Page 35 of Last First Date

"It's not a great job anymore," I complained.

"Why not?" she asked without any real concern. I could hear the television playing softly in the background, some soap she had been engrossed in before I called.

"The guy is really difficult to work for," I said. "He doesn't respect me."

"It's a job. You're paid well. You don't have to work outside.”

"Mom, it's not just about the money," I tried to explain. "I have dedicated years to building this job into a career. But now, everything I cherished and worked hard for is being stolen from me."

"Oh, come on, Waverly," she interrupted. "Don't be so dramatic. You sound like one of those whining kids on TV."

I sighed and clenched my jaw, my mother's callous words cutting deep. This was part of why I hated reaching out to her. Her uncaring nature only added to my frustration. All she wanted was the reassurance she was going to have her bills paid. I was the main support for my mother. I had been in the role of parent for a long time. I was the one who took care of her.

"No, Mom," I retorted, my voice firm yet laced with sadness. "I'm not being dramatic. This is real. And if I don't quit, I might get fired. You should probably prepare for that."

"Don't you dare get fired!" she snapped, her voice sharp, cutting through the phone call. "You should know better!"

I winced, my hand gripping my phone tighter. "And you should be more concerned about my mental health rather than just your livelihood," I shot back, my own voice mirroring the harshness of hers.

"Enough with this nonsense!" She huffed. "Your job is to work and provide. Keep your personal problems away from work."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as I tried to keep my emotions in check. "This isn't healthy for me."

"You need to grow up. No one likes their job. It's life."

I bit back my retort. My mother barely worked. She worked for a week before she quit or was fired. "Thanks for your great advice," I muttered. "I have to go back to work."

"Waverly?"

"What?"

"I'm a little short this month and the electric is going to shut off," she said. "Do you think you can cover it for me?"

I could see this coming from a mile away. It was the same song and dance every time. I sucked in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. This was just another day in the life of Waverly.

“Why am I not surprised?” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "How much do you need?"

"Only a few hundred dollars. I promise I'll pay you back."

"I'll just pay the bill direct," I said. "I have to go.”

I hung up before she could insist I give her the money directly. She would spend it on something else. I went back to the office and got back to work. The day passed relatively quickly and I actually got to leave on time since I didn't have to run around taking care of Knox's demands.

The following morning, I went into the office at the usual time. I had no idea if Knox was going to show up or not. I had resolved to confront him on his decision to pull me from Benjamin's event. I knew I didn't do anything wrong. I was going to make him tell me why he did it.

Knox strolled into the office like nothing was different. As Knox settled into his office, I seized the moment, marching purposefully toward the lion's den. I had stewed on the situation all damn night and I was ready to confront him. I closed the door, at least respecting that one request, and marched toward him.

"What in the world were you thinking, Knox?" I questioned, keeping my voice down but making it very clear I was pissed. "You take me off the Caldwell event without so much as a discussion? Is this how you plan to lead the company, by undermining your team? By jerking away projects whenever you feel like it? I deserve at least an explanation!"

Knox leaned back in his chair, a smug expression on his face. "Waverly, you're getting out of line."

"No," I retorted. "You crossed the line when you decided to strip me off a project that I worked so hard for without giving me a valid reason." My voice was firm, my gaze relentless. "I’m part of a team that you seem to have little respect for."

"Waverly, there are decisions that need to be made for the benefit of the company. I didn't think explaining my actions was necessary."

His response was a mere brush-off. "Benefit of the company? I busted my ass on that project. I did the pitching and planning, and you just swoop in and take control because you think you know better?"

He jumped up from his chair and rounded his desk. He stalked toward me, and I thought maybe he might hit me with the way he was coming toward me. He grabbed the back of my head and jerked me forward at the same time his lips slammed against mine.