Page 49 of The False Flat

It was kind of nice being the encouraging one. Then I took it a step too far by saying, “What if I go with you?”

She sat straight up. “You would go?”

“If we got one of those RV things. Yeah, I’d go.” Who am I?

“You could bring Chad,” she exclaimed, apparently warming to the whole idea a lot faster than expected.

The smile faltered on my face. Right. Chad. “I’ll ask him,” I said, extra cheery.

My phone jingled. I’d planned to ignore it until I caught a glimpse of who it was from, Erin. She’d sent a picture of a letter. I apologized to Deanna and read it.

June 5, 2023

Erin Westerly,

This letter is to inform you that your employment with Twin Cities Financial (TCF) has been terminated, effective today, June 5, 2023.

You will receive your final paycheck, as well as any payout for leave you have accrued while working for TCF, in the coming days by the same method(s) in which you were previously receiving them.

Your healthcare benefits will remain in effect for 120 days post-termination.

Please return all company property and vacate your desk of all personal belongings by end of day today.

Please keep in mind you have signed multiple confidentiality agreements. Please review the attached documents. Should you violate any of these agreements upon termination, legal action may be taken against you.

Expect a call by next week from a TCF human resources representative for your exit interview. If you have questions regarding your compensation, benefits, signed policies or how to return company property, please contact your representative: Al Starks.

Sincerely,

Human Resources, Twin Cities Financial

A GIF of a bedazzled Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek followed the letter, with her saying, I can’t say I didn’t see this coming.

“What is it?” Deanna asked.

I handed her my phone. Erin had been fired because of me.

“Marketing master Erin?”

I nodded.

“There’s no reason on here.”

I leaned back against the chaouch cushions. “Minnesota’s an ‘at will’ state. As long as the reason isn’t discrimination, an employer can fire any employee without giving cause.”

“This isn’t fair.”

“No, but she defied Houston.” Because of me. I dropped my head into my hands.

“You’re blaming yourself, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am. If not for me, Erin would still have a job. I hate Houston.”

“I hate him, too, and I’ve never even met him. The situation isn’t fair, but you didn’t make her do anything. You didn’t even know about it. It’s not your fault.”

“But I feel responsible. I told her she’d be fine.”

“She’s probably better off not working for that guy.”