he put down the file he held and squared his shoulders. “Would you like to please tell me why you think you are in that chair today?”
“I-I honestly don’t know why, sir,” Stevie answered formally.
Rogers nodded. “As you can see, I’ve invited Marjorie from Human Resources to this meeting. Mona here is your witness?”
It was Stevie’s turn to nod.
“There’s no way to beat around the bush. Miss Appleton, have you had any sexual relations with Mr Moors?” Rogers asked, his index fingers tapping on the desk.
Stevie had closed her eyes tightly before she opened them to Rogers’ serious expression. “Yes, sir. I have.”
“Do you understand what you have just admitted to?” Marjorie asked as she took down notes.
“Stevie, you don’t have to answer,” Mona assured.
Stevie licked her lips and answered, “I’ve recently had an out of workplace relationship with Julian Moors.”
“And this relationship was beyond employee interaction?” Mr Rogers asked, his nostrils flaring.
“Yes,” she responded in a tiny voice. “I had a sexual relationship with Mr Moors.”
Rogers breathed out, pushed the files on the desk aside, and leant forward. “Your father is a good man, Stevie. But unfortunately he can’t help you here. Do you realise that an employee and senior executive sexual relationship is a sackable offence?”
“Dad!” Mona protested.
Stevie didn’t even flinch. She had expected it the moment Rogers had questioned her relationship with Julian.
“He’s just the consultant,” Stevie pointed out.
“That’s where you’re wrong. As of recently, Mr Moors became the VP of Rogers & Co.”
Air quickly fled her lungs and she blinked rapidly at the man her father had rescued from social and financial ruin.
“Last night, Mr Moors contacted me and handed in his consultation report. He outlined your relationship with him and stated that in order for him to accept the position of VP, it was recommended that you be let go of your position here with this company. Your employment has been terminated for inappropriate and unethical behaviour, Miss Appleton, effective immediately. This is Richard.” Rogers gestured at the man who came out of nowhere it seemed and stood next to Stevie. “He will escort you off the premises.”
“Miss Appleton, before you leave, you may defend yourself,” Marjorie added.
Once Stevie rose from her seat, she shook her head. “Nothing I say is valid or will reinstate my internship. Thank you for the opportunities this company gave me,” Stevie said as professionally as she could muster. Without another word, she left Rogers’ office and made her way towards her cubicle. Richard wasn’t too far behind, ensuring she’d leave the building.
I have no job.
My brother hates me.
The man I love never wants to see me again.
I fucked up my own life.
When Stevie arrived at her desk, she discovered that a large cardboard box was waiting for her. She didn’t care that she’d been fired. What hurt her most was that Julian had recommended that she be fired. He chose the vice president position over her. He had made his intentions to her very clear. The chances of Julian Moors forgiving her and loving her again were slim to none.
“Stevie!” Mona shouted and ran up to her; attention from the rest of the staff was now on them. “Don’t leave. Fight this.”
Stevie shook her head and placed pens and notebooks in the box. “I slept with my boss, Mona.”
“You didn’t know Julian had taken the position,” Mona argued.
“It doesn’t matter. I still had sex with him. He got me fired,” Stevie pointed out as tears ran down her cheeks. Then she pulled out the drawer of her desk, removed several documents, and threw them into her box. She was thankful that she hadn’t decorated her cubicle. It meant less packing. When she’d packed away everything she needed, she turned her attention to Mona’s saddened expression. “Thank you for everything, Mona. I’m sorry you’re without an intern.”
Mona settled a hand on Stevie’s shoulder and attempted a reassuring smile. “You take care of yourself. If you need a reference, then use my name. I’m so sorry this happened.”
Stevie heard the whispers around them and wiped her face. Then she picked up the box and made her way towards the elevator; Richard remained close on her trail. Once they arrived at the elevator, Richard pressed the down button and they waited for the doors to open. The wait was excruciatingly long. The urge to cry was immense. All she wanted to do was throw the box she held against the wall and scream about the unfairness of it all. Timing and circumstances.