Page 116 of I Hope This Finds You Well

“That’s not...” I fumble with no words left. “Cliff, you know me. It was all real.”

Cliff’s stare is cold before his gaze drops from me toward his hands. It sends a stab through my chest, sudden and hard.

Caitlin pipes in. “I wasn’t sure when Kyle first told me...” Her shoulders square. “But Kyle was protecting me. She has a history of obsessing over people and hurting them.”

It’s like I’m falling down, but I’m stuck in my chair. I search Caitlin’s eyes. I search for the girl from last night, but it’s like there’s no light left inside here.

“My fiancé is worried because he knows what Jolene is capable of when she has an unhealthy interest in someone.” Her eyes squeeze shut. Her shakiness, her fear. Surely she sees how utterly fucked up this is? Surely she sees.

All the blood drains from my head. I’m losing control. I’m only partly aware of the words that spill from my mouth. “He’s going to hurt you! I heard how he talks to you! How he emails!”

Everything stops as the room pulls into sharp focus.

“Is it true, then?” Cliff’s eyes are wide when I come back into focus. “Miss Smith, you accessed Caitlin’s email without her consent?” We lock gazes for a second, because he knows this, but—oh my god—I’m so stupid. The realization punches me in the gut. His stare is stony and distant, and it’s like he’s looking at me for the first time. A stranger. I’m an idiot. An imbecile. I trusted him. But he trusted me.

And I hurt him. Like always.

Caitlin strengthens her stare. “She was trying to get me away from Kyle. She wanted me isolated, I think. She’s always watching me. I didn’t want to share this, but I feel I must.”

Everything I never allowed myself to think runs in my mind right here. Right now.

Iwasalone with Ellie that night. I made her stay at the party—did I convince her to leave the group? Was I jealous of her? Of Caitlin? Ididorder that Caitlin-esque blazer.

I should say something to defend myself, but when my gaze inevitably draws to Cliff, I’m done. Everything there is to say seems ridiculous now. Every single word there is. It’s like I’m tumbling down a hole.

Cliff lets out a sigh, all the stress in the world stored in the wrinkles in his forehead. He wearily nods toward Caitlin. “The rest of this meeting will be just with management and Miss Smith. Caitlin, please feel free to take the day for personal time as our office handles this matter.”

Caitlin and I exchange one final look. There’s so much floating between us. So many times we’ve exchanged venom with just our eyes.

She breaks the stare first. I swallow audibly.

This is how it all ends for us. It’s too much and not enough.

Once she clears out of the room, her cinnamon scent lingering in her final wake, Gregory nods toward Anna and Cliff. “She’s also been readingveryintimate emails of mine.” It’s my cringe that gives me away. Is extortion not even sacred to the guy?

Finally, Cliff locks eyes with me. I’m trapped by them. I need to get as far away from him as possible. I want to touch him.

Anna peers up from her notepad, adjusting herself higher in her chair. “We’re going to ask you quite formally. Have you been reading people’s emails?”

I nod once. “Yes, but I can explain it.”

That’s all it takes. They all shift in their chairs while Cliff gathers the papers and handles the final blow. “Miss Smith.” He clears his throat. “Due to your extreme misconduct and personal breaches with your colleagues, we’re going to dismiss you from your position within Supershops Incorporated, effective immediately.”

Something in me breaks with the words “personal breaches.” I have no fight left. This was always going to happen. I shouldn’t have spoken to anyone. I stare at my lap and give a small nod.

“Security and I will escort you to your workstation to clear your belongings and ensure your safe exit from the building. Please turn in your access card and ID card to me.”

I pull the lanyard from my pocket and slide it over. Our fingertips touch for a second.

I immediately pull my hand away. There’s something broken behind his gaze. He broke his promise too.

Good for him after all, I suppose.

I step out of my chair and straighten my shoulders. I won’t let my legs buckle.

Now it’s time to start the final procession of shame to my desk.

Walk of Shame 2.0