Page 36 of Perfect Night

Everyone was on tenterhooks at the stand-off in the middle of the office. Nathaniel and Charlie were just staring at each other, with Geraldine looking like she should do something, but not knowing what. She was probably thinking about damage limitation. Jason worked in HR, so Charlie knew enough to realise Nathaniel had fucked up big time, but the one thing he shouldn’t do was resign.

“I’m not going to resign.”

“So we have an agreement.”

“And I’m not going to work late.”

Nathaniel launched at Charlie and grabbed him by the collar. Spittle was forming at the corners of his mouth, he was that angry. Geraldine was trying to break them apart. Charlie didn’t hear what she was saying. He’d obviously pushed the guy too far. What if Nathaniel punched him? He wouldn’t be able to work later, and he’d lose money, and that would affect his mum. He needed to defuse things quickly. Nathaniel was snarling in hisface with a stream of homophobic insults. He couldn’t respond to them, no matter how angry they made him; he just needed to get away, and fast. There was too much at stake. He wriggled, but Nathaniel wasn’t letting go.

“Fine, fine, you win. I quit.”

Nathaniel let him go with a smile and straightened out his suit.

“You heard him, Geraldine. It was his choice. Deal with the paperwork. I’m going to lunch. I want him gone when I get back.”

He walked out, taking the stairs. Waiting for the lift was never as dramatic an exit. After he’d left, there was a stunned silence before the murmurs started. Charlie felt humiliated. Geraldine asked him to come to her office, but he refused and grabbed his bag. He took off his security pass and dumped it on his desk. He then went to his locker and emptied it quickly. Charlie was aware everyone was watching him. He’d felt emboldened in the moment, but the adrenaline had worn off and he knew he’d regret this moment. Having a job with a boss he hated was better than having no job.

“Charlie, we need to go through some paperwork before you leave.”

He just wanted to bolt, but he’d then have to come back. Reluctantly, he followed her, not looking at anyone else who was still watching him and whispering, no doubt enjoying his humiliation.

After he’d left the office – having signed his life away, or that’s what it felt like – he called Jason. He didn’t want to go home, as he knew Langdon would be there and he would want to punch Nathaniel. He didn’t want his friends fixing things for him, no matter how well intentioned they were. Charlie could look afterhimself, but for now, he just wanted to vent. Jason was usually the best for that, but he’d made a mistake in his choice.

“She made you sign what?”

He passed the paper to Jason.

“Well, this isn’t legal. You have to have a settlement agreement signed by a lawyer. And you get what? A month’s notice and your holiday pay, which you’re entitled to anyway.”

“Please don’t go all HR on me. I just need a friend right now. Yes, he forced me to resign when he grabbed me and called me a dirty queer. Do I care? No. I just want my money and to get another job as soon as possible.”

“He did what?” Jason looked horrified.

“Please, can we let it go? I need to find a job. Can you look at my CV at the weekend for me?”

“You have to take this to tribunal.”

“Jason! I said, leave it. Now, will you help me with my CV?”

“Yes, of course. We can do it on Sunday after your big date.” He smiled, getting back to his happy, chirpy self.

“I’m not going on the date. We can do it tomorrow.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve just lost my job. It’s not a priority right now. I need money. And don’t tell any of the others about this either.”

“I think they’ll notice when you’re not at work on Monday,” said Jason.

“What?”

“The guys will know something is up. You can only keep this from them until Monday. Langdon will be home, and Paolo doesn’t work Mondays. Even Gregory might not go in to the office. You’ll have to say something.”

“I’ll think of something. Just let me get tonight out of the way, and I can think of a plan over the weekend.”

“I don’t think you should see a client tonight. Your head isn’t in the right place. You don’t want it to mess you up.”

“I don’t have a choice. I need the money. Now, more than ever.”

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