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"God damn it, Jeanie. What have you done?" His voice sent shuddering chills down my spine. I winced softly as I stood up from my desk, making my way to the large, oak doors leading to his office. I knock softly, twice, just as directed in my interview three months ago. "You don't have to knock if I'm yelling for you." He scoffed. My boss, as handsome as he was, was a bit of an asshole. His silvery black hair was smoothed back at the top of his head and stubble danced over his jaw. The corners of his mouth were drawn into a frown, while the silvery outline of his green eyes peered at me. Yep-I was getting fired, today.
"What's wrong, Mr. Ainsley? I'm sure I can fix it." I offered my smile, but he put his hand up to stop me.
"You shouldn't have to, Jeanie. That's my point." He stopped to take a slow breath and calm himself down. "You double booked me AGAIN. This time, you did it with one of the most important clients on our investment list. Do you have any idea how screwed you'd have been if I didn't see this?" He scoffed, holding up the planner. So there it is.
"Double booked? Sir, I triple checked, you didn't have any plans for Thursday's lunch meeting. You had a meeting at 10:30, which I moved to 9:30, and 1:45, which I moved to two. Mrs. Ashbury was pretty demanding to meet you at 12 sharp, sir. I thought I did the right thing." Tears began to well up into my eyes, but I swallow them back, hoping he didn't see them fall.
"I have a meeting Thursday with our CEO, Jeanie, did you forget?" He held his head in his hands, clearly frustrated. I muttered under my breath. "Shit is right." He smiled, leaning back in his chair, clearly thinking about the best options.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Ainsley, I can contact Mr. Jones myself, I'm sure he wouldn't want you to miss this meeting. I'll admit it was my scheduling error. Just, please, sir, don't fire me. I really need this job. I don't recall the meeting, but I can assure you I can maintain this schedule. I had no idea you two had a meeting." I assured him. He never told me about this meeting. I promise you that. I looked up at him, eyes pleading. This wasn't about a meeting and I knew it. I've been fired so many times in the last 3 years, I can't keep track. As soon as my background check clears, they find some way to get rid of me. It's amazing, really. I've been gone for 3 years and I still can't get away from him, still can't run fast enough.
"I'm sorry, too, Jeanie. I can't keep letting you make mistakes. Stop by Sheila's desk on your way out, she'll have your pay and severance ready. Jesus, I hate to do this to you, you're a great girl. I'm happy to give you a reference, but, you're not cut out for this hectic office. Maybe get some more experience with a slower firm?" He raked his hands through his hair and tried composing himself. Had he never fired anyone? Hell, lemme give you some pointers. They all say the same thing: you're a great fit for something a little more (insert backhanded comment here). The only jobs I have successfully maintained in my life is being a stripper and a prostitute, neither of which were by choice.
"Mr. Ainsely, It's ok. You don't have to lie. My background came back, didn't it?" I asked. He looked at me with desperation in his eyes, not wanting to say it out loud. "It's ok, you can ask questions." I smiled, patting his hand for support. It's not his fault.
"It did. I- I'm sorry, Jeanie. I actually tried to keep you around. Mr. Jones feels as though you're not a suitable employee." He sighed a breath of shame.
"Now that you're not my boss, we can speak as friends, right?" He nodded, gesturing for me to continue. "Thank you for trying, but, I knew it wouldn't last. It doesn't matter how far I run, he will always have control over my life. I've accepted it. I'll never really be free until I'm dead or make up a new name." He looked at me, puzzled.
"Are you in danger, Miss Louis?" He asked, slight concern on his face.
"Nah, he's in prison. I'll be alright, besides, I'm used to it. Who wants a prostitute in their ranks, right?" I chuckled to myself, patting my knees. My dark sense of humor was a must to survive those 10 years of pure torture.
"Who's in prison?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued.
"Do you really want to know, because, once I start, it doesn't stop." I firmly leaned on his desk, my elbows supporting my weight.
"I really want to know." He smiled.
"Well, then, let's get started." I leaned deeper. Who knew telling my, now former, boss my life story would feel so damn good.
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*I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of my first wattpad story! I'd love to hear feedback.
*This book is not public domain
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Love and War
Romansa"All's fair in love and war, or some shit, right?" He said, his smirk drawing to a slight sneer as he padded towards the open balcony. He rested his hands on the guardrail before letting out an exasperated sigh, thunder rolling behind it. The rain c...
