Val rolled her eyes, sneering. I wouldn’t even care if you died, Jamie. She looked him up and down with disdain. “You don’t even have two hundred dollars on you–don’t talk to me; you’re bad luck.”
Jamie was ready to hit her, but she slammed her hand on the desk. “Do you even know who I am? I’ve got people in high places.
Val had been hired by the HR Director at the Manhattan Headquarters. Our branch office only had Project Managers, so as long as she didn’t mess up her work, no one here could do much about her.
- 3.
I couldn’t take it anymore. So I smiled sweetly. “I bet that Chanel bag’s a knockoff.”
Val whipped around. “What did you just say?”
I shrugged. “You can’t even fork over twenty dollars. I doubt you can afford real Chanel.
She grabbed her bag and stormed over. “Are you blind? Look at the details–no fake would be this good!”
I took a step back. “Oh, I get it. Everyone must have chipped in to get it for you.”
“Shut up! Nobody’s that stupid!”
I pointed at her half–finished food. “Little bits here, little bits there–eventually, they add up, don’t they?”
Everyone stared at her. Her face turned red.
She threatened, “Acting like a hero, huh? Be careful, or you might find yourself unemployed.”
1 looked at her, deadpan. “You’ve got spinach in your teeth. And bad breath.”
The whole office burst into laughter. Humiliated, Val stomped back to her desk. She plopped down so hard that her leftovers spilled onto her
“There’s a new Japanese place downstairs. I know the owner and can get us a half–off deal. It’s on me.”
But they insisted that any group dinner was self–pay. They didn’t want to take advantage of me.
“Fine, but I’ll still get them to throw in a few extra dishes,” I said.
Jamie raised his hand first. “I’ve wanted to try that place for ages, but it’s so expensive.
discount? I’m int
Everyone else jumped at the chance.
“Yeah, we can’t miss out on this.”
I reserved a private room for ten.
“Grace, add me, tool I’d love to go!” Val said, sidling up to me with a smile.
I hesitated, then looked up at her.
“Only if you pay your own share.
Her face tightened, but she forced a smile.
“Of course! You think I’m the kind of person who wouldn’t pay? I’ll definitely pay.”
I considered it, then agreed. She left, grinning.
