Page 40 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
Rhett and I jumped apart like the other had leprosy.
Dang it!
What had we been thinking? Oh, that’s right. My brain stopped all thoughts whatsoever and hadn’t registered the enormity of the stupid mistake we’d just made.
Rhett ran a hand through his hair, blowing out a breath in the process. “Darby. Hello. Thanks for coming in. Let’s go to my office.”
My heart turned to stone. I closed my eyes to stop the tears pricking behind them. We were firing Darby because of her work and attitude. I already dreaded the task and the outcome because Darby would not make this easy.
But now?
I was terrified. Terrified Darby would turn us in to Anthony. Could we let her keep her job in exchange for her silence?No, Hols. That’s not who you are. You don’t bribe someone to save your own skin. You own up to your mistakes.
And what a huge mistake it was, even if I’d desperately wanted that kiss. Which was ridiculous considering I’d told myself he had to stay in the friendzone. Guilt swirled inside me. I’d asked Rhett to fire Darby for me. What if Darby thought he was doing it because I’d forced him to? Or he’d only agreed to fire her because she thought we were dating? It was my idea to let her go, but now? Who knew what assumptions she’d make?
What a horrific mess.
Part of me prayed Darby would be so upset she’d lost her job that she would forget all about Rhett and mealmostkissing.
Darby sat across from Rhett and me with a scowl on her face. I was used to the way her lip curled up on one side, nostrils slightly flared, brows meeting in the middle. What had Rhett done to deserve that look before we’d—he’d—spoken?
“Thanks for coming in early,” Rhett said to Darby.
I sat on my hands, my lips glued shut, fighting back nausea, my gaze darting between Darby and Rhett.
“What’s this about?” she snarled.
“The reason I became general manager is because the owner of the company had some changes he wanted to make. Unfortunately, some of those changes involved the staff. We appreciate the time you’ve given at The Boardwalk, but your employment is being terminated. You’ll be offered two weeks of severance pay as well as health insurance until the end of November. We’ll also give you a recommendation if you’d like.”
“What?” she shrieked. “You can’t do this. You can’t fire me for no reason. I have rights!”
Granted, this was unexpected for her, and no one liked losing their job, but why would shewantto stay? She hated it here. Hatedme. The Boardwalk was being generous by giving her health insurance for another month, and I didn’t know who planned to write her a recommendation, but Rhett hadn’t cleared that offer with me, so it had better be him. It would seriously be a stretch of the truth for any kind words about Darby to come out of my mouth. But if it kept her quiet…maybe I would conjure up a few niceties.
“I assure you,” Rhett said in a calm tone, “we know our rights as an employer, and our offer is considerate. I’ll escort you to the kitchen to collect any things you may have there.”
Darby turned her fiery gaze to me, stabbing a finger in my direction. “This is all your fault, you stuck-up witch! You’re terrible at your job! A rat off the street would manage the kitchen better than you do. You must have slept your way to your position becauseeveryonewho works here knows you didn’t earn it. No one becomes an executive chef as young as you did. And after that display I just walked in on, my point is proven.”
Rhett shot me a quick questioning look, like he wondered if I had earned my job by means other than my qualifications.
I gave him a disbelieving glare that showed how much his lack of trust hurt. Of course. Why wouldn’t Rhett believe Darby after what had just almost happened?
Rhett’s face morphed into one that conveyed he believed me and he was sorry he’d questioned me.
I most definitely had NOT slept my way to the top. My professor in culinary school who had sexually assaulted me had wanted me to sleep with him on an ongoing basis, but I wouldneverwillingly offer my body in exchange for a position. Tears stung the backs of my eyes. I blinked furiously, trying to get her words out of my head.
Rhett, seeing my reaction, abruptly stood, his fists clenched at his sides. “That’s enough, Darby,” he snarled. “My generous pay and benefits are about to be revoked. You will cease speaking this moment and clear the building. If I see you back here again, I’ll call the police.”
Darby spat one last unflattering word in my direction before seething to Rhett. “You’ll regret this.”
The only thing I regretted was keeping her in my kitchen as long as I had and that she caught me almost kissing Rhett. Both mistakes I had to live with.
“Let’s go.” Rhett led Darby to the kitchen to collect her knives.
Staying in Rhett’s office, I let the tears fall. I’d known Darby would make this ugly, but I hadn’t prepared myself for the resurfaced pain of what had happened to me in college. I swiped at my eyes and nose with a few tissues I pulled from the box resting on Rhett’s desk. How was I supposed to lead the group in get-to-know-you games with red, swollen eyes and a Rudolph-like nose? Like a spineless yellow-bellied toadfish, I wanted to beg Rhett to handle Josh’s firing on his own.
Ten minutes later, Rhett returned. I kept my head down, my gaze on the tissue crumpled between my fingers on my lap. He plopped in his chair, spinning so he faced my side. “Well, that sucked. I think she can kiss that letter of recommendation goodbye.”
I winced at his use of the wordkiss. Would Darby tell Anthony? Were my days numbered at The Boardwalk?
