The Collection (Contemporary Reverse Harem 5)

Chapter 7

KEALY

My hand shook as I poured myself a cup of lousy break room coffee.

I’d never really had a bad attitude about work. I mean, sure, things irritated me every now and again, but the situation was different now. After I’d eaten too much Thai with Fantine the night before, I’d tossed and turned until the sun came up. Aside from the nap I’d stolen that afternoon, I was running on less than empty—I hadn’t slept the night before last night either, thanks to preparations for the fashion show.

That’s how I ended up on my second cup of nasty, bitter, full-strength coffee. I tried to cut the awful tang with a ton of sugar, but it barely dented the offensive taste.

“Kealy, is that a fresh pot of coffee? I think I’ll have some,” Forest said cheerfully, joining me in the break room and pouring some into an I Love New York mug.

“Hey, Forest, do you think we could talk for a few minutes?” I asked.

“Sure, Keals.”

Usually, I loved his nickname for me, but that day it was like nails on a chalkboard.

“What’s on your mind?”

There was no one else in the break room, but I couldn’t risk the office gossip if someone were to overhear me. I generally liked the people I worked with, but they’d be all up in my business if I allowed them.

“Um, do you think we could go into the conference room?” People would still be able to see us, like always, but at least they couldn’t hear. Forest’s office wouldn’t do because it was in an open loft that overlooked the rest of the studio. Plus, people ran in and out of there all day long. I wouldn’t be able to have a decent discussion with someone interrupting us every few minutes.

“Lead they way, then,” he said, gesturing toward the break room door.

When we were in the conference room, I sat at the big table. Forest followed, leaning back in his chair, sipping the crummy coffee.

“What’s on your mind today?” he asked kindly.

I really did adore the man. But I had to set the record straight on one thing.

“Thanks for being willing to chat, Forest. I wanted to continue with what I mentioned at the show yesterday.”

I had my fingers crossed he’d react positively.

Instead, he frowned, confusion. “Whatcha talking about, Keals?” he asked with concern.

Did he seriously not remember the one thing that, for me, would define my entire year, if not my entire decade?

Holy shit. I was suffering to beat the band, and he was still walking on clouds from a successful show.

Life was so freaking unfair.

“The men’s trousers that were such a hit at the show. Forest, I know you think Muse designed them, but he didn’t. It was me—”

He held his hand up like a stop sign. Shit, that didn’t feel good.

“Kealy, I don’t like drama in my studio, or among my workers.” He stood to leave.

No, no, no.

“Forest, you have to believe me. I’m sorry to say it, but Muse stole my design and then took credit for it. Ask him how he came up with it. You’ll see.” I was shaking, though I wasn’t sure if it was from anger or fright. Or both.

“Kealy, I’d appreciate your dropping this. You are a great employee and on your way to becoming a great designer. Don’t cause any trouble for yourself so early in your career. Okay?”

My mouth opened but nothing came out. I picked my coffee up off the table, thinking that if I took a sip, my ability to speak might return. Instead, I dribbled it down my chin and onto my shirt.

Shit.

Forest reached his hand to my shoulder and looked at me. “Sweetie, I like you a lot. I haven’t seen many people work as hard as you do. But as you develop, and your work gets better—”

Holy shit, did he really just say that?

“—you’ll have the chance to shine, just like Muse did.” He moved his hand from my shoulder and put it on his hip while he studied me. “Keep up the good work. I have great faith in you. Okay?”

He turned and left me alone in the conference room where, if it hadn’t been like sitting in a fishbowl with half the office staring at me, I would have curled up and broken into tears. The only place I could go to be alone was the ladies’ room. I left my coffee and bolted for the least-used stall so I could unload my fury in private.

I was upset about Muse, of course, but Forest not believing me shattered everything I thought I knew about him. He’d always been one of the good guys.

But the truth was, I was never good at picking out the good guys. Or maybe I was just good at picking out the bad guys.

Some things never changed.

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