Page 112 of Not Safe For Work

I wantzerodoubt. I want to erase the possibility of whispers and lies that spread like wildfire. I want it to be perfectly fucking clear that I earned that position, that it wasn’t because some man likes the way I look, or feels sorry for me, or wants to make up for someone else’s indiscretions.

I pass the wall of fame on my way back to my desk, the wall covered in velvet portraits of every sales rep who’s closed a million-dollar deal. Gavin has a whole damn row.

Seven portraits of him I have to pass on the walk, seven times to feel the betrayal, seven expletives escaping my lips.

“Liv?”

Make that eight.

“Hey, asshole.”

“Can we talk? Please?”It’s not even nine in the morning and he’s already begging. At least I can take a little pleasure in that.

“I actually have a lot of work to do,” I say, bee-lining it to my desk.

As soon as I sit down, I put on my headphones, drowning out his pleas.

SLACK DIRECT MESSAGE

Gavin Scott:

Please let me explain

Olivia Diamond:

Explain what? Your need to run to Daanesh and betray me?

Gavin Scott:

I didn’t betray you! He cornered me. Demanded to know why I lied about dating you. He found out weeks ago.

This surprises me and I briefly glance up from my computer. Gavin raises his brows in an attempt to talk, but I deny him. There’s no way Daanesh has known for weeks.

Olivia Diamond:

That’s impossible. Nice try though

Gavin Scott:

I swear, Liv. He said he saw a text you sent Andie, totally by accident. I think it must have been when you were going to that charity event because you said something about not having to bring me since no one from work would be there

What? That’s way too specific to be made up but it has to be a lie. Andie was in Santa Barbara with her boyfriend when…

I yank off my headphones and fall back into my chair.Unbelievable.

“What’s wrong?” Gavin’s staring at me. He’s doing it in that sweet “I’m just here for you” way that makes me melt. But I don’t want to melt for him right now.

“There’s no one I can trust anymore.”

“Sparkles.” He gets up and comes over to sit in Paul’s old chair. “You can trust me, you can. This was all just one big clusterfuck, but that doesn’t mean you can’t trust me. I’ve only ever had your best interest in mind. You know that.”

I realize the office is starting to fill up and I look around, hoping this conversation isn’t being overheard. Gavin notices and grabs both of my hands to pull me up. “Come here.” He drags me into the closest conference room.

“How can I make this right, Liv?”

Make it right? Does he think he has the power to turn back time?

“Yesterday,” I announce. “I told you I had a planyesterday. You couldn’t even give me a whole twenty-four hours to fix this myself?”

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