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I looked at Michelle.
“Is this true?”
Stuart’s face fell.
“Everything he said about the audit is most definitely true. It was excellent work on your behalf. It’s also true he was stuck due to the snowstorm, as we were trying to contact him. I’m sorry to say for Stuart, but I only know what he did from what he’s told me.”
“And what of my promotion?”
“Your work was flawless in this case, but Andrew feels we simply can’t ignore the relationship you had with a client.”
“We?”
“I agree with Andrew. We feel if you wait another year, you’ll have the maturity to -”
“No.”
Michelle blinked. “No?”
“I quit.”
I felt lighter, like a giant burden had been taken from my shoulders. For so long, I’d done everything by the book. I was the good girl in the office; always following the rules. And I hadn’t got anywhere.
I looked out the door and heads bobbed down to their screens. I had no close friends here, I hadn’t even missed the place when I was in Scotland. All I saw now were competitive people, clambering to climb corporate ladders. I’d tried that and now, I felt free.
“You…quit?” Michelle spluttered.
“But hen,” Stuart move closer again, his eyes crinkled in concern. “Ye’ve worked so hard for this.”
“Bloody right I have.” I squared my shoulders at Michelle. “For years, all I wanted was this promotion. I worked so damn hard, after that fiasco with my ex cheating on me with a colleague. I wanted to be noticed but, over five years, I watched others get rewarded with less skills and less results than me. So, I quit. Effective today.”
“I’ll give you the weekend to reconsider,” Michelle said, standing. “Come back on Monday and it’s like this conversation never happened.”
I tilted my head. “But it did happen, Michelle. And I’m done.”
I faced Stuart.
“And you lied. You said you wouldn’t hurt me and you did. How can I trust you again? Why should I?”
“Because I know ye love me.”
I gasped. My chin wobbled but I refused to let any tears fall in this office. Stuart’s eyes danced with a fire I’d never seen.
“And I love ye. I’ll do anything to earn your trust again, hen.”
My heart pounded against my ribs; in panic or hope, I couldn’t tell.
“It’s too late, Stuart,” I whispered, as I stepped back to the door. I wanted to deny his words but couldn’t.
“Please, Amanda.” Michelle advanced towards me. “Just stay and we can sort this out.”
“My mind is made up.” I strode out the door, looked around the office, and smiled back at her. “This is good-bye, Michelle.”
“Did you keep your SIM card?” Stuart blurted. “From your ruined phone.”
I nodded, taking another step back.
“If ye get a chance to buy a new phone, Caroline’s been texting ye and berating me since getting back from Balnain. She’d like ye to just message her back, so she knows you’re safe.” He took a deep breath. “And… I sent ye something after I got ye voicemail. Caroline also knows the truth about what I’m sayin’. Please.”
