Page 67 of Brighter Together

Then Lee turning up somewhere because he decides ignoring him is another act of betrayal.

My hand is already shaking when I answer.

“Hi.”

“How did it go?”

No hello.

No how are you.

Straight to business.

“We’ve only seen two firms so far.”

“Did he like them?”

“I can’t discuss—”

“Ella!” he cuts me off sharply.

My whole body tenses.

I hate the way he says my name when he wants something.

Like I am already in trouble and simply haven’t been told what the punishment is yet.

“Don’t fuck me around. You know how important this contract is.”

I stand and start pacing.

“Then maybe you should have managed the company better.”

Silence.

Shit.

I shouldn’t have said that.

When Lee speaks again, his voice is quieter.

Dangerous.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“Thought so.”

I close my eyes.

Anger burns through the fear.

I hate this.

Forty-two years old and one change in his tone can still make me feel sixteen.

“He didn’t like either proposal,” I say.