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Chapter Twelve

I run my hands through my wet hair as I hurry into the office, knowing I look like I literally just jumped out of the shower, which I did. No one will look at me, making me think Abigail didn't keep this to herself.

I turn the corner, already seeing her at her desk on the phone.

I take a breath, closing my eyes and walk in. She glances up at me from the desk.

"I know, Jeffery. I will do it now." She hangs up and chuckles. "What did I tell you when I gave you this promotion, Emma?"

I clutch my hands in front of my body. "That you wanted a voice that would attract readers."

"Yes, I said that. What else?"

I stare at her, unsure to where she is going with this but suddenly I'm fearing the worst. She presses her hands to her desk, leaning forward.

"I told you that you have to be married to your work. Your career is the most important aspect of your life."

"Okay."

"So, why in heavens name, would you do this?"

She reaches under the desk and pulls out a newspaper, not ours, and slams it onto the desk. The picture on the front is of me and Matteo, kissing in the park next to our table. It was taken up close, probably from one of the other tables surrounding us.

I close my eyes. "Abigail-"

"You, not even a week ago, produced an article from this company, defaming this man. Do you know how this makes us look? We look completely discrediting! You told me you were going to his show- you did not tell me it was a date."

"It wasn't. I didn't go there thinking-"

"Are you just fucking or is this something else? Are you dating?" she questions, not bothering to listen to my excuse.

I have to hold my tongue. "It's something else."

"Jesus Christ, Emma. I have been bombarded with bullshit today. Corporate is on my ass, telling me I should fire you!"

"No," I gasp, shaking my head. "Abigail, I couldn't help-"

"However, I do like you, Emma," she says, cutting me off once again. She stands up, shaking her head. "You are suspended until further notice. You will not be permitted to enter back into this building unless I say so. Is that clear?"

I stare at her, gaping. Is this really happening? "Y-yes, ma'am."

"You can go now," she says, gesturing for the door. I turn, feeling sick. I walk out into the hallway, head down, praying I make it to the elevator without anyone approaching me.

                                             * * * *

"Where the fuck have you been?" Veronica shouts, causing me to distance the phone from my ear. I'm sitting on a bench in Central Park, looking as miserable as I'm feeling.

"I'm suspended from my job."

It's quiet on the other line for a moment. "Holy shit. Em, why?"

"Have you seen a newspaper?"

"No, but I saw online. You were just kissing!"

"Yeah, well, after what I wrote, my lip lock discredited the paper. She pretty much told me that I was lucky I wasn't being fired- yet, of course- because they probably will."

"Don't even say that! When did they suspend you?"

"About an hour ago. I've been sitting on a bench since then."