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“I made it up.” Tears spring to her eyes, and I can feel my mom and Joy pause in hanging dresses across the store to listen in. “It’s just…Melissa was so awful, Polly. She wasn’t just a bully, she was abusive to all of us, and I couldn’t take it, but I didn’t want to quit because I love this job.”
She sniffs, and I feel angry all over again.
“I feel awful for leaving Katie alone with her,” she continues, “but that girl has spine. Whenever Melissa got mean with her, Katie would tell her to go fuck herself. I want to be that girl when I grow up.”
“Me, too,” I mutter, taking this all in.
“I know that I lied, and I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t do it. So, if that means that I’m fired, I understand, but I needed to come in and tell you the truth.”
“I appreciate that.” I sigh, suddenly feeling nauseous, which has been happening a lot lately. “You’re not fired, Jessica. The truth is, I need you, and I think you do a good job.”
She sighs in relief.
“However, if you lie like that again, you will no longer have a position here.”
“I understand,” she says immediately. “I would never do that under normal circumstances. Does…does Melissa still work here?”
“No.”
“Thank God.” She smiles at me. “Thank you. Thank you so much. When do you want me to come in?”
“Tomorrow. You can open with me.”
“That’s perfect,” she says, nodding. “I’ll see you then.”
After she leaves, I take a look around. Jeez, a lot has happened already today, and it isn’t even lunchtime.
“Okay, you guys have everything under control?” I ask as Mom and Joy giggle over folding T-shirts. “I’m headed over to the Iconic Women’s Collective meeting if you’re okay here.”
“Oh, honey, we’re great. Besides, Katie will be here in a couple of hours, too. Don’t you worry about a thing.” Mom smiles over at me and folds a red T-shirt.
“Thanks. I’m so happy you two are having fun.”
“Are you kidding? This is the best job,” Joy replies with a wink.
The phone rings, but when I pick it up, no one answers on the other end. “Pocket Full of Polly, can I help you? Hello? Annoying.” I hang up and blow out a breath. That’s the third time that’s happened this week.
I go into the back and grab my new Chanel bag, then I have to stop by the bathroom.
I’ve been feeling so queasy the last few days. I haven’t actually thrown up, but man, am I nauseous. I haven’t been eating much because nothing sounds good, but maybe I’m just hungry.
I’ll be sure to eat something at today’s lunch.
With my tummy settled for now, I walk out to my car and scowl at the note tucked under the windshield wiper.
You’re going to regret this.
It’s a handwritten note, and if I’m not mistaken, it looks like Melissa’s writing. She must have already heard from Willa and isn’t taking the news well.
With a roll of my eyes, I tuck the note into my bag and drive up to the resort, where we’ll be having lunch at Snow Ghost. When I arrive, I see that most of the attendees are already here, and I’m surprised to see that even London is here, too.
“You’re in town!” I hug her close, so happy to see her. “But isn’t it football season?”
“Yes, but I carved out a day away so I could come to this. I love these meetings, and it’s a nice break from the city. Caleb came with me and convinced me that he’s old enough to stay at the condo by himself. Since I’m so close by, I decided to give it a go. I’m nervous as hell.”
“He’ll be great,” I assure her. “Besides, you’re only a three-minute walk away.”
“That’s what I figured,” she says with a laugh and frowns when I clutch my stomach. “Hey, you okay?”
