Chapter 26Hazel
26
Hazel
I strut into my office, breezing through the rows of cubicles. A few heads snap up in my direction, eyes widening as my coworkers notice me.
I’m wearing a skintight red dress that hugs my hips and stops mid-thigh. It’s not appropriate work attire but I don’t care. I don’t plan on staying here long.
I straighten my posture and lift my chin, a small smirk curving the edges of my mouth. I keep my focus straight ahead.
Whispers rouse and stir behind me, but I ignore them, leaving them in my wake. Let them talk and gossip. It makes no difference to me now. I have bigger goals to accomplish today.
I round the corner. My heart skips when I see Veronica, right where we planned to meet in front of the supply closet that nobody ever uses.
A small gasp escapes her lips and her eyes shimmer with admiration. “ Wow . Gorgeous mama.”
“Do you really think so?” I glance down at myself. “I’m feeling a little self-conscious because of my baby bump, but I managed to stay poised on my walk through the main floor.”
Veronica’s enthusiasm is all the reassurance I need. “No, you pull it off well. You are glowing .”
I blow out a relieved breath. “Thank goodness.” I rub my palm over my dress and give her a sheepish look. “I’m nervous.”
Veronica closes the space between us and puts her hands on my arms, her eyes linking with mine. “You have nothing to be nervous about. You are so smart and strong. I want to be you when I grow up.”
This makes me laugh, but I say, “this is Robert we’re talking about, Veronica.” Self-doubt is insects crawling under my skin.
She shakes her head. “Cross him off your list . You’ve worked hard, put your life on the line. Literally. You’ve earned this. You’re in love, and you deserve the world.”
I rope her into a tight hug. Her curls tickle my cheeks. “You’re such an amazing friend, V. Your support means everything to me.”
She pats my back. “Just promise you’ll keep in touch and meet me for a dinner and drinks sometimes.”
When we pull away, we’re both sniffling. “Absolutely. You’re one of my closest friends.”
Veronica beams. “Now go knock them dead, girl. You own the room in that dress.”
My pulse spikes. “Alright, you’ve hyped me up. I’m ready.”
“You are the moment!” she calls out as I walk away.
Standing at Robert’s office, my nerves threaten to pull me under. I’m sweating. I remind myself there’s a bigger picture to focus on now.
Without knocking, I strut into the room, hips swaying, smirk back in place where it belongs. Robert looks up from his desk. When his jaw drops, I ascend to the sky. He blinks at me as if he’s just waking from a dream. It’s a vision I’ll cherish for a long time.
“Hazel?”
“Hi, Robert.”
“What’s going on?” He doesn’t try and mask his confusion.
“I just wanted to give you this.” I toss a thick manila folder on his desk in front of him.
He looks at the folder, then up at me. “What’s this?”
“My dedication to the story,” I explain. “A real story.”
He tries to give me his power trip frown and his chastising chuckle. “Does this have to do with that bratva boss?”
“His name is David,” I say. “Don’t worry. This will be the most trending story of your entire career. You’re welcome.”
He straightens his shoulders, his jaw ticking. “I’m assuming you want the credit?”
Now it’s time for me to turn the snide laughter around on him. He has no power over me anymore. “I don’t want anything from you, Robert. I quit.”
Robert’s face drains of color. His cheeks are sallow, his lips thin. He opens his mouth, closes it. Before he can stammer out something snarky to me, I whip around, turning my back to him forever.
I walk out of his office, my shoulders heavy with the emotion of all the times I’ve had to leave with tears brimming. Discouraged, feeling like my potential had just been crumpled beneath Robert’s controlling fist.
When I walk out of that room for the final time, all that weight leaves my body and it’s like I’m rising on a cloud.
Let Robert have his story. The police have their case. My work here is done, and I get the biggest prize in the aftermath. David.
My bratva hero, my loyal and attentive, nurturing and loving, big bear of a man who would stop the world from spinning to protect me and our little bundle of joy on the way.
I don’t have time to stop by Veronica’s office because David is waiting for me downstairs, but when I get to the lobby, I send her a text.
I did it! I’ll call you soon!
I slide my phone in my purse and take a deep breath, shaking with adrenaline and exhilaration.
David is parked on the side of the building in his white BMW.
When he sees me, his brow furrows with worry. “How did it go?”
I jump into my seat and toss my hair off my shoulder, grinning and giddy. I lean over and give him a long, deep kiss.
His eyes glaze when I pull away.
“It went great,” I chime. “I told him I quit.”
David smiles. “Good for you. They don’t deserve you.”
“But you do.” I clamp my hand over his on the gearshift.
He shakes his head. “No one deserves you. You’re too perfect and beautiful.” He glances at my stomach and places a loving hand over it. “And our baby will be, too. I’ll do my best to give you both the world.”
I look him in the eye when I say, “You already have.”
David hits the gas, and we’re off. I leave my office in the rearview mirror, moving on to a better life.
It’s not always about being respected and appreciated, although it’s nice when it happens. In the end, the most important thing is to make a difference to the people you love and show it in everything you do.