Page 15 of Office Mistakes

Chapter 8

An expectant hush fell over the office when the partners entered.

“As you know,” William Trundle began, “we’re promoting someone. We thought it only fitting to announce our decision today and start the new year out right.

“After careful consideration, we’ve finally agreed on the perfect candidate to move up. Everyone, please join us in congratulating Audra Davis on her new promotion.”

As applause erupted, Audra felt tears prick her eyes.

She’d done it. She’d done it!

Standing, she made her way to the center of the room. “Thank you,” she said simply, accepting Trundle’s handshake, and those of Daws and Kent.

Suddenly, she was surrounded by her coworkers, all offering congratulations and well wishes.

Even Charlie.

She searched his face but only saw a polite smile. She accepted his light hug and murmur of good job. And before she could answer, he melted back into the crowd.

With only an hour left until the end of the workday, most people gave up the pretense of work—Audra included. The mood was already festive as people milled around and exchanged bits of office gossip. Audra looked impatiently for Charlie, but it was like he’d vanished.

No matter, Audra told herself as she left to go home and make herself party ready. She’d corner him later that night.

The party was alreadyunderway when Audra arrived. She’d taken pains with her appearance and was pleased with the results.

Her turquoise sheath hugged her curves, and her carefully smudged eyeshadow enhanced her dark eyes. She’d left her hair loose so that it cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her lips, painted power-red, smiled as she waved to Beryl across the room.

Time passed in a blur as Audra joked, danced, and drank with her coworkers. She spotted Charlie occasionally, but he always seemed to disappear before she could get to him.

She finally saw her chance fifteen minutes before midnight and cornered him beside a little-used balcony. “I’d like to talk to you. Privately.”

Charlie raised his brows and slid open the balcony doors.

Following him out, Audra shivered as the cold air brushed her skin.

“You’ll freeze out here. We should find a place inside.”

“No, this is fine.” Audra faced him. “Are you mad at me about the promotion?”

Genuine shock rippled across Charlie’s face. “Absolutely not. You worked your ass off. You earned it.”

“You worked your ass off, too.”

“It wasn’t my time. It’s your time, Audra, and I’m happy for you.”

Audra basked in the warm sincerity of his words, even if he seemed to be holding her at a distance. “That means a lot to me, Charlie. Thank you. I’d like you to be on my team.”

Charlie’s hold on his temper frayed. “You’re offering me a spot on your team? Why? Out of guilt for not owning up to our relationship or out of pity for me because you beat me on the promotion?”

Audra paled at his harsh accusations. “Do you really think that little of me?” she asked quietly.

Charlie threw up his hands. “I don’t know what to think. But I’m beginning to think you were right. We should just step away and chalk this up to an office mistake.” He turned to go back inside.

“Charlie, wait. There’s a reason. Let me explain.”

Without turning back, Charlie paused just long enough to say, “I’m tired of hearing excuses, and I’m done with being your secret.”

Audra watched as he walked back inside, watched as he walked away from her. Hurt flowed through her.

Alone, numb, she watched blindly as fireworks exploded in the sky.

She never even felt the tears running down her cheeks.

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