Page 16 of Session 25

“Always. Yet he continues to have these events here without the proper staffing, so when he has to outsource and hire from other companies for the events, it puts a dent in the budget.” I set the BIC pen down on the table. “But what do I know? I’m just the money lady,” sarcasm dripped from my voice.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s never your fault, Teddy. He’s the boss, not you.”

“I know, but-” Before he could get the rest of his sentence out, I overheard the receptionist yelling.

“Mr. White, you can’t just go back there without me calling first!” Her high pitched voice echoed throughout the office.

Teddy turned around swiftly just as I hopped up from my desk as Marcel stormed into my office.

“We need to talk, now!” All eyes were now on me. Embarrassment was an understatement. As the only Black woman in an office, I prided myself on being professional and not perceived as ghetto. Now, all the hard years I kept up my image, Marcel was fucking up in a matter of minutes.

“It’s okay, Sasha. Teddy, please excuse me.” I cut my eyes at Marcel. With not an ounce of remorse, he folded his arms over his chest, tightening his lips. “What do you want?” I tried to keep my composure, but seeing this nigga have the audacity ticked me off.

“You locked me out of the bank accountant?” His jaw tightened. “That’s the kind of shit you on?”

“I didn’t lock you out of the joint account. I locked you out of my expenses account. That’s for me, and I removed all of my funds from the joint account. Whatever is left is what you’ve contributed.” I raised my brow. “I refuse to have any legal ties to a muthafucka who I’m no longer connected to.”

“Bitch… Koi, you are my fiancée.”

“Wrong, I was your fiancée, so from now on, yes, I’ll be that a bitch.” I walked around my desk. “Leave my office peacefully or I will have to call security so they can escort you out of here.” I rolled my eyes. “The choice is yours, Mr. White.”

“Oh, I see how you playing this.” Marcel lunged forward, taking the glass picture off my desk, throwing it at the wall. Shattered glass, along with my yelp, was sure to draw more unwanted attention. “Fuck you!” He pointed his finger in my direction. I didn’t know how to react. I stood still, holding my breath until he walked out, slamming my door shut behind him.

“Are you okay?” Teddy and Sasha were both at my door in a matter of seconds. Out of all my coworkers, these two were the ones I was closest with.

“I’ll be fine. I’m going to take an early lunch. This…” I turned around, motioning to the mess in my office, “is too much to deal with before one in the afternoon.”

“I definitely understand, and if you want company, I’ll come,” Sasha spoke up.

“No. I just need time alone.”

I walked out of my office, glass still on the floor, locking the door behind me. All that had transpired in that office would have to wait until later. Right now, I need a break.

Sweetgreen restaurant across the street would have been ideal, but I didn’t want to chance running into a coworker. News traveled like wildfire in the hotel. By the time I got back, I expected Consuelo, the housekeeper, to know that my man had stormed in and showed his natural black ass. Which is why I opted for the BBQ’s restaurant ten minutes away.

“Honey chile, what’s going on?” My favorite hostess was walking in with me. She probably noticed the wrinkles in my forehead or the bags under my eyes, but right about, I didn’t have time to be modest.

“What hasn’t. Just hook me up. I’m on lunch, so easy on liquor, but add it in there.” We both high fived each other.

Seated and ready for my drink, I sent a text to Rae. While I had Marli to talk to, Rae and I had connected last night, and for some reason she was who popped in my mind when I wanted a quick escape.

Koi: I know you’re working, but this is non therapy talk if that’s allowed today lol.

The three dots immediately popped up. Rae was a busy therapist, so I was thoroughly surprised to see her typing back.

Rae: I’m free, wassup, do you want to talk on the phone?

Koi: Yes. That works.

Rae was calling before I could tap on her name.

“Hey girl hey.”

“Hey. First of all, those drinks were needed last night, and I think I need some more. I am stressed, but I know I have a session with you tomorrow, so I’ll hold the tea until then.”

“Okay, that’s not a problem. Where are you? It sounds a little loud.”