#Chapter 17 – Betrayal
Abby

“What? Why?” Some of them have worked for me for years, Olivia the longest of them all. What would

drive her and the others to quit so suddenly?

No one answers.

“Why are you all quitting?” I repeat. I’m not letting them leave here until I get some sort of explanation.

No one looks at me. Clearly, none of them want to be the one to step forward and tell me the truth.

After all these years together, they were just going to sneak away in the night without an explanation.

Without even finishing their shifts.

Finally, Olivia comes forward, a determined look on her face. “Because they’re joining my restaurant.”

I turn to her, my eyebrows going up. “Your restaurant?”

She nods.

“But why? Am I not good enough to work for?”

She shrugs. “I just haven’t enjoyed working for you. I’ve felt for a long time that I could do a better job,

and so I started my own place.”

I thought we were friends, but I can see now that I was mistaken. That realization alone is almost as

shocking as the news that every single one of my employees wants to work for her over me.

A wave of insecurity crashes into me. Maybe I’m not as good a boss as I thought I was. I’ve always

strived to make this a good place to work. A place where employees can actually enjoy their shifts, but

apparently, I didn’t do a good enough job.

I can feel Karl’s eyes on me, and I suddenly wish I just took a cab. Of course, after telling him I didn’t

need his help, he had to bear witness to my failure.

“I didn’t realize you felt that way,” I say as monotone as possible. I can’t let them see how hurt I am.

“You’re still stuck in this ridiculous family system.”

“Right.”

“And I just know my place will be really popular.” She looks around at the others. “Everyone else

agrees.”

mind. It looks like he’s the only one still

pale, freckled skin, bright red hair, and

the need to poach him with

Olivia says, gesturing to

slip past her, glancing sidelong at Karl and Adam as they go.

wonder how much of this has to do with the argument

to leave? I refused to get an

vendetta. Truth be told, I acted petty, and I’m sure she

advantage.

on

poor taste, but she obviously doesn’t care. “No employees. A

to be rough.”

She just grins and pushes her way

and I can’t bring myself to look at any of them.

chairs. The injury in his leg

put up any complaints. I guess he’s used to working around it after so many

“Abby,” Adam starts.

forcing myself to meet his gaze, “I don’t

for the night. Maybe you should just meet me

me

Karl, thankfully, stays quiet.

shake my head. “If you wouldn’t mind, I think I’d like

good night’s

a lie. I very much doubt I’ll be getting

some sort of explanation for this. The last thing I want to do

wrap my head around what I’m going to do next.

anything to

God, I’m so screwed.

can’t deal with all

don’t need

escapes. “You, cleaning? Now that would

pull together.

shake my head. “Me and Ethan

to leave, because he gives in for once. “Fine.

doesn’t spare Adam another glance

you,” I say to

kisses me on the cheek. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out. I respect your business

I can provide financial support if you want

about

shouldn’t feel as relieved as I do when he’s gone. Sometimes it

stay and comfort me? Isn’t that

rid of him

going to get the dishwasher going. He nods and gets to

the kitchen, I let the tears fall. I can’t believe this is

another drink, and the bartender pushes a glass of

bar. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve had, and room teeters

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