He sucks in a deep breath and launches into the next level of his spiel. “With that being said, I have no clue if Olivia’s claims are even true. I would’ve been reluctant to believe her if I didn’t just witness your outburst with him. That display was from a woman scorned, Vannah. This is exactly why mixing business and pleasure causes complications. Lashing out at our biggest account holder is unacceptable. Before I assigned him to you, I said he could change the name of our company. Refusing to speak with him while he’s trying to discuss future projects defeats that purpose. I can’t have you jeopardizing our reputation over a lover’s spat that has nothing to do with Brogen Realty.”
My cheeks sting, signaling that there’s a deep blush blooming. He sure knows how to kick a bitch while she’s already down. I’m freshly battered and bruised, and this is too much for my wounded soul. Not that he’s truly aware of my demise with Landon. Countless rebuttals are swirling through my mind, but I remain silent. That probably slaps a guilty stamp on my forehead.
“I can’t reward that type of behavior,” Vince continues. “You were being considered for a leadership role, but what I saw today proves you’re not ready for that responsibility. There’s a lot left for you to learn, which includes maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients. This can’t happen again, Vannah.”
What an asshole. Reciting sections from anti-discrimination laws would be adequate payback. There is zero evidence that the supposed crime he’s accusing me of is actually true. He’s skating on thin ice in regard to violating my rights. I’ve broken enough rules lately to let that slide, at least until I can be more rational while processing through this.
I’m also tempted to ream him out for slut-shaming me. Almost enough to spit out an explicit slew I’ll never be able to take back. Regardless of my position in this company, if I plan to work in real estate moving forward, I don’t need to burn all of my bridges. My commission from the Sunny Skies account isn’t finalized by any means, but I’ve already far surpassed my yearly quota. I’ll be all right on my own.
After listening to quite enough of his drivel already, I stand and resurrect my boss bitch face. It’s about damn time that mask makes a reappearance. “I quit.”
This might’ve been an impulsive decision, but the strain clamping my chest eases once the words escape. I control my own destiny, dammit. Too much power has already been stripped from me.
Vince’s jaw goes slack, then he begins blubbering like a fish out of water. “Um, what? No, Vannah. Uh, you don’t… I mean, this isn’t—”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve outgrown grow this place, especially after your little speech about setting a good example to other staff. Nice excuse, Vince.” I pause in my dignified retreat to peek at him over my shoulder. “Were you really planning to give me the promotion?”
His brow furrows, as if my question stumps him. “Prior to this? Absolutely.”
“Huh,” I mutter. “Well, that sucks.”
Then I walk out. It takes me all of seven minutes to pack my shit. I’m a minimalist like that. Just as I’m stacking the last of my files, a nasally voice stabs into the routine motions I’d been gliding on.
“Oh, did you get fired?” Olivia’s pout is faker than her boob job. That snide comment doesn’t deserve a response. She doesn’t take the not-so-subtle hint. “I guess Landon Winters will be all mine now.”
A knife lodges directly into my spine. The resulting flinch is unavoidable. I like to consider myself level-headed and logical. I’ve always believed that dragging too many emotions into any circumstance is certain to leave a clear path for trouble to follow. I continue gnawing on my tongue while she yaps at me. This girl has done me wrong, but there’s a silver lining.
With a slow inhale, I spin on my heel to stare her down. “Karma is a real bitch, Olivia. She won’t be gentle with you.”
“Bring it on,” she taunts.
I just shake my head and strut away. Each click of my stilettos symbolizes a step I’m making for the better. Further away from her, this company, and the narrow minds in charge. I busted my ass for this job, and I’m done settling for less.
That reminds me of something Landon said to me. As the elevator doors slide shut, I let my mind latch onto the memory. An eye roll accompanies my trek down the reminiscing spiral. Of course, he barges into my thoughts at a moment like this. Even without being physically present, he dominates the space and demands to be seen. Damn, that guy is such an arrogant jerk.
But maybe Landon meant well by trying to steal me from Vince. I shrug the concept off my straight shoulders. It will remain a mystery.
I drive on autopilot to the place I’ll always be accepted, regardless of my career choices. Sometimes, even as an adult, a girl just needs her mom. There’s a daze stealing my clarity as I climb the porch steps. Mother’s intuition swoops in to rescue me. I don’t even need to ring the bell.
Mama Simons opens the door with open arms waiting. “Who dared to hurt my baby?”
“That’s a loaded question, Mom.” I giggle while she envelops me in a toasty hug. Memories of warm apple pie and carefree afternoons in the sunshine embrace me as she rocks back and forth.
“Well, come on in and let’s chat all about it.” She guides me into the kitchen with an arm looped around my waist.
“Thanks for being home whenever I decide to drop by unannounced.” I lean into her comforting support.
She hums and pecks my temple. “The role of a parent never ends, and I’m not the only one you can rely on.”
With that cue, my father strides into the room. The pressure that had dissipated slams into me with renewed force. A spasm instantly chomps at my stomach. They don’t seem to notice any sign of distress wafting from me. My mom beams at him while nodding in my direction. Real subtle.
I cringe while lowering myself into a chair. “Please don’t start, Dad. I can’t handle your wrath right now.”
He frowns, taking a seat next to me. “Why would I be upset with you?”
“That’s a fair point,” I mutter. It might’ve been a tad presumptuous to assume he’d already be aware of my unemployment status. Just that daunting title makes me want to bang my head on the table. “I left Brogen Realty.”
“Oh?” My mother’s mouth forms a small circle. “And why might that be?”
“It’s complicated.” I exhale and glare at the ceiling. “That’s not really what I want to think about right now.”
“Does this mean—”
My dad interrupts her with a cutting motion. “I doubt it, love.”
I slice a glance to him. “No, I’m not going to law school.”
His chuckle is loose and airy. The sound contrasts against his fierce image while arguing in hostile litigations. “Yes, sweetie. I’m well aware you’re happy in commercial real estate for whatever reason.”
“It’s the path I chose whether you approve or not.”
“I’m learning to accept that.” His tone is too calm.
I squint at him. “You’re usually much more adamant about my poor decision-making. I’m expecting you to go off on a tangent any minute.”