AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It takes me a while, but I find the problem—there’s something amiss with my tax code. I’ve been taxed a higher amount than I was last month. I can’t fathom why this might be, but the sinking feeling rolls in my stomach when I realize I have to talk to Gianni, and more to the point, he’ll have to talk to me.
I take several gulps of air before smoothing down my apron and making my way back to the shop floor. My steps are labored, each heavier than the last. He doesn’t flinch or take his eyes from the screen as I stand beside him, paper in one hand, heart in the other. I feel like a child, standing by the teacher’s desk, waiting for a small glance or nod to confirm my existence.
After several seconds, it is clear I won’t get either as he taps furiously on the keypad without even blinking.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but there seems to be an error on my pay stub.” The sentence feels longer than it needs to be, each word falling from my lips and landing clumsily between us, not quite reaching his ear as he remains motionless. I’m about to repeat myself when his hand flies up out of nowhere. He plucks the sheet from my grasp and slams it on the table.
I flinch as the sound resonates through his hand and into the wood. He may as well have slapped me. I tense as Faith stops sweeping the floor, her hand poised on the brush as she raises her head, her eyes landing on us. I can’t meet her stare as she’ll read me as she does everybody else.
Like the flick of a switch, I am seething. The bubble of the helpless little woman bursts as I aim my stare at the side of Gianni’s head, hoping I can burn him with my eyes. I snatch the paper back from the table, and his head twists around as my hand grasps the document. At last, I’ve gotten his attention.
“On second thoughts, forget about it. I’ll ring payroll myself. I’m sure I’ll get more out of them than you.” I thrust the paper into the pocket of my apron as I march back toward the counter, hoping I can hold my nerves, the unmistakable shiver already running through my body as the adrenaline flows.
In a flash, Gianni is on his feet, the shadow of him behind me only makes my heart beat faster and my legs move quicker.
“Chloe, office, now,” he barks as he marches past me and into the back. Faith gives me a sorrowful stare as I throw her a smile, a little gesture that might convince her I’m okay. I follow him into the office. Walking in the trail of his scent is enough to wobble me from my temporary tower of strength.
He closes the door before I’ve barely got through it, then leans against it as I plant myself by the desk. I fold my arms across my chest and turn to face him. I am ready.
“Would you care to explain what that was about?” His voice is smooth but lined with danger as his eyes narrow, his body straight and taut.
“Good morning, Chloe, and how are you today?” I can’t help it. I’m pushing it, but I am sick and tired of his Mr. Nasty routine. He glares at me, and my stomach flips. Maybe today isn’t such a good day to goad him.
“I beg your pardon?” His eyes flinch, the piercing gaze sending a shiver down my spine.
“You heard. Why do you have to be such a dick all the time?” I recross my arms waiting for him to explode. Do I want this? Do I really want to see him at his worst? Maybe this is better than being ignored. He seems to chew this over before replying.
“It’s no wonder you got fired from your last job if this is how you speak to management. Oh no, wait…” he holds up his finger, and gives a devious grin that somehow scares me more than his words, “… you got fired for fucking your boss’s husband.”
“I told you that isn’t true,” I answer back. “Why don’t you believe me?”
There’s a brief silence as we both stand, the clock on the wall seeming louder than ever as it ticks away the seconds.
“Look, I know what you think of me. You’ve made it perfectly clear. If you want to believe I’m some shitty whore who screws around with anyone and everyone, then that’s your deal.” Gianni makes a move to respond, but I hold up my hand. I will not be silenced. “And yes, the incident with Cora was unprofessional, but it wasn’t my fault. She came here. She’s the one with the problem, not me. I won’t try and convince you I’m the victim here because you seem blind to that, but I have the right to come to work and be treated like a person, regardless of what youthinkImightbe.”
“And what makes you think I care enough to judge you?” He cocks his head to the side, the disgust on his face making it clear that my little speech has had no impact whatsoever.
“I’m not saying you do, but you’re so rude to me. You don’t look at me, and you don’t even seem to notice I exist. As an employee in your coffee shop, communication is an integral part of me being able to do my job, wouldn’t you say?” He turns his head to the side, letting out a frustrated sigh before returning his attention to me.
“What do you expect when you have a screaming match with your old boss outside my shop? Do you think I’ll sing your praises? I said it before. You’re lucky I didn’t fire you on the spot.” His fists clench as he places more weight against the door.
“On what grounds? I think CCTV will have picked up the fact I walked out of the shop as soon as she arrived to protect the integrity of the business. I also think it will have caught the fact I was punched in the face and restrained by my hair as she hurled abuse at me. I fail to see where I acted recklessly, and the fact I’ve reported the incident to the police should support my claim that I was the victim.” I gather myself as Gianni ponders this. His temporary silence gives me too much time to look at his clouded face, the darkness emanating from his eyes.
“What do you want, Chloe?” he deflates, the energy to argue with me having left him.
“I want you to be civil to me like the rest of your staff.” It isn’t too much to ask. Surely, even by normal standards, a little decency is to be expected. I wait for him to answer, wondering what he’ll come back with, and I’m surprised when he answers.
“Fine.” He places one hand in his pocket, and the other remains on the door handle.
“Good.” I lean against the desk, glad I’ve stood my ground but shaken by it. He regards me one last time, and a strangeness crosses his face as he releases the door and walks out of the office.
I blow out a deep breath, but I can’t ignore the faint worry in my stomach that I’ve made a huge mistake. I can’t shake the feeling he’ll now plot something, work out a new strategy to torment me. Will he be even nastier to me now I’ve challenged him, or will he avoid me completely? I don’t know which would be worse.
This little conundrum follows me out of the office, but I don’t have to wait long to find out what Gianni’s new tactic is, and it is much worse than I guessed.
ChapterFifteen
An hour later, I’m busy reorganizing a display of pre-wrapped flapjacks. The quirky display box is made of thin wood and is supposed to resemble a tiny wine crate, the concept of which is lost on me, as flapjacks bear no relation to wine. I go to move the box, having cleaned the counter underneath it, when a prick in my finger causes me to wince. I hastily let go of the box and examine my finger, a large splinter has nestled itself nicely under my skin.
