34. The End of an Era
Skye
Today hasn’t started well.
Which sucks, considering last night was fabulous, and ended with lots of cuddling on Tatum’s couch. But yeah, I found out this morning that I used the last of my concealer at some point, and Anna—God bless her—only uses eyeliner when it comes to makeup. I also don’t have enough time to buy more before going into work, so guess what?
I’m wearing a sleeveless high-neck halter top that I managed to find in the back of my closet. It honestly covers a lot of the reddish-purple bruise, but I’m also going to wear my hair down just in case. Officially, I don’t think Zoya has any rules against showing up to the office with a visible hickey, but I’d rather not take that chance. Then again, it probably doesn’t really matter because I’m getting fired anyway.
My phone buzzes as I get into my car, and even though I’m in a crappy mood, I smile when I see a text from Tatum.
Tatum: Morning, baby! I know you’re nervous about telling Zoya the truth, but just remember that I’m right here for you.
Tatum: We can always do some retail therapy afterward.
Tatum: Or we can go to one of those rage rooms if you feel the need to break some stuff lol. You just let me know and I’ll make it happen, okay?
Once again, I don’t deserve him.
Me: Those are two very good options that I will definitely keep in mind.
Me: A possible third option just came to me though…
Me: I could call out sick. *cough cough*
I also send a side-eye emoji.
Tatum: Skyeeeeee.
Even if he hadn’t sent an eyebrow raise emoji, I’d be able to hear his disapproval loud and clear.
Me: Fine. I won’t call out sick.
Me: I’ll be a grown up and handle my issues responsibly.
Tatum: That’s my girl.
Tatum: Now stop stalling.
Ughhhh, he knows me too well.
Crazy enough, I found a music playlist called “I’m getting fired today,” which was perfect for my drive over here, even if a few of the songs were by Essential Kingdom. Don’t tell Tatum, but I didn’t completely hate listening to them. They were kind of therapeutic.
I know, I know, I don’t recognize myself either.
Anyway, I wish I could say that walking into the office doesn’t feel weird, but it totally does.
Today will be my last day.
This is the end of an era.
However, I try my best to seem upbeat and focused during our morning meeting. I also eat a cream-filled donut to calm my nerves. No such luck. It’s delicious, of course, but I’m more anxious than I was when I first started working for Dovell Donuts.
Oh my gosh, I just realized something.
I never practiced how I’m going to talk to Zoya! Why didn’t I rehearse with Dria? Or Tatum? Or Anna? Or even Sprinkles, for crying out loud? I had so many options!
“So, how are things going with you and your man?” Kym whispers to me as Michaelyn continues speaking. “Has wedding planning been stressful, or what?”
No, Kym, whyyyy?
Why are you asking me about Tatum and our nonexistent wedding?
“It’s a little stressful,” I say, holding back a wince. “But we’ve been working together, and Tatum is great, so that makes everything easier.”
“Aw,” she coos with a pout, “you guys are so sweet!”
I smile at her, but all I want to do is scream in frustration. I bet she won’t think we’re sweet at all when she finds out the truth about us from Zoya.
Once the meeting is over, I find Johnny pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Hey, Johnny, um…do you think Zoya would have a second for me today?”
He raises an eyebrow, and I know what he’s probably thinking: the last time I had a sit-down with Zoya, I ended up announcing my “engagement.”
What could I possibly be announcing now ?
The truth.
I’m announcing the truth.
“Is everything okay?” he asks, taking a sip of his coffee.
Not at all, but thanks for asking!
I offer a shrug. “I just need to go over some stuff with her.”
“I’ll double-check her schedule for today, but I’m sure it should be fine.”
He doesn’t give me any indication that I should follow him to the reception counter, but I tag along regardless.
“Let’s see,” he mutters, flipping to the bookmarked section of his planner. “I would say that talking to her within the next forty-five minutes is your best bet.”
Crap! So early in the day?
No, you know what? This is better. I just need to get it over with.
There’s no reason for me to suffer and wait.
“Should I let her know that you want to talk with her?”
I resist the urge to fidget with Dria’s ring. “Uh, yes please.”
He nods before picking up his phone and calling Zoya’s office. “Hey, boss? Is it cool if I send Skye your way? She wants to go over some stuff with you.”
She must say it’s okay, because Johnny gives me a thumbs-up and motions for me to go. So, I walk toward Zoya’s office. And by walk , I mean that I inch over there like I’m a freaking snail.
Is it too late for me to fake being sick?
