Sugar sugar baby

[63] The layoff

It had been about a week since I started working at Starbucks, and things had been going smoothly—almost too smoothly. I'd gotten into a rhythm, making drinks, chatting with customers, and feeling good about where I was at. But then, that morning, Kim, my manager, called me into her office. She had a look on her face I didn't like—something heavy, something serious.

"Hey, Tristan," she said softly, motioning for me to sit down. "We need to talk."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. The way she said it, the tone of her voice—I already knew it wasn't going to be good. I sat down across from her, my hands resting on my knees as I tried to keep my cool. "What's up?"

Kim let out a sigh, rubbing the back of her neck as she leaned back in her chair. "I won't beat around the bush here. The company's making cuts. Corporate sent down word yesterday, and we've got to cut back on staff..."

I blinked, my heart sinking immediately. "Wait, you're laying me off?"

She nodded slowly, her expression full of regret. "Yeah. I hate this, Tristan. You've been doing a great job, but we've got to let some people go, and unfortunately, you're one of the newer hires."

I stared at her, the words not fully sinking in at first. "So... that's it? I'm out?"

Kim sighed again, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. "I'm really sorry. If it were up to me, you'd stay. You've been one of the best new hires we've had, but this is coming from above me. I don't have a say."

I leaned back in my chair, trying to process the news. After everything—after walking away from Vanessa, starting fresh with this job, feeling like I was finally getting some stability—it was all slipping away again. "Fuck," I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair.

"I know," Kim said quietly. "It's shitty. Believe me, I'm pissed about it too."

There was a heavy silence between us, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. I didn't want to take it out on her—she wasn't the one making the call—but it still stung.

"I don't even know what to say," I muttered, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. "I thought things were going well."

"They are," Kim said quickly, her voice filled with sincerity. "This has nothing to do with your performance. You've been great. It's just... business."

I nodded, even though the explanation didn't make it feel any better. It was always about business. Always about fucking numbers.

Kim shifted in her chair, her face softening a little. "Look, I know you haven't been here long enough to qualify for paid leave, but I went ahead and pulled some strings with HR. I'm getting you two weeks of paid leave anyway. It's not much, but it's something."

I looked up at her, surprised by the gesture. "Wait, seriously?"

She nodded, offering me a small, sad smile. "Yeah. I wanted to make sure you weren't leaving empty-handed. I know this sucks, and I wish I could do more, but..."

I sighed, feeling a little of the bitterness lift at her words. "Thanks, Kim. Really. I appreciate it."

She smiled softly, leaning forward on her desk. "I wish it didn't have to be this way, but at least this gives you a bit of a cushion. And hey, once things settle down, you never know—we might be hiring again. I'll keep you in mind if that happens."

I chuckled dryly, still feeling the sting but trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I guess that's something to look forward to."

Kim nodded, her eyes kind. "You're a good guy, Tristan. You'll land on your feet."

I stood up, feeling the strange mix of gratitude and frustration swirl in my chest. "Yeah, I hope so."

We stood in silence for a moment, the reality of the situation sinking in. She really was trying to help, and I couldn't be mad at her for that. Still, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me.

Kim walked around the desk, extending her hand. "I'm really sorry it had to end like this, but thank you for all your hard work. You really did a great job."

I shook her hand, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, Kim. I'll keep in touch."

She nodded, and as I turned to leave, she called after me one last time. "Take care of yourself, Tristan."

I glanced back, giving her a small smile. "You too."

***

As I walked out of the Starbucks, the sun was already starting to rise higher in the sky, casting long shadows on the street. I stood there for a moment, hands in my pockets, just trying to process everything.

I'd barely been working there for a week, and now I was back to square one. It felt like every time I tried to take a step forward, something pulled me back. The stability I thought I was building—it was already crumbling.

I sighed, looking around at the bustling city, wondering what the hell I was going to do next.

Q: Have you ever been laid off before?