Page 107 of Kiss and Tell

“There’s no need,” I said. “I quit.”

Charlotte blinked, taken aback. Courtice’s brow furrowed, looking confused.

“Quit?” she repeated.

“I’m not going to work at a place that lets someone off the hook simply because they are higher up on the corporate chain, or because they’re good buddies with the executives,” I said. “All it took was a single insinuation from a guy like Peter to call me into a meeting for a warning, but when I tried to tell the truth my concerns were dismissed. That’s not the kind of environment I want to be in.” I lifted my chin and firmed my jaw. “I quit.”

“Well.” Courtice was at a loss for words. She tapped on her hip, looking put out. “Well, I can’t say I’m going to dissuade you from this course of action,” she finally said. “But before you officially resign…” She turned to the People Manager. “David, I believe you should give Ms. Browning that paperwork to fill out a complaint, don’t you?”

“Don’t bother,” I said. “I already did.”

I tossed one last bundle of papers on the desk.

“I’ve put in a formal complaint of harassment and a hostile work environment with the labor board,” I said.

Peter made a strangled sound. David’s eyes bugged out as he scanned the documents. Charlotte looked like she was hiding a smile. Courtice’s eyes were narrowed, but she looked impressed, despite herself.

“You should be hearing from the labor board soon,” I said.

With a barely suppressed triumphant smirk, I gave Peter one last arch look.

“You may wish to retain legal counsel, Mr. Cunningham.”

Thirty-Five

I walkedout of the meeting room and closed the door behind me, leaving the others speechless.

I nearly collapsed.

My hands were cold and trembling and my heart was beating wildly. I hadn’t realized how worked up I’d gotten. I had kept it together in the meeting, but now that I was out in the hallway, I could finally register the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

A wide grin spread across my lips.

I couldn’t believe I’d actually done that. I couldn’t believe I’d gone through with it.

I’d exposed Peter for what he was. He’d gotten fired.

And I’d quit my job on the spot.

Terror shot through me, dampening the gleeful satisfaction.

I’d quit my job.

I was unemployed.

Would anyone hire me after hearing I’d taken a previous coworker to court?

Would I be blackballed from the industry?

How would I be able to pay my rent?

Would I lose my apartment?

The thoughts wouldn’t stop swirling in my head as I made my way back down to my office. I’d put all my personal items in a large shopping bag under my desk, ready for this moment. As I carried it out to my car, I made sure to wave hello to everyone on my way, keeping up the pleasant facade.

Maybe I was unemployable now, but Peter was going to get what was coming to him, and knowing that brought the smile back to my face.

My first instinct after pulling out of the parking lot was to go see Connor, so I swung around and made my way to the bar, where I knew he was helping Jessie with some last minute painting of trims and baseboards.