Zoya’s office door is open, but I still knock to let her know that I’m here, and she immediately waves me inside with a smile. “Come on in!”
I close the door once I’m fully inside the room, and then I take a seat in front of her desk. “Morning, Zoya.”
“Morning, Skye. What did you want to discuss with me?”
Yep. I should’ve rehearsed this with someone.
“Well, there’s no easy way to say this…” I trail off, rubbing my palms over my thighs. “But I need to come clean and admit that I lied to you.”
Surprise flickers in her dark eyes. “You lied to me?”
“About me being engaged?” I hold up my left hand. “I’m not engaged, Zoya. This is my sister’s engagement ring. I made up a fake fiancé because I remembered how distracted Lillian was when she was getting married, so that seemed like the best excuse to use for myself when you pointed out that I’ve been distracted.”
“I see.” Her lips purse for a moment. “What about Tatum though? Your relationship with him didn’t seem fake at all.”
Why is she being so calm about this?
It’s creeping me out.
“Tatum has been my best friend since middle school,” I reply, trying not to squirm from her expectant gaze. “We had never, ever been romantically involved, but he decided to help me convince you that we were a couple. And then, at some point, we both started seeing each other as more than friends, so we’re dating now—”
Zoya’s gasp interrupts me, and I stare at her in confusion as she claps her hands together. “You guys are dating? Like for real?”
“ Yeah ?” I answer, squinting an eye. “But I don’t understand what—”
“Skye, I knew you weren’t really engaged.”
Now it’s my turn to gasp. “WHAT?”
“I’ve watched so many romcoms and read so many romance books,” she says with a smug look, “I know a fake relationship trope when I see it. I just never expected that I would play a role in the trope, ya know?” She proceeds to sigh. “My hubby and I actually made a bet about it, because he wasn’t convinced, but I’ve been so invested! I just wasn’t sure if you were going to tell me the truth or not. I’m very glad you decided to though.”
My brain is absolute mush. “Wait, but if you knew that I was lying, why not just confront me? And then fire me on the spot?”
“If I confronted you, that would’ve ruined everything!” she exclaims with wide eyes. “I wanted to see you and Tatum fall for each other! That’s why I put so much emphasis on your wedding-themed blog posts. I was hoping they would push you guys toward being a real couple, and it worked!”
How is it possible that she and Dria have been sharing the same final brain cell?
This is crazy! Absolutely crazy! No amount of rehearsing would’ve prepared me for what’s happening right now.
“Okay, well, I-I’m really sorry about lying to you,” I stammer, still trying to process everything. “And I know that I’m fired, which is understandable, but would you still consider keeping Tatum as the photographer for the anniversary party? He’s way more innocent in all of this than I am, and I don’t want him to be punished because of my mistake.”
“Skye,” she laughs a little bit, “I haven’t even fired you yet.”
Oh, I guess that’s true. I haven’t heard any of the usual phrases that—
“Before we talk about you and your future here, let’s go back to discussing Tatum for another moment or two. I think it’s admirable that you’re looking out for him, and even though I don’t like being lied to, he has a lot of talent. I would honestly be punishing myself if I terminated our contract with him.”
My breath catches in my throat. “So, you’ll let him keep the job?”
“Yes, I will.” She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms. “As for you—I’ve had some time to think about this, and I told myself if you didn’t come clean, I’d have to fire you. But you did the right thing, and you told me the truth. Plus, you put Tatum first instead of trying to protect yourself, and that speaks volumes to me.” She proceeds to smile. “You’re not fired, Skye.”
“I’m not?” I blink in disbelief. “Are you sure?”
Is she lying to me as some kind of payback lesson?
“I’m sure,” she says with a nod. “Starting tomorrow, you will be suspended for your dishonesty, but you’re not fired. I expect a full confessional and apology blog post from you, and we also need to discuss the social media manager position.”
If Zoya didn’t think I was ready for the promotion before, there’s no way she’s giving it to me now, and I can’t even blame her. That position is for someone who can be trusted completely. Not someone who freaks out and lies to get what she wants…
“I know all of this started because you were interested in the promotion, but Cynthia has recently decided not to transfer, so the opportunity is no longer available.” She tilts her head to the side. “However, despite your dishonesty, I think you’ve done a fabulous job with the blog. I still love the ideas you’ve shared with me, and I’d like to see more blog content from you after your suspension time is over.”
The opportunity is no longer available. There’s no promotion.
Is it weird that I’m kind of…relieved?
