eden Lake was a safe town, it seemed, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to let them know the house wouldn’t be occupied, at least not by me, once I left today. “When I find a place, I’ll move my stuff out.”
“You can have it out by the end of the month,” George said tersely. I envied Sasha a little bit by having a family that was so loyal and protective of her.
“I can do that.” I’d only asked for May because I didn’t want to put them in a lurch by having to get a tenant in less than two weeks.
“George, stop being so mean.” Carly pursed her lips at him. Then she looked at me. “If you need May, you can have it, Reece.”
