Chapter 4 #2
The man froze for a beat, then slowly lifted his head as he set the papers in his hands down. “You what?” His voice came out clipped, like he was holding back his anger, although from the way his face was turning red, he wasn’t doing a very good job of it.
“I’m giving you my two-weeks’ notice.”
“You’re… quitting.” It was more of a statement than a question.
Still, I answered, “Yes, sir. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me when you hired me. I appreciate it, and I—”
“You really think you’ll be able to find someone else to hire you in this town, Winter?”
“I’ll be alright, but again, thank you for the oppor—”
“No one will hire you. You’re an ex-con, and if you think I’m going to give you a good recommendation, you’re sadly mistaken. You won’t be able to find another job.”
I’d always thought the man was an asshole, but this was a whole new level of ass-fuckery. I’d been nothing but exemplary at my job, and he was going to give me a bad recommendation? Are you freaking shitting me right now?
I knew I didn’t technically need it, seeing as Miles had already hired me, but still, it was the principle of the thing.
I straightened to my full height and stared at the angry man.
“Why in the world wouldn’t you give me a good recommendation?
I’ve been the hardest-working person on your team, and I’ve been here longer than anyone else.
I’m loyal, I show up on time, I go above and beyond on every job, and you’ve never had a single complaint from a customer about me personally.
” Maybe about the way things were done or that what we did didn’t take care of the issue, yes.
But no one had ever complained about my behavior or professionalism.
“I’m fully aware of your qualities, which is why I refuse to accept your two-weeks’ notice. Go back to work.” He waved me off, as if saying I couldn’t quit was the end of the conversation. What the fuck was wrong with this man?
“I already wrote a resignation letter and sent it to your email.” I’d written it while eating breakfast, then sent it from the car.
Luckily, I’d written a resignation letter years ago and saved it to my computer because I’d been dreaming of quitting this job since the moment I started working here.
It’d felt like a stupid exercise back then, but I’d been upset about a job we’d done, and writing out my resignation, even knowing I couldn’t send it, had helped me work through my problems.
This morning, while I ate breakfast, I’d gone through and edited it to update it, then I drafted an email and sent it to Derrick Geddie right before I’d walked inside.
His jaw clenched. “Where the hell do you get off—”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Geddie, but I quit. I’m happy to work the next two weeks so you have time to hire a replacement, but I won’t be returning after that.”
His face turned a terrifying shade of purple. If I didn’t know better, I’d think his head was about to explode. “Get out! Go home! You’re fired!”
Considering I’d already quit, I didn’t think he could fire me, but whatever. “Does that mean you don’t want me to work for the next two—”
“Get the hell out of here. I never want to see your face again. Don’t come back. Ever.”
I gave the guy a nod—pretending in my head that I was giving him the finger—then rushed out of there before his temper exploded all over me.
As I passed Gracie’s desk, I offered a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry. He’s in a mood now.”
She grimaced. “Okay. Thanks for the warning.” Her head tilted to the side. “You don’t usually set him off the way others do. What happened?”
“I gave him my two-weeks’ notice, but then he told me I was fired and not to come back.” I shrugged.
“Well, damn. That’ll do it. Do you have something else lined up?”
I couldn’t help the grin that spread over my face when I thought about working with Miles.
“Sure do.” I debated for half a second on whether I should tell her or not, but then I figured someone would eventually see me with Miles or in my new uniform and word would get back anyway, so what the hell?
“Do you know the company, Carry A Faerie Pest Solutions?”
Her eyebrows rose. “I’ve heard of them. They’re the ones that do catch and release, right? I’ve heard the guys complain about them.”
That made me snort since Miles hadn’t been shy about yelling stop murdering faeries and other things as he passed by us. Now I could join him.
I grinned at Gracie. “Yep. Miles—he’s the owner—he hired me. I’m looking forward to working with him and being able to save faeries rather than kill them.”
She nodded, her eyes a little wide. “That sounds wonderful, Winter. I hope you like it there.” She glanced at our—no, just her—boss’s door, then leaned closer to me, dropping her voice.
“If they’re ever looking for a receptionist, please give me a call or at least drop my name. You have my cell, right?”
“I do.”
“Good. Call me if they’re looking. I’d love to work with literally anyone else.”
That made me snort. “I get that.”
She half-smiled at me. “Good luck, and if you want to grab lunch or drinks one day, text me.”
With a nod, I stepped back toward the door. We’d gone out to lunch and drinks a handful of times in the past, usually with a couple of other coworkers, so I wasn’t surprised by the suggestion. “Will do. You do the same, okay?”
“I definitely will.”
“See ya later, Gracie. Good luck with him today.”
“I’ll take it.” She winked. “Bye. Good luck to you too.”
With one last smile aimed her way, I headed back out to my car.
Relief warred with a tiny sprig of worry. I was beyond relieved to be out of that damn office and away from that asshole of a boss. But if he wasn’t going to let me work for the next two weeks, I was a little worried about money.
I had some saved up, so it wasn’t like I’d starve or anything, but paying my bills would eat up all of my savings… savings I’d worked hard for. At least I’d be able to pay my bills, though.
I sighed and turned on my car. I supposed I had the day off, so I could go home and hang out with Goliath. He’d certainly be happy. Maybe I’d take him to a dog park or something.
Should I text Miles and let him know what was going on? Or should I wait to tell him I didn’t have a job for the next two weeks? Would he want me to start sooner?
I didn’t want him to feel pressured into it.
But… I was also eager to start working with him, and not because of the money. I just liked… being with him.
Ugh. I was a heartsick fool.
Before I pulled away, I yanked out my phone and sent him a text.
Me: I put in my 2 weeks!
I didn’t even have time to put my phone away before he texted back, making me smile.
Miles: That’s great. Did it go okay?
Hmm. How to answer that truthfully without getting into it too much? I wanted to tell him in person so I could gauge whether he felt guilty and asked me to start sooner than planned because of that guilt. I had no doubt he’d offer.
Me: About as expected. I’ll tell you about it tonight.
Miles: Sounds good! I’m going to the station to help out this afternoon, so I’ll text you when I’m finished and we can figure out a time.
My eyebrows rose. He was going to the station? As in, Higgins had gotten his way and Miles was helping interview that person?
Me: Okay. Sounds good. Let me know if you need anything.
I debated for half a beat before sending a second text.
Me: If you need someone with you, I’ll be home this afternoon. I can tag along.
No text came through for a solid minute. Shit. Did I go too far with that offer?
Miles: Thank you. I think I’ll be okay, but I’ll let you know.
I wasn’t sure why I felt so disappointed by that response, but I did. But at least my offer was out there. If Miles wanted to take me up on it, hopefully, he would.
Me: Alright. I’m here if you need me.
Miles: Thank you, Win. I appreciate it.
I sent him three heart emojis back and couldn’t help but smile when one came back after only a few beats of hesitation.
Taking a breath, I put the car in drive and headed for home.