The Promotion

Chapter Two

After working an extra hour, my shift finally came to an end. Sarah rushed off home, leaving me alone to make sure everything was switched off and prepared for the next day.

I grabbed my bag and headed toward the exit. The thought of sitting at the bar, relaxed, a drink in my hand, was etched into my mind. It was the only thing I could think about.

Just as I reached the doors, someone called my name.

I paused, glancing around in confusion. Then my name was called again. Turning toward the voice, I spotted a woman marching toward me from across the building. At first, I didn't recognise her—but as she drew closer, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach.

It was Jackie—the woman I'd spent the entire weekend pestering to give Calum an interview.

I hoped, prayed, she was calling me over with good news.

"Jackie, hi," I said as she reached me. "How are you?"

Judging by the stress etched across her face, not well.

"Louisa," she said breathlessly, "your referral."

"Yes?" My heart raced. "What about it?"

"I'm very disappointed."

My chest tightened, my heart thudding loudly as a dozen thoughts flooded my mind. I gestured for her to continue.

"Calum Harris did not turn up," she said sternly. "We waited over an hour. We called both numbers you provided—no answer."

Mortification and anger surged through me. After everything I'd done, everything I'd gone through for him, this was how he repaid me?

"Oh, Jackie, I'm so sorry," I said quietly. "I apologise on his behalf."

The words felt hollow, but I had nothing else to offer.

"Unfortunately," she continued, "because your referral failed to provide a valid reason for his absence, you won't be able to refer anyone to us for six months."

Before I could respond, she turned and walked away.

I stood there, frozen, my thoughts spiralling. Then rage took over. I stormed out of the building like a bull seeing red, my mind racing but unable to make sense of it all.

I needed answers. From Calum.

Outside the apartment, I forced myself to calm down. I decided to test him—to see if the truth would slip out. I composed myself, making sure there wasn't a trace of anger on my face.

"I'm back," I called out.

"Hey babe, how was work?" Calum replied, eyes glued to the TV as he played his game.

I grunted at his complete lack of awareness and went to freshen up. I changed into a plain white T-shirt, jeans, and my black leather jacket.

"So," I asked casually as I returned, "how was the interview?"

"Er... yeah," he said vaguely. "It was good. You know how interviews are."

My stomach dropped.

He was lying.

"So when will they let you know the outcome?" I pressed, watching him carefully.

"Few weeks, I think."

That was it.

Anger exploded inside me. I stormed over, snatched the remote, and turned the TV off.

"Louisa! What the hell—I was pl—"

"You liar!" I shouted. "You fucking liar! There was no interview, was there? You didn't go! How could you do this? Why would you do this?"

The words tumbled out uncontrollably.