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Jade walked back in, smiling. “Hey! Sorry that took so long. I know you have things you need to do, Ash. I hope I didn’t hold you up.”
“Nope! You’re good!” She went to take off her apron when the bell over the door rang out again and Becky walked in.
Ugh…
She gave Ashlynn a smug smile. “Still can’t find a job doing hair, huh? That’s too bad.”
There wasn’t an ounce of sympathy in her words.
Before Ashlynn could say anything, Jade stepped in front of her. “Hey, Becky, what can I get you?”
“I think it’s sweet of you to take in those who are considered unemployable,” Becky replied. “But be careful; she can be a real bitch to your customers. Trust me. I learned the hard way.” After sighing dramatically, she added, “Some were too traumatized by her behavior to come back no matter how much I assured them they’d never have to deal with her again!” Leaning across the counter, she boldly took hold of Jade’s hand. “Do yourself a favor and put your business first. Don’t let…her…ruin it.”
Ashlynn felt her face heat and she wanted to snap and retaliate, but she knew that was exactly what Becky was trying to do. She was baiting her and she refused to take it.
It was almost painful.
“I appreciate the advice, Becky. And I have to agree, I need to put my business first,” Jade said.
“I knew you’d understand. Now I’ll take a…”
“I’m sorry,” Jade interrupted, “but whatever it is you’d like to order, we’re not serving you.”
“Excuse me?” Becky asked incredulously.
“I refuse to serve people who are hateful and toxic. As the owner, I do have the right to refuse to serve you. Now please leave.”
“But…but…”
Jade simply stood back and waved with a serene smile. “And I know all the girls who work for you. They’re not welcome here either.”
Becky shot Ashlynn a hateful glare and looked ready to say something, but turned and walked out instead.
“I cannot believe she’s still carrying on,” Billie said. “What on earth was that about?”
Shaking her head, Ashlynn had to force herself to calm down. “She’s always been petty and I seriously think someone needs to put her in her place, and believe me, I wish it could be me.”
“Don’t waste your time on someone like her,” Jade said, walking over and hugging her. “You’re a good person and I imagine working in a toxic environment would make anyone lose their shit one day.”
The three of them laughed.
“Thanks, Jade. I needed that.” Walking into the back room, she tossed her apron in the laundry bin and grabbed her purse. When she stepped back out and walked around the counter, she smiled at them. “I appreciate you letting me take off early today, but is there any chance I can have tomorrow off?”
Both women looked at her with surprise.
“Reid has today and tomorrow off, so…”
“No worries, Ash. My mom can come in and cover for you. Go and have fun,” Jade said.
“Oh, I plan on it!” As soon as she walked out the door and sunshine hit her face, she couldn’t help but smile. It was still freezing out, but that was nothing new.
She was walking down the street to where her car was parked when she spotted Becky getting into her own car.
Crap.
Slowing her steps, she thought it would be enough to go unnoticed, but unfortunately, her ex-boss spotted her. “After everything I’ve done for you, Ashlynn Donovan, this is the thanks I get! You ruin my business and then get me thrown out of the coffee shop! What am I supposed to do? Where will your spitefulness end?”
“My spitefulness?” she repeated with a mirthless laugh. “You’re the one dragging my name through the mud all over town! I made a mistake with a customer—the first time I ever had a customer complaint—and you fired me over it! So tell me, what exactly have you done for me?”
