Page 32 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player

A shaky laugh. "No."

My grip tightens on the phone. "What happened?"

"They..."

Her voice cracks.

"They suspended me from work.”

It’s like a punch to my gut. “What?"

"The partners said they need to evaluate whether the publicity could affect client confidence."

I close my eyes. “Shit.”

"They told me to take some time away while they figure things out."

"They can't do that."

"They already did."

I stand so abruptly the chair behind me topples over. "I'll call them."

"No you want.”

"I'll hire an attorney to stop them.”

"No."

"I'll pay your salary."

"No, Cal. You won’t do any of that.” Her voice is firmer now. "Please."

“It’s my fault.”

“No it isn’t."

“They’re my texts,” I insist.

"Our texts,” she corrects.

Silence.

Then... "I worked so hard."

My heart breaks. "I know."

“I lost the promotion. And now this."

I pace the empty hallway outside the locker room. "I'll fix it."

"You can't."

"I have to."

"You can't."

Another long silence.