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“Come on. Out with it.”
I take a sip of coffee and sit up a little straighter. “Okay. Bear with me, because this is something that’s going to be a little surprising to you and I just need to get all of it out. It’s about Margie.”
“Go on…”
“A lot of things have been going on recently, and it all started when I hired her as my assistant. Now, before you say I’m wrong, or mistaken, just hear me out. Things have been happening at work. She was so nice at the start, I helped her, as you know. I took her shopping. She created breaks for me through my work day, which is something I’ve never had, but then it all started going downhill. My main account, my biggest one that I worked so hard for, got closed for reasons I don’t need to go into; but it was big, mom. No, it was huge. Accounts started disappearing. She flirted with the guy I was seeing. She would pop up in places you wouldn’t expect, like in the park early in the morning. She’d watch me all the time. She changed her clothes, her whole appearance, to look more like me. Then she dyed her hair blonde. Why would anyone want to do that? The more I put it all together, the creepier it is.”
Mom sighs and looks at me. “Reagan, don’t you think you’re overreacting a little bit? I mean, don’t get me wrong, when Hayden introduced her, I didn’t realize it was the same person who came shopping with us at first, but that’s her prerogative to change and have a whole new makeover. Especially if it makes her feel better about herself.”
“No, I’m not overreacting. What the hell mom. Don’t you think it’s all a bit too coincidental that she suddenly looks like me. The guy I’ve been seeing or was seeing because I’m not even sure of anything right now, is the owner of an opposing firm. Everett and I have an agreement to not screw the other over where business is concerned. But we’ve gotten closer and we were actually taking it to the next level and pushing for more of a relationship. At least that was the plan before all this.”
“Do I get to meet this Everett, or at least see a photo?”
“Yeah, let me find one. Hang on.” I grab my phone and open my phone up to the photo gallery. I scroll through the camera roll and find one from the charity ball. I click on it, enlarge it, and slide my cell over to Mom.
She picks up the phone to see the picture more clearly. “Well, he’s a looker. Smart, professional, your father would be proud.”
My dad has to stay out of this for now, or I’ll start crying, so I ignore that comment. “Mom, can you focus on the problem at hand.” I pause for a second before going on once mom’s attention is back. “Anyway. I went to Everett’s office and found Margie there. He swears he’s innocent. They were against the wall and her lips were on his.”
The frown on her face tells me she’s not happy. It takes her a minute before she finds the words she wants to say. “And this is the guy you want a relationship with?”
“Nothing is going on between us until I can find out what’s happening. On top of all of this, I’ve been suspended.”
“From work? But why?”
I take another sip of coffee, fortifying myself for this next revelation. “He said for sabotage of an account and for bullying. Mr. Hicks wants to do investigations. Mom, I’ve never bullied anyone in my life. And especially not at work. Why would I sabotage my own job? It’s my life. I’ve given my life to that firm.” Tears threaten to fall but I push them back. I cried a river last night, I won’t cry anymore, I refuse to.
“And who do you think is accusing you of bullying?” She frowns as she takes a sip of coffee.
“Mom…seriously? Are you not putting two and two together here? After everything I’ve just said… I’ve explained everything and it’s not clear in your mind?”
“You think it’s Margie?” She chuckles. “Oh, Reagan, your trust issues are so much more of a problem than I thought. Yes, I’ll admit the hair color and wardrobe change both threw me. You know, from the back, apart from her not being quite as tall as you, I actually thought she was you, but that sweet girl could not do that.”
“Sweet? You don’t know her.”
“But I know your brother is happy. He likes her. Please don’t ruin this for him.”
“She told me she was meeting Hayden at lunchtime, but instead I found her at Everett’s office. Why would she lie about going to see Hayden? And what about me? What about her ruining things for me?”
“Do you have any proof sweetheart? I know you said that Everett swore his innocence, but what if he’s lying? Have you thought about that?”
I can’t help scoffing as I lean back against the wooden chair, hitting it hard. I shake my head at her, unable to believe what I’m hearing. “Yes, I have, a lot. Do you think I’m lying?”
“No, sweetheart. If there’s one thing we taught you and your brother, it was to never lie.”
“But I am now?” My voice raises, and I never raise my voice at my mom.
“No. But you may have just misinterpreted things.”
“Wow, you’ve met her, what, twice, and you’re ready to believe her over your daughter. Fine…” I nod vigorously, pushing my chair out and standing. “I was hoping you’d have my back on this, but obviously Hayden is the important one. Mark my words, she’s a psycho. I’ll find your proof.” I grab my cell, leaving my mom sitting with her mouth hanging open. I thunder through the hall and pick up my purse on the way out.
Sixty-One
Reagan
Since leaving Mom’s the other day, all I’ve done is veg out. I’ve gotten up late, I’ve eaten junk food, and I’ve watched so many crappy TV shows. Today is no different. I never did meet up with Everett. I told him something had come up and to just give me space. He did as I asked, which I’m more than grateful for.
I grab some of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s from the freezer and turn Netflix on. I’ve been binging the Gilmore Girls from the first season again. A bit of sarcasm, humor, and wit was what I needed to get over the argument I had with my mom. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to not be completely centered around work. I know I should be trying to fight for my innocence, but I honestly don’t have the energy. It’s been sapped out of me along with any passion I had.
