Page 47 of Nothing But the Truth

Lucy grumbled, feeling that Chase-knot harden up again. “I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt because this is a difficult situation, but don’t make me regret being honest with you. And I don’t want your pity. I want things to change. And you have to be part of it. It can’t only be women screaming and pounding our fists. We need men on the inside to enact change. To stand up for us. To make a difference. Got it?”

He looked at her, suddenly sober, and swallowed.

“People like Jonathan keep people like me out of the ring by fostering unsafe work environments, and you’ve admitted that you need me, so it’s time for you to stand up.”

She watched her words settle over him and hoped they were sinking in.

“You know, you’re awfully brazen when you want to be.”

She shrugged. “Maybe I’m tired of fighting by myself.”

“Well, maybe it’s time you had some help.”

The door to their right opened and interrupted them.

Annie walked out, eyes puffy and pink as if she’d been crying, but also looking self-satisfied. Her face flushed when she saw Lucy, and Lucy tried to look reassuring, but she was suddenly hit with a wave of nerves.

“Lucy?” Amanda said from her doorway as Annie passed. “We’re ready for you.”

Lucy looked at Chase as if he might be coming in with her for some unknown reason, and he pointed his thumb at the door to the left. He’d been summoned by Brian, the assistant director of HR, and Lucy realized, as she probably should have earlier, that Annie’s actions had put all hands on deck.

“Good luck,” he said quietly, and gave her a soft smile.

Lucy took a breath and headed for Amanda’s office.