Chandler
CHANDLER
K en looks good on the stage with a microphone in his hand. I’d sent him an email about my departure from the company after my grandfather and I talked. I just haven’t quite figured out how to tell Sam yet. It has to be after the party when we’re alone. I need to tell her before she finds out some other way. I need to explain to her that it doesn’t change how I feel and that I want to make it work. Ken clears his throat on the mic and then begins.
“Thank you for coming to our 25th annual summer party!”
Three people cheer while the rest of us clap. “As most of you know, my brother and I built this company from the ground up, making it what it is today. It’s a big thanks to all of you that we’re now celebrating the company's 25th year of service. Each and every one of you has played a big role in this company, and we hope to continue for another 25 years.”
“Will he even live that long?” Sam whispers to me, and I laugh. Ken gives me a pointed look, and I shut my mouth.
“And it’s with great sorrow to see some of our employees have to step away from their positions with this company, especially when they’re the best in the business.”
Oh, no. No! I told him to announce it in an email next week! Not at the fucking work party! He better fucking not.
“Sam, there’s something I…” I start, but she shushes me.
Ken continues. “As you know, and Samantha are our best CPAs at this company, and even though I’m sad to see one of them go, we want them to know what a pleasure it’s been working with them. will be leaving us by the beginning of next week, and we are all so sorry to see him go.”
Everyone looks at me, but I only feel Sams's eyes boring into my fucking soul. I don’t look at her. I don’t even breathe. I glare at Ken, but he doesn’t notice.
“But even with him gone, we will still be achieving great things! And now I want to Welcome Samantha Jensen and Randall up to receive a bonus of ten thousand dollars! Thank you for all you do for our company and servicing businesses across state lines!”
I go to face Sam, but she’s already making her way onto the stage, and I follow her with my heart still hammering against my chest. Fucking hell. What the fuck am I going to do? They hand both Sam and me a ten thousand dollar check, and the room erupts with cheers and claps. I stand next to Sam and look at her.
“Sam?” I say, but she doesn’t even glance in my direction.
“Do either of you want to say anything?”
I have a lot to say to Ken. Sam takes the mic, and my heart lurches. I can tell by the look on her face that this isn’t going to be good.
“Ken, thank you so much. It’s an honor to work with this company,” she says to Ken. Okay, maybe it won’t be so bad. “And ," she says, looking right at me. Fuck. “I wish I could say it was a pleasure working with you, but as I’m sure everyone knows, it was like getting teeth pulled.”
A few people laugh, and I groan.
“I’m sure you will be missed by plenty and…”
Ken snatches the mic from her, frowning. “Okay, thank you… Sam.” He gives her wary look before turning back to the crowd. “Everyone enjoy the party!”
He turns to us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. “I’m proud of you guys. We have a few photographers to take photos, so just stand there and look pretty.”
Fucking Ken! I have the urge to punch him, more than the usual urge I used to get when I first met him. Sam and I stand next to each other in front of the flashing lights.
“Sam," I say through smiling clenched teeth.
She speaks through her smile. “When did you plan on telling me?”
“Not. Like. This.” My jaw hurts when I speak through the fakest smile I’ve ever given.
“More like never.”
When the cameras stop, I turn to Sam, but she walks away from me. Ken stops me before I can follow her.
“," he says. “We’re really going to miss you. There’s still time to change your mind.”
“I’m not changing my mind," I say defiantly, glaring at him.
“Well, stay and have a few drinks. And," he leans in close to whisper in my ear. “Make sure Sam doesn’t drink too much.”
“Already on my radar," I say and walk off the stage to look for Sam, but she’s gone.