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A long and painful conversation followed.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
“Is Lloyd here?”
Sally’s eyes did not meet hers. “Yes, Adrienne. He’s been expecting you.”
Adrienne squared her shoulders and walked into Lloyd’s office with her head held high. He was standing with his back facing the door, staring out the window.
“I understand that you wanted to see me?” Her tone was crisp and professional.
“Sit down, Adrienne.”
“I prefer to stand.” Adrienne knew that she was probably about to be fired, and she didn’t care. Lloyd Cooper sickened her, and it would be a relief not to see him around.
“I’m sorry about the way I behaved the other day.”
“A lot has happened in my life since then. It doesn’t matter anymore,” she replied.
Lloyd turned around and sat down in his sleek executive chair. “We have a problem.”
Adrienne met his gaze. “Go on.”
“I think it would be best if we didn’t work together anymore. However, you are my friend and I will not fire you.”
“Then it sounds to me like you have the problem, LaMar.”
He didn’t smile. He didn’t blink. He didn’t wince. He pulled a folder toward him and continued his speech as though she hadn’t said a word. “I think it would be best for all concerned if you were to resign.”
“No. If I quit, then I don’t get unemployment.”
“Don’t worry, PWE is prepared to give you a generous settlement, and I know a lot of people, Adrienne. I promise to help you find another job right away.”
Adrienne searched his face and found genuine regret. “How much?”
“A year’s salary.”
“What about the loan?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you do. I still intend to pay you back with interest.”
He stood up and went to stare out the window again. His back was facing her. “Forget the loan, Adrienne. There is a letter of resignation in the folder on my desk with a final PWE check attached to it in the amount of fifty thousand dollars. Please sign it before our friendship is totally ruined.”
“I won’t forget the loan. As soon as I get another job, I will pay it off. But not to you. Every payment will go to one of your sisters.” Adrienne’s chest was heaving with the injustice of the whole affair. “And you know what else?”
Dead silence.
“I’ll put the money in a card and sign it ‘In memory of your loving brother, LaMar.’”
He didn’t turn around, but his shoulders hunched forward, and he shoved his hands deep in his pockets. The gesture didn’t surprise Adrienne. LaMar always used to do that when he got upset.
“I’m scared, Adrienne.”
Her heart softened. “So scared of poverty that you can’t even call and let your family know that you’re alive and well? So scared that you would force your oldest friend out of a job because she knows your weakness?”
Lloyd groaned. “Oh God, Adrienne. I’m sorry. You don’t have to quit your job. Everything you’ve said about me is true.”
