Page 79 of Never Forget

The restroom door opens, and Emmy steps out, giving me an encouraging smile.

“How about I check and see if they’re ready for you?”

He disappears into Blake’s office, and I’m alone with my racing thoughts again. The seconds stretch into minutes. I’m sure he’s only gone for a moment, but it feels like longer.

Finally, the door opens again, and Emmy steps out. “Mr. Holland will see you now.”

Nodding, I stand and take a quiet, calming breath.

Blake is behind his desk, hands folded neatly in front of him, looking as unruffled and serious as always. Cory stands near the windows overlooking the city, arms at ease behind his back. Both of their expressions are unreadable.

“Scott,” Blake greets evenly. “Apologies for the wait. Please have a seat.”

“Yes, sir.”

I lower myself into the chair across from his desk, perching at the end with my elbows on my knees. Then I shift back, trying to look more casual, like I haven’t just walked into a lion’s den.

Something presses lightly against my hip. Glancing down, I notice my phone tucked neatly into the side of the cushion, hidden just well enough that it would be unnoticeable if I hadn’t practically sat on it.

My eyes flick instinctively to Cory, who gives the slightest tilt of his head. I suppose that means they got what they needed?

“So,” Blake begins, returning my attention to him. “Let’s discuss your conduct.”

I blink. “I beg your pardon?”

“It has come to my attention that you’ve been engaging in inappropriate relations with your client, Mr. Lester.”

This is definitely not what I expected. My eyes shift back to Cory, who continues to keep his stone-faced expression locked straight ahead.

I try to keep my expression neutral, but I’m not sure it’s working.

“Sir, I–”

“Part of your job description requires you to maintain professional boundaries.”

“Excuse me?” Professional boundaries? Coming from this guy?

It takes every ounce of self-control I possess not to scoff. This has to be some kind of joke, right? For the cameras or whatever they think might be planted in here?

“Have you or have you not engaged in a relationship that is sexual in nature with Mr. Lester?”

“With all due respect, I’m not sure that’s any of your business.”

“Mr. Riley, I’m sure you are aware that as the support for the label’s top earning clients, we are under more pressure than most to maintain a level of integrity and professionalism. Especially during these uncertain times when the band has been experiencing an unprecedented level of attention and threats to their lives, you have a duty of care…”

For the next several minutes, Blake lectures me about conflicts of interest and professional ethics. The entire time, I wait for the conversation to pivot, for him to tell me I crossed a line and need to clean up my act. A warning, or even a suspension.

Instead, what I hear is, “Given the circumstances, I’ve made the decision to terminate your employment, effective immediately.”

Say what now?

“This feels a little extreme,” I say, almost pleadingly. “My relationship with Naz—Mr. Lester—has never compromised the level of care I put into protecting him.”

“Can you say that with complete certainty, Mr. Riley?”

Blake’s expression remains cold. He looks entirely serious. And then it occurs to me… If they can’t mention the texts because someone is listening, maybe they’re using this as the excuse to fire me. A cover to fit whatever plan they’re trying to pull off.

“I– I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”