55. Freddie
Freddie
Sloane spends another few hours in hospital before she’s given the all clear and allowed to come home. She’s under strict orders to take it easy, which means all three of us have shacked up at Cole’s place, where we’re waiting on her hand and foot.
She’s grumbling about the bedrest non-stop, especially since she’s been banned from ‘vigorous exercise’. She did manage to persuade us to put on a live sex show for her, so at least we’re making memories while she heals up.
After the accident, I texted Harry to explain what had happened and he gave me a week off, no questions asked. I didn’t mention what happened with Quentin, and now that I’m back, I know I’ve got to deal with the fallout.
I brace myself as I walk into the office building, greeting the receptionist with a cheeriness I do not feel. I make it all the way to my desk before I feel a presence behind me and turn to see Harry standing over me.
“You better come with me, Freddie,” he says, his tone serious.
I sigh and nod, following him to his office. He gestures for me to sit on the sofa at the back and then joins me. His PA delivers two coffees, giving me a sympathetic smile as she places them on the table before closing the door behind her.
“How’s Sloane?” His first question surprises me given how serious his expression is. Then I remember that all he knows is that she was hit by a bike and suffered a head injury.
“She’s doing ok, thanks,” I reply, giving him a half-smile. If I’m about to get sacked, I don’t want to waste too much time on pleasantries. “It was a nasty accident, but she’ll make a full recovery. Cole and I are looking after her,” I add.
“Good. I’m really glad she’s ok,” he says. “Now, do you want to tell me exactly what went down with Quentin Reed? I’d like to hear your side of things first.”
I blow out a breath and steel myself. The only route for me to take is the truth.
“Well, sir, we both know the man’s a bully. Sloane finally stood up to him and cut ties. And I may have slightly misjudged the situation between them and, er, I told him to shut up. And then I told him to go fuck himself.”
Harry nods, lips pursed.
“And do you regret what you said?”
“I know the correct answer is probably yes. But I can’t bring myself to. I said it as his daughter’s boyfriend, not as a representative of this firm. But I understand that I am technically both of those things, and I will accept the consequences of my actions.”
I hold his gaze. He looks at the ceiling for a beat, as if choosing his next words carefully.
“Mr Reed has demanded your employment be terminated.”
It’s not unexpected, but it still hits me like a fist to the stomach. I swallow.
“He wrote to me personally and said he had never been so disgusted by another person’s behaviour.
He shared the details of your relationship, describing it as immoral and at odds with the values of our institution.
He stated in no uncertain terms that his continued relationship with us was dependent on your immediate termination. ”
“I understand. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for the extra stress that this has caused you. I can clear my desk tod?—”
“I wasn’t finished.”
“Oh.”
I wait.
“I replied to him. I explained that he has wildly misjudged this institution. I told him that this firm believes that love is love. And that a person can be in an unconventional relationship and still be fantastic at their job. I explained that we believe in professionalism and performing to the best of our ability, but that we are all people, fallible and prone to mistakes. I explained that sometimes being in love makes us rash. But that doesn’t mean we have fallen short in our values. ”
I can feel tears stinging in my eyes. I swear to God, I’ve cried more in the last six months than I have in my whole life.
“Our relationship with Quentin Reed and his associated companies has been terminated. But not by him. By me. I invoked the morality clause due to his overt homophobia and his frankly childish response to being stood up to by his daughter’s partner.”
There’s a long pause as I bite my cheek, willing my emotions back into check. Finally, I look up at Harry. His expression is calm, his shoulders relaxed. I let go of my breath.
“Harry, I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. I’ve got your back, Freddie. I always will. Just… ideally… don’t tell any more clients to go fuck themselves. We’ve got a big enough hole in the next quarter as it is.”
With that, he stands, claps me on the shoulder, and gives it a good squeeze.
“I’m glad your girl is ok, Freddie. Now go remind me why I pay you the big bucks.”
I grin, feeling a lightness I didn’t believe would be possible just a few hours ago.
“You got it, boss.”