*Trigger Warning: workplace harassment*
I should have known it was going to be a bad day when Jackson called in sick to work. The torture started when I clocked in.
The substitute manager was a timid guy I had only met a couple of times. I greeted him as I walked passed him. He gave me a small nod and smile in turn. I took my place in customer service and began to count down to my lunch break.
"Look what the cat dragged in," Peter spoke when I walked into the break room. I was used to it, though. They always did this when Jackson wasn't around.
"Teacher's pet."
"Sell out."
I spoke quietly, "Just stop it. I'll eat lunch somewhere else." They continued to throw insults at me. I was able to ignore most, but one stood out.
"She's definitely using Shane for fame."
"Shut up," I mumbled.
"No, she's using the redhead for free dick."
"Don't talk about him like that."
"He's probably just pity-fucking her."
I snapped, "Just leave me alone! I haven't done anything to you guys! I'm sick of trying, I quit." I took my name tag off and threw it onto the table. "Fuck you all."
I sat in my car sniffling. The reality of the situation was settling in and I needed to call Jackson before I did anything else. He picked up after the fourth ring.
"Hey, bear," his hoarse voice spoke into the phone.
"I quit, Jackson. I'm sorry. I know you always tell me I shouldn't let them get to me, but they went too far. They talked about Andrew."
"Y/N, it's okay. I understand completely. I will be talking to them about it when I get better, though. Are you okay?"
"I will be. I just want to get home and try to calm myself down. Love you, honey. Feel better soon."
"Love you, too, bear."
I wiped my eyes once more as I locked my apartment door behind me. I changed out of my work clothes and threw them away. I didn't need a reminder of the horrible day. My phone started ringing when I sat down.
Incoming FaceTime from Andrew🧡
I had never answered a call so quickly. I greeted him, attempting to hide the voice cracks from crying.
"Hey, babe. How was work?" The sight of his distracted gaze warmed my heart. I tried to relax into my couch.
"It was fine. How has editing been?" I sniffled as I spoke. I distracted myself from the oncoming tears by focusing on the reflection in his glasses. He was editing when he called me.
He finally looked up, "What happened?"
"N-Nothing. I just...I–"
"Y/N, you're okay. I'm here." The look on his face broke my facade, and tears began to prick my eyes. He was worried. He spoke after a moment of silence, "Are you wearing my hoodie?" I cracked a smile.
"You left it here a couple of weeks ago, and I haven't bothered to give it back yet. It also keeps me calm because it still smells like you," I mumbled the last part softly. I sighed. "I quit my job today."
"Oh my gosh, Y/N. Are you okay?"
"I'm better than I was earlier."
"Give me five minutes to finish editing this clip, and I'll be right over."
"No, Andrew, stay and work. I'm fi-"
"You're not. I'm coming over."
Andrew wrapped next in a hug the second I opened the door for him. He closed the door as I hugged back.
"Let's sit down so you can tell me about what happened." He took my hand his and led me to the couch.
"They harassed me again. They always...," I chuckled, "bully me when Jackson isn't there. I couldn't take it this time. They said things that hit deep and I almost had a panic attack. So I quit. I called Jacks as soon as I got into my car, and then I cried. Now I'm mourning the end of my first job in L.A." I wiped away a few fallen tears and smiled.
Andrew pulled me into his embrace, "I know something that can help take your mind off of this."
"What?" I pouted dramatically.
"Let's talk about our costumes for Shane's 'party'."
And we talked about it all night.
~~~~~~
Guys! This book is #5 under Rylandadams and #10 under Shanedawson. That is insane! Thank you so much for all the love and support you've given me. Writing is so important to me, and knowing that so many people like mine is amazing. We also just hit 7k reads! Thank you guys so much.
Much love,
Angel Baugh xxx
