Page 80 of Never Forget

I flick my eyes to Cory, who is facing me now. Considering everyone has known about my relationship with Naz for a long time now and no one ever lifted an eyebrow, the heavily lifted one he’s giving me now seems pointed. He suddenly straightens his posture, folding his arms across his chest. It’s the same stance he takes when we’re working an event, and the crowd gets rowdy. Like he’s expecting trouble.

My eyes narrow on him. At the way his chin lowers almost imperceptibly, like he’s daring me to make the wrong move.

I swallow and say a silent prayer. Please let me be getting this right.

Slowly, I push myself to my feet.

“This is bullshit.”

Blake doesn’t react.

“I have spent every waking hour protecting him,” I continue, the words coming easier now that I’ve started. Maybe a little too easily. “I’d take a bullet for Naz without thinking twice, and you’re firing me because I fell in love with him?”

“I’m terminating your employment because your relationship creates an unacceptable breach of conduct and is a liability.”

“Oh, come on.” I let out a humorless laugh. “That’s rich coming from you. Half the office has seen the way you look at your assistant, Mr. Holland.”

For the first time, something flickers across Blake’s face. It’s gone so fast I might think I’d imagined it.

“Even if that were true,” he says evenly, “there are established protocols for office fraternization, to protect both the company and its employees from claims of misconduct.” He leans forward slightly. “There are no such protections for your situation because your relationship directly affects the safety and wellbeing of the talent. That places your client, and by extension this label, at unnecessary risk.”

Silence settles over the room.

“Cory.” At the sound of his name, Cory pushes away from the window. “Please escort Mr. Riley to the door.”

I snort. “Don’t bother.”

Without another word, I turn on my heel and stride out of the office, letting the door slam shut behind me a little harder than necessary. I don’t stop until I reach the stairwell. Once the heavy fire door clicks shut behind me, I drag my hands through my hair and start to pace.

What now what now what now?

My pocket vibrates. Not my personal phone, the burner. I open the text from Cory.

Boss: Bathroom is clear.

Finally clear instruction. Slipping the phone back in my pocket, I crack the stairwell door just enough to check that the hallway is clear before quickly crossing and making my way to the restroom. Inside, I duck into the last stall and close the door.

Then I wait.

A minute passes, then two. Then five.

Finally the restroom door opens and footsteps cross the tile. The stall beside mine closes.

“I’m going to distract Blake so you can get what you need,” Emmy says quietly through the partition.

“Wait… The laptop?”

He hums his affirmation.

“What am I supposed to do with it?”

“Whatever they tell you.”

Emmy leaves the stall. The water runs. Paper towels rustle.

“Give me five minutes.”

TWENTY-ONE