Page 179 of Empire State Enemies

She’s got to be kidding. She expects me to handle the jobs of three people now?

Vicky pirouettes away, clearly done with this chat without even waiting for a response. Her heels click loudly through the tense silence.

Oh no she didn’t. She can’t just drop that kind of news and strut away.

“Vicky,” I call out, pulse racing.

Ignoring me, she continues on her march, her ass swaying. That’s it, I’m not going down without a fight.

“I’m not taking on Jenny’s workload without a raise!” I yell out.

That snaps Vicky around with a death glare. “Excuse me?”

“You’re excused,” I toss back, willing my wobbly knees to stand strong. I’ll be damned if I let her see me wobble.

Her mouth drops open as if I’ve just grown a second head.

We stare each other down. I swallow hard, pulse rocketing. The tension is so thick, you’d think we were two duelists in a western showdown, ready to draw our weapons.

“Just go and talk to Jenny,” she finally spits out.

“You know what? I will talk to Jenny,” I fire back, feeling oddly detached, like I’m watching myself from outside my body. “Maybe we can plan a joint farewell bash. Because I quit.”

The words spill out before I can stop them. My brain screamsWhat did you just say?

This might be my most epic mic drop ever, but oh god, it’s terrifying. Blood rushes to my ears.

I don’t have another job waiting. No Plan B. Just maxed out credit cards and debt up the wazoo.

I feel nauseous.

But staring at Vicky’s sheer disbelief, something clicks. Forget the impending financial crisis; this is about self-respect. I can’t work under this woman anymore.

I have to leave Vallure before I have no soul left at all.

Holy shit I’m actually doing this. Moonwalking right out.

My hands quiver faintly before I gather them into fists at my side. I hope no one notices.

The tension is knife-thick. All eyes are on us.

Vicky is floored. Speechless for once. And I want the final word.

I turn on my heel and walk away, feeling every gaze burning into my back.

I swear I can feel the silent cheers and rounds of applause from my colleagues, a silent chorus of support—or maybe they’re just thrilled to have some live drama to break up the monotony of the day.

Either way, I’m out.

FORTY-FIVE

Lexi

Obviously I had to come back.

Quitting your job isn’t the mic-drop moment movies make it out to be when you’re shackled by a notice period. I grabbed a coffee to gather my wits and then headed back to my desk.

I’m one week into my notice period at Vallure, which is just fabulous, considering Vicky’s on a personal crusade to make each day as miserable as possible.