Chapter 21Hazel
Chapter 21
Hazel
I pull my rolling office chair closer to my desk.
I already have Google Meets pulled up, and I’m staring at my own image on the screen. My face looks dark and grainy. I lean back to adjust the lampshade behind me.
My meeting with Fabian is due to start in fifteen minutes, and I’m nervous. No matter how many times I’ve fidgeted with the lighting in the room, I can’t seem to get it right.
Jack texted me a few times today, which was really sweet. His messages have gone a long way to boost my mood. I pick up my phone to look at the last one he sent.
Jack: You’ve got this. They’d be lucky to have you.
He signed off with a couple of hearts.
Hearts!
I let my eyes linger on those pink shapes. It’s weird how much they mean to me.
I have not had a man text me in such a long time. It’s so nice to feel the excitement of opening his message.
My ringtone startles me. The caller ID reads ‘Legal Department.’
I saved this number because of an issue I dealt with early in my journey with Buzzy. They were super helpful when I asked them to read over a contract I was putting together for one of our short-term consultants. I liked working with them.
However, given the state of my world right now—and Devina’s threats last night—this is the last number I want to see in my incoming calls.
I gasp and set the phone down… like it could bite me.
Moments later, I shakily dial voicemail. I keep the phone an inch from my ear in a futile attempt to distance myself from the message.
It doesn’t help.
As I start to listen, I feel like I’m getting attacked.
“Hello, Hazel. This is Marissa Snell, a lawyer with Buzzy Digital Marketing. I'm contacting you regarding a recent issue that Fabian Lucien brought to my attention. He’d like me to discuss your recent interactions with your coworker, Jack Morgan. I'd appreciate it if you could call me at your earliest convenience.”
I save the message. I might have to listen to it again once I gather my wits.
I don’t do well with shock.
I knew Devina would be trouble, but I thought I’d at least get a chance to talk with Fabian before this right hook landed.
Needless to say, I’m reeling. When I glance up, the second blow lands. This one’s in the form of an email—from the CEO himself.
To: Hazel Thorpe
From: Fabian Luciene, CEO of Buzzy Digital Marketing
Unfortunately, I need to cancel our meeting. I’ve asked the legal department to contact you about the dating policy, so expect a call from them. Please be prompt in working with them to sort it out. As you know, all breaches of company policy are grounds for termination.
The email ends with a cold send-off and no hint about rescheduling our meeting.
My stomach flips with anxiety.
Well, what did you expect? a pesky voice inside of me whispers. This is what you get for being so stupid.
I refuse to listen to that voice.
Nothing has happened yet.
I still have my job.
I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin.
Think, Hazel. Don’t panic, and try to think this through.
Fabian’s email signature is followed by a quote, nestled just below his name in script. “How you do one thing is how you do everything—Martha Beck.”
Not good.
He’s the type of guy to see things in black and white, no shades of gray. If you break a rule in one area of work, you might as well have broken them all.
Fabian is known for his high standards. He runs the company by the book. Meanwhile, I just spent a week in Hawaii trying to get comfortable breaking rules.
With a groan, I close Google Meets.
When I stalk past the lamp, my shoulder nudges the shade. Not that it matters. It looks like I won’t be having that critical meeting with Fabian today after all…
Instead, I have to talk to Marissa in the legal department.
That will have to wait, at least for a little while.
I’ve been tossed into a boxing ring with Devina, and I have to at least get my arms up in front of my face. I need to at least try to fend off the next round of punches—which could knock me out for the count.
I’ll hire a lawyer of my own, I think as I pace to the kitchen.
But first, I have to talk to Jack.