Page 91 of Kiss and Tell

Maybe Peter had made good on his threat. Fury and horror fought for dominance in my chest. I’d been doing everything he’d asked me to, but maybe I hadn’t been doing it fast enough. The bar renovation project was my first priority, after all.

The phone on my desk rang. The caller ID said it was from the People Manager. Dread washed over me. I wanted to ignore it. Maybe I could pretend I was out of my office. But everyone had seen me come in today. I’d done my usual rounds and said polite hellos to everyone in the department, making sure to put in face time after spending so many hours off-site.

The phone continued ringing. I picked it up gingerly.

“Hello, Ms. Browning,” the man said briskly. “Did you see our meeting request?”

“Uh—” my throat was as dry as a desert. I swallowed. “Yes, just now.”

“Please come down to the third floor for a meeting,” he continued. “It’s urgent.”

“Right. Okay. I’m on my way.”

He hung up without another word.

My hands trembled as I made the walk to the elevator. A few friendly faces popped up from their cubicles to smile and wave hello. I returned them weakly.

“Taking a late lunch?” one of the women said.

“Mm,” I responded noncommittally.

I was almost at the elevator when Peter stuck his head out of his office. He smirked at me.

“How’s that paperwork treating you?” he called out.

I clenched my jaw and looked straight ahead, not acknowledging him.

I got into the elevator and rode it down. My heart raced in my chest. My hands shook.

I got off on the third floor. Through the glass walls of an office I could see my boss in a meeting room with the partner.

Calm. Down,I told myself.

I couldn’t go in there looking like a mess. I had to be professional. Besides, what if it was something good? Maybe they wanted to commend me for my work. Maybe I was getting an employee reward. Maybe I was getting an early promotion.

The more I thought positive thoughts, the calmer I felt. I couldn’t go in there imagining worst case scenarios. I took several deep breaths, plastered a pleasant smile on my face and walked in.

The moment I saw their grim expressions I knew something was deeply wrong.

I forced my lips to stay curled into a smile.

“Hello,” I said to both of them. “Sorry it took me a few minutes, I was in the middle of replying to an email,” I lied. “Can I ask what this is about?”

My boss, Charlotte, cleared her throat and gestured to one of the chairs.

“Why don’t you take a seat?” she said.

I did so.

They stood standing.

“Ms. Browning, some concerning allegations have been brought to our attention,” David started. “You’ve been working on the Walter Moore project, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.” I was proud my voice didn’t crack.

“It has been brought to our attention that you and Mr. Moore may be engaged in…” the man flushed faintly and coughed into his hand before continuing, “…in an inappropriate relationship.”

Complete and utter terror filled my veins. I forced myself to keep my back ramrod straight, to keep my face smooth and flat, devoid of any expression.