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The next thing I register is Jay is pulling out my chair and tugging on my arm. “Don’t mind her. She hasn’t had her coffee today.”
Amala laughs, and it’s the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. How can someone talk so candidly about pissing all over someone else’s dream?
“I understand. It was a bit of a sharp pivot on our part, and I’m truly sorry to blindside you like this.” She lays a hand on my shoulder, but I can barely look at her. She knew exactly what she was doing. All I want to do is get far, far away from here. “Please, seriously consider it. We will benefit each other in so many ways. This could be the start of something huge, and it will secure Ever Heart’s future.”
I almost spit, that’s bullshit. But I know I need to keep a level head, even though I’m about to blow a gasket. My pulse speeds as my heart pounds. I stand in one jerky movement and twist away from my best friend’s hold.
“We definitely will,” Jay answers for me.
“Thank you for meeting with us today. We’ll be in touch, I’m sure.” There’s warmth in Elliot’s tone, and I commend him for doing the thing I can’t right now—remain calm after a surprise attack.
Both Elliot and Jay usher me into the mirrored elevator. I look at my reflection and note the sickly green tint to my face.
“Be calm, Mars Bars. We’ll talk about this at the office.” They turn to Elliot. “Will you organize a meeting for the end of the week? It will be mandatory for all employees.” Elliot is diligently typing into his phone. “Oh, get that great Italian place to cater it.” They’re planning this meeting like it’s going to be a festive event and not a massive layoff.
I don’t utter a word. Not in the car. Not as we walk into our building. Not even as we converge into my office.
“Earth to Mae. Earth to Mae.” Jay’s approach is insulting.
“How can you be so unruffled at a time like this?” I practically screech like my toddler, sitting behind my desk, where my laptop whirs to life.
“At a time like this? This just might be the solution to our problems,” they say, as diplomatic as ever.
My head swings toward them. “What?” I sneer. “Why would you say that?”
Jay raises defensive palms in my direction. “Because we are struggling. Because there are a lot of zeros on that point-of-sale contract.” They fling a hand my way. “You are killing yourself. But with the turn of events, a new opportunity presents itself.” Jay takes an indulgent breath. “The universe provides.”
“Stop with the new-age bullshit, would ya? The only thing it provides is an opportunity for another company to steal ours.” I can’t keep the bitterness out of my voice.
Jay’s palms turn to fists, resting on their hips. “That is certainly one way to look at it, Ms. Pessimistic,” they mock, jutting their chin out, thinking they’re funny.
I’m not the least bit humored. “You talk like there is a way to see this as anything other than selling out.”
They scoff. “We’re not selling out.”
I give them a deadpan look.
“Okay, so we are. It’s better than laying off half of our employees. Or losing Ever Heart altogether.”
The set of my stubborn chin announces my aggravation.
“You’ll keep your role and, hell, you might even be able to take a much-needed vacation.” When I won’t look at them, they go in for the kill. “Wouldn’t it be nice to truly clock out at the end of a work day and have the rest of your evenings free for Isabel?”
Jay’s right, of course. It would be nice, but by the steam blowing out of my nose, I’m still pissed. “Don’t you dare use my weakness to manipulate me into something that will ruin everything we’ve built.”
Jay expresses a long, suffering sigh. “As always, your pigheadedness shines through.”
“You know what, Jay? Fuck you.” Standing, I get right up in my best friend’s space. “I’ve been the one working to exhaustion trying to keep this company afloat while you get to make pretty pictures and go on holiday with Ian.” I can’t stop the diarrhea from exploding out of my mouth. “Then you come here, waving your crystals thinking it helps. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t.”
Impassive, Jay steps back. If the realization that I hurt them wasn’t tearing up my heart, I would have known by the ice in their eyes.
“I-I didn’t mean that, Jay.” I close the space between us, but they hold up their hand.
“I have been asking you for months if this is too much. Your happiness is my only concern.” They dig a finger in their chest. “I have been there for you each and every fucking time. Picking you up off the floor when you hit rock bottom. Without insult. Never once did I reduce you to a mere accessory in my life.”
My eyes burn, but the tears won’t fall. “I’m sorry. I’m just angry.”
“You’re always angry lately.” They walk toward my door.
