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“And his ex-wife?” she asks, raising both eyebrows.
There’s that tinge of jealousy again, perhaps the real reason why I continued to tease him the whole night. It wasn’t just that my plan was working; it was that it proved he still wants me. And it’s that last part that’s making me doubt this whole thing again—the consuming thrill I get because he wants me.
“He didn’t say, and I didn’t ask.” I shrug to make the point that I don’t care, but Rose sees right through me. She doesn’t press me on it, though.
“OK, good, but you still haven’t told me what your plan is now.” she says.
“Going to work and getting that leave.” I put my cup down and rise to my feet. We’ve been talking for almost half an hour and if we keep this up, I’ll definitely be late.
“You really think she’ll give you two weeks off?”
“She doesn’t have a choice,” I point out.
I’ve never taken an actual vacation since I started working for Fraser Global. Those few days off were always filled with off-the-clock projects that needed to be completed by the time my break was over. And what’s crazy is that I didn’t mind. My pride in achieving the best final results trumped everything, even my personal time and rest.
“And there’s no way I’m wasting those paid-off days,” I add.
“So, you’re set on quitting?”
It’s hard for her to believe it but my mind is made up. I need time for the wedding, and for my plan about Brian, and to look for another job. The job search has not been going that well so far, but even if I don’t have another offer by then, there’s no way I’m going back to that hellhole. “The day I get back, I’m handing in my resignation.”
I head to my room, ignoring that creeping sense of dread, and pick a simple black skirt and a blue, sleeveless blouse from the floor. Not a perfect choice but it’ll do for today.
After spending another ten minutes trying to fix my face, I head to work, leaving Rose half asleep on my couch.
The office is within walking distance, which is another reason I’ve stayed at this place for so long. The streets are full of people hurrying in all directions, trying to be on time for whatever it is they are going to. Compared to them, I seem to be moving in slow motion. It’s been too long since I bothered to look around me and enjoy all that this city has to offer.
I pass the tree-lined streets and cross the road, toward the inner-city block. It’s all gray, clearly marking the territory. Despite the steel details and multiple windows, all that’s mirrored in them is more concrete. The Fraser Global headquarters are no different. The forty-story building is not as imposing as the others around it but getting that office on the top floor was such strenuous work—that first day there I truly thought I’d reached the sky.
“Good morning, Nichole.” My greeting startles the receptionist. She springs to her feet in surprise.
“Carol!” she almost yells. “Mrs. Hannigan is—”
Pissed that I’m late, for sure. I raise my hand to stop her. “No need. I’ll head to her office directly.”
Being ten minutes late should warrant the wrath of my boss, but I’ve become so accustomed to it that it no longer affects me. In fact, I’m tempted to quit today. Or maybe she’ll fire me. I chuckle at that thought.
“Carol, are you OK?” Nichole’s concerned voice is cut off as the elevator door closes behind me. I stand with my back to the door, peering at my reflection in the mirror. I look different. Tiredness aside, I seem—and feel—stronger. Calmer. Almost carefree.
Maybe Rose is right. Maybe I’ve lost a bit of myself these last few years. And despite the irony of getting my life together because of Brian, I’m all in for the change.
The confidence stays with me when I reach the top floor and walk past the array of cubicles, toward the private offices. Silvia’s is the last one, earning her an undisturbed view of the city up to the riverbank.
I knock twice and open the door before she can respond. It’s not the best tactic when you want to ask for vacation time but the hangover, combined with the events of last night, have me on a power trip.
Silvia’s head jerks up at the sound of the door swinging open. She drops her phone on the desk and crosses her arms, her features hardening.
She’s almost twice my age but you can’t really tell by looking at her. Her auburn hair hangs just above her shoulders and the deep green shirt she’s wearing makes the color even richer. I used to admire her so much before I climbed up the corporate ladder and got the chance to actually work with her.
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been waiting for the Lawrence report for hours.”
Hours, huh? I take a seat and rest both arms on her desk. “I sent that on Friday afternoon, but you were clearly too busy to check your email that day, or during the weekend. Or this morning.” My gaze drops to her phone.
That sets her off, but I don’t have it in me to pay attention to her speech. My headache is making a comeback and her tirade is too similar to the previous ones. She does end the speech by commenting on my tardiness, though.
“Yes, I’m terribly sorry about that. Hopefully, all the extra hours I’ve put in so far can make up for that.” I keep my tone steady and continue before she can speak. “Which brings me to something I wanted to discuss. I would like to use my vacation leave, starting on Wednesday. My sister is getting married and—”
Silvia snorts. “You’re joking, right?”