I was so convinced that I wanted Cynthia’s job, but all I really wanted was something different. A change of pace. Just like the blog. Even though I was adamant about not being the blog girl , I’ve enjoyed the position a lot. Well, minus the lying part. I didn’t enjoy that.
Of course, writing a confessional and apology blog post won’t be enjoyable either, but it’s way better than getting fired.
“Skye? I’m sure you’re upset about the promotion but—”
“I’m not upset,” I interrupt, shaking my head. “I’m just so grateful that you’re giving me another chance. Thank you, Zoya. I don’t deserve the opportunity, but I’d love to keep working on the blog, and I swear I won’t be lying again.”
I almost offer her my pinky finger to show how serious I am, but pinky promises aren’t exactly professional, so I clasp my hands on top of my lap instead.
“Good to hear.” Her eyes sparkle with interest as she leans forward. “Now, tell me all about how you and Tatum started falling for each other! Also, are you trying to hide a hickey with that top?”
Tatum
Skye: I told her.
Me: So, which option did you pick?
Me: Retail therapy? Or rage room?
Me: We can do both if you want.
Me: I just want to make this better for you.
Skye: You could come let me in.
She’s here? At my house?
Skye: Tatum, hurry!
Skye: There’s a bird making weird eye contact with me and I don’t like it!
I stride over to the front door and toss it open. “Carson, I would’ve picked you up—”
“Quick!” she exclaims, pushing past me. “Back inside before this creepy bird comes any closer!”
“What creepy bird are you talking about?” As I ask this though, a pair of beady eyes lock with mine, and I curse before closing the door. “Never mind, I saw him! It felt like he was staring into my soul.”
We both shudder, which causes me to laugh, but my heart aches when I remember why Skye is here.
My girl is hurting.
I open my arms as a silent invitation, and just like a magnet, she hugs me right away.
“I’m proud of you, baby,” I murmur, holding her close. “I know telling the truth had to be hard.”
She’s quiet for a few moments as her fingers brush across my back, and then she says, “I asked her if she’d let you still work the anniversary party.”
“Skye,” I say, tilting my head to look at her, “you weren’t supposed to worry about that. I told you I wasn’t upset over it.”
“I know…” She proceeds to bite her lip. “But I was upset over it. I didn’t want you to lose the opportunity because of me.”
“Yeah, but—”
“She said you could, Tatum!” she interrupts, moving her hands to grip my arms. “You still get to be the photographer for the event!”
While it’s nice—and unexpected—to know that I haven’t lost Zoya as a client, I also feel somewhat guilty about the whole situation. “It seems wrong,” I sigh, unable to match her enthusiasm. “Me doing this party when you don’t work for the company anymore?”
“I want you to work the party though.” She takes a page out of my book and flashes me with a puppy-dog look. “ Please ? Do it for me?”
I cave immediately.
There’s no way I can deny her.
“Okay, if that’s what you really want, then I’ll do it.”
“Perfect,” she says, beaming up at me, “but there’s something else I need to tell you.”
I slide my hands down to her waist. “What’s up?”
“I didn’t get fired,” she whispers like it’s a secret.
“You didn’t get fired?” I gape at her, completely dumbfounded. “What do you mean? Wasn’t Zoya mad?”
“Well, she wasn’t happy about the lying, but she also knew that our engagement was fake like the whole freaking time! And she was just waiting for us to fall for each other, isn’t that crazy?”
I’m sputtering incoherent things now, and Skye laughs before explaining how the whole conversation with Zoya played out.
“So, yeah, getting suspended sucks but it’s also fair,” she finishes her recap with a shrug. “And, ya know, a suspension means I’ll have some extra time on my hands to help my ex-fake fiancé with his non-existent social media presence.”
“Are you sure about that?” I tease, tugging on the ends of her hair. “Helping out an ex-fake fiancé sounds kind of messy.”
“Hmm…” she trails off with a coy look on her face. “How does helping out my boyfriend sound?”
The corner of my mouth tilts up as she slips her hands behind my neck. “Pink Stuff, are you asking me to be your boyfriend?”
“Is that okay? I know we’ve technically just started dating, but I like the idea of calling you my boyfriend, and I—”
“Of course it’s okay,” I murmur, cupping the side of her face. “I should warn you though, my boyfriend skills are going to be even better than my fake fiancé skills, so you might end up becoming obsessed with me.”
“Ugh, it’s too late.” She fakes a dramatic sigh, eye-roll included. “I already am. And as your obsessed girlfriend, I demand a kiss from my very skilled boyfriend.”
I chuckle softly as I brush my thumb over her lips. “Anything for you, baby.”