Page 10 of Not Safe For Work

“What’s the next step with Tristan?” Mitch asks.

Shit. I need more time to prepare for this conversation. How do I explain that Tristan won’t be coming to the next meeting but asked me on a date instead? Mitch can never know about that email. I want the chance to do this job, to be brilliant like Gavin. I’m sick of people thinking the only way for me to get ahead is by seducing powerful men.

“Product team is looped in and we’re syncing tomorrow to start prepping the software demo for the next meeting. And yes, Darnell confirmed the time next week still works.” It feels like I’m about to break an ankle walking this fast in my pumps. I’mtrying to make some eye-contact but if I step on any uneven ground, I’m a goner.

Mitch stops suddenly and I almost slam into his side. He looks at me pointedly. “Great. Fine. I’m asking about Tristan.”

“Well, Tristan said he’s going to have Darnell run point moving forward. Gavin said that’s normal, for executives to take a step back during the process, let their team handle things.” Gavin said no such thing, but I hope it’s true.

“I saw his email, Livy. I’m asking what your plan is.”

Mitch glances at his watch and over at the ferry line, as if this conversation is nothing but a notch to check off on his list before heading home. He saw the email? I reach for my phone but realize I left it on my desk.

“You saw it?”

“I assume he didn’t mean to reply all. I hope you don’t keep him waiting too long for a response.”

Tristan seriously replied all with that email? He is a successfulexecutive. He shouldn’t be making mistakes like that. That’s something I would do, have done.Ugh.

Okay, try to relax. Don’t let the panic take over. This is an easy fix. Just be professional. Act like it’s just something silly. Big tit energy. A man would never get worked up about this.

“I’ll respond before I leave tonight. Let him know I’m only interested in a professional relationship. It’s no big deal.”Suck it, Ian. Look how mature I am now.

“Livy,” Mitch sighs. “You can’t say no to him. You wanted to work the deal. Work it.”

Ican’tsay no? “Mitch, you can’t be serious. He’s a prospect. Not to mention that he’s like fifteen years older than me and?—”

“Come on Livy, we both know that’s your type.” He winks at me, and it feels like a worm slithering down my spine.

“You think I’m going to sleep with someone to close a sale?”

I met Ian two monthsafterstarting the job at Sizzl, yet somehow people still treat me like I’m there because of him. If I really used sex to get ahead, I would hope I’d be promoted by now. Well, maybe not considering Ian’s opinion on my skills in the bedroom.

“Hey.” Mitch holds up his hands like he’s being interrogated by a cop. “I never said you had to sleep with him. But do you really think he’ll want to work with us after you turn him down?” He scoffs and starts walking again. “Look, I’m taking a big chance letting you work this. It’s my ass on the line if we lose the deal because you flirted with the client and couldn’t follow through. I gotta run.” He looks up at the crosswalk sign changing. “You wanted this to prove you have what it takes to be in sales, right? So prove it to me.”

He jogs across the street while I’m left slack-jawed and shaking.

CHAPTER FOUR

GAVIN

“Hey,what are you still doing here?” Gabby asks on her way out of the office.

I should probably lie, but I just don’t have it in me.

“Please don’t read into it, but I’m waiting for Liv to get back. She looked kind of upset this afternoon and it’s after six, but all her stuff is still here. I just want to make sure she’s okay.”

“Oh, brother. You are never getting over this girl.” I roll my eyes but don’t respond because it’s not worth another argument. I’ve tried staying away from Liv ever since I found out Ian was in the picture, but it’s getting harder to push her away. Even if all I get to do is help her earn the promotion she’s fighting for, being the one to make her smile is worth it.

“I’ll see you at home, okay? I’m sure she’ll be back soon.”

“I’m staying at Kadesha’s tonight,” she replies, heading to the door. Then she turns around and yells, “Have fun pining!”

A half hour goes by and I’m really starting to worry about Liv. The entire office is empty, and I’ve checked every single conference room for her. Who leaves work without their phone?

I finally decide I’m being an idiot, and maybe a creep, and pack up my stuff. Ian probably surprised her and took her out for a date or something.

It’s too late to go to the gym now, so I decide to take the stairs. But when I open the door to the stairwell, I find Liv. She’s crouched down on the floor curled into herself the same way Churro does when he’s scared. I can’t tell if she’s crying but she’s definitely shaking.

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