20. Scott #3
“It has come to my attention that you’ve been engaging in inappropriate relations with your client, Mr. Lester.”
This is definitely not what I expected. My eyes shift back to Cory, who continues to keep his stone-faced expression locked straight ahead.
I try to keep my expression neutral, but I’m not sure it’s working.
“Sir, I–”
“Part of your job description requires you to maintain professional boundaries.”
“Excuse me?” Professional boundaries? Coming from this guy?
It takes every ounce of self-control I possess not to scoff. This has to be some kind of joke, right? For the cameras or whatever they think might be planted in here?
“Have you or have you not engaged in a relationship that is sexual in nature with Mr. Lester?”
“With all due respect, I’m not sure that’s any of your business.”
“Mr. Riley, I’m sure you are aware that as the support for the label’s top earning clients, we are under more pressure than most to maintain a level of integrity and professionalism.
Especially during these uncertain times when the band has been experiencing an unprecedented level of attention and threats to their lives, you have a duty of care… ”
For the next several minutes, Blake lectures me about conflicts of interest and professional ethics. The entire time, I wait for the conversation to pivot, for him to tell me I crossed a line and need to clean up my act. A warning, or even a suspension.
Instead, what I hear is, “Given the circumstances, I’ve made the decision to terminate your employment, effective immediately.”
Say what now?
“This feels a little extreme,” I say, almost pleadingly. “My relationship with Naz—Mr. Lester—has never compromised the level of care I put into protecting him.”
“Can you say that with complete certainty, Mr. Riley?”
Blake’s expression remains cold. He looks entirely serious. And then it occurs to me… If they can’t mention the texts because someone is listening, maybe they’re using this as the excuse to fire me. A cover to fit whatever plan they’re trying to pull off.
“I– I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
I flick my eyes to Cory, who is facing me now.
Considering everyone has known about my relationship with Naz for a long time now and no one ever lifted an eyebrow, the heavily lifted one he’s giving me now seems pointed.
He suddenly straightens his posture, folding his arms across his chest. It’s the same stance he takes when we’re working an event, and the crowd gets rowdy. Like he’s expecting trouble.
My eyes narrow on him. At the way his chin lowers almost imperceptibly, like he’s daring me to make the wrong move.
I swallow and say a silent prayer. Please let me be getting this right.
Slowly, I push myself to my feet.
“This is bullshit.”
Blake doesn’t react.
“I have spent every waking hour protecting him,” I continue, the words coming easier now that I’ve started. Maybe a little too easily. “I’d take a bullet for Naz without thinking twice, and you’re firing me because I fell in love with him?”
“I’m terminating your employment because your relationship creates an unacceptable breach of conduct and is a liability.”
“Oh, come on.” I let out a humorless laugh. “That’s rich coming from you. Half the office has seen the way you look at your assistant, Mr. Holland.”
For the first time, something flickers across Blake’s face. It’s gone so fast I might think I’d imagined it.
“Even if that were true,” he says evenly, “there are established protocols for office fraternization, to protect both the company and its employees from claims of misconduct.” He leans forward slightly.
“There are no such protections for your situation because your relationship directly affects the safety and wellbeing of the talent. That places your client, and by extension this label, at unnecessary risk.”
Silence settles over the room.
“Cory.” At the sound of his name, Cory pushes away from the window. “Please escort Mr. Riley to the door.”
I snort. “Don’t bother.”
Without another word, I turn on my heel and stride out of the office, letting the door slam shut behind me a little harder than necessary. I don’t stop until I reach the stairwell. Once the heavy fire door clicks shut behind me, I drag my hands through my hair and start to pace.
What now what now what now?
My pocket vibrates. Not my personal phone, the burner. I open the text from Cory.
Boss: Bathroom is clear.
Finally clear instruction. Slipping the phone back in my pocket, I crack the stairwell door just enough to check that the hallway is clear before quickly crossing and making my way to the restroom. Inside, I duck into the last stall and close the door.
Then I wait.
A minute passes, then two. Then five.
Finally the restroom door opens and footsteps cross the tile. The stall beside mine closes.
“I’m going to distract Blake so you can get what you need,” Emmy says quietly through the partition.
“Wait… The laptop?”
He hums his affirmation.
“What am I supposed to do with it?”
“Whatever they tell you.”
Emmy leaves the stall. The water runs. Paper towels rustle.
“Give me five minutes.”