Indulgent Pleasures

Much like Justin, they hadn’t wanted to listen to her explanations. No, they’d argued with her every time she had something to say. Like a stab to the heart, they withdrew their request of her help in planning their parents’ anniversary party. Erin had proclaimed that her being there would be disturbing to everyone in attendance, especially their mom and dad.

She hadn’t heard from her parents, either. No doubt, they were in hiding from their country club friends after their daughter’s sex life was exposed in such a deplorable and sleazy way.

So she was left alone, as usual. Always there for others yet they abandoned her at the first chance they got. She and Justin were similar in that way though she’d never noticed it before.

People using them and they received nothing in return.

She walked into the City building first thing Tuesday morning and kept her head down, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. Didn’t want to have to explain herself or see the pitying glances or worse, the smug expressions.

Curiosity suddenly filled her and she wondered what happened to Zoe and Caleb. She’d noticed their byline on the article in the supplement and the magazine and she still couldn’t believe they were the ones who ratted her out.

Well that was a lie, she could believe it. Caleb hated her guts and Zoe had wanted Justin once upon a time. They’d come together and done this to her out of spite. Spite and a spectacular scoop that they most likely hoped would get them ahead.

Well they got what they wanted in spades.

But it was still shocking. And disheartening. To be so betrayed by the people she worked with, especially her boss who she’d put her trust in. She didn’t know what to think and really didn’t know how to face them.

Thank goodness, she’d moved back over to the life and style section just before this broke out. No more sitting next to Caleb every day and seeing his smirking, smug face.

When she sat at her desk, she was approached by her new boss, Melanie. “The managing editor wants to meet with you in the boardroom.”

God, were they going to fire her? She gulped and stood, headed toward the small boardroom on the same floor as her department, nerves bouncing in her stomach.

The managing editor wasn’t alone. Tom Strickland was accompanied by the publisher and CEO of City Magazine, Edmund Gray. They both watched her sit across from them with somber expressions on their faces and she thought for sure the ax was about to fall.

“We want to apologize for what happened,” Tom started.

“After the agreement you signed, it should’ve never played out like this,” Edmund added, shaking his head.

Stephanie sat up straighter in her chair, her entire body more alert. That’s right, she’d signed an agreement when they’d finalized her pen name.

“Zoe Rush mishandled the entire situation and should have never broken your confidence. Matters have been investigated and as of this morning, Ms. Rush was terminated from City Magazine.”

Stephanie shook her head, disbelief coursing through her. So they fired Zoe. Unbelievable! She figured the magazine would’ve been thrilled with the sensationalized cover and article. It was probably selling like crazy.

“What about Caleb?”

“He’s been terminated as well,” Edmund said, his mouth set in a grim line. “They were caught—fraternizing on employer premises Monday morning and the both of them were sent home. After much discussion it was decided that both of them should be terminated.”

Stephanie slowly nodded, her hands clutched in her lap beneath the table. Did they want to terminate her too?

“Again, we’re sorry for what happened, Stephanie. We plan on printing a retraction and apology in the upcoming issue to both you and Justin Hawkins. His lawyers were in touch with us as well yesterday and I’m afraid he’s going to sue us. And he definitely has a case,” Tom explained.

Her eyes closed for the briefest moment, grief nearly overwhelming her. She’d been so stupid to continue this for so long, to never tell him what she was doing. Now look what it was costing everyone. Jobs, reputations, money.

And it was all her fault.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to give my notice effective immediately.” She needed to beat them to the punch. “There’s no way I can continue working here after everything that has happened.”

“We hate to lose you Stephanie. You were a wonderful asset to the life and style section, to the entire magazine,” Tom said with kind eyes.

She wondered if he read her article. She wondered if the both of them had read it. Her entire sex life recounted in that article, almost every intimate moment she’d shared with Justin detailed in the pages within City Magazine.

Just the thought of them reading it was embarrassing, something she didn’t want to face. Something she didn’t think she’d have to face since the articles were written under complete anonymity.

“I think it’s best if I go.” She smiled weakly, her gaze wandering, unable to face them any longer. “I hope you understand.”

“Of course, we completely understand.” Edmund nodded. “We want to offer you a severance package to help you during this time while you look for another job. It’s the least we could do.” The amount he stated was staggering but of course, she could have a case on her hands if she wanted to sue them. They were in breach of the confidentiality agreement she signed.