Chapter 5 5

CHARLEE

"Dearest Charlee, it's seven forty-seven AM. Third alert. Today, you set out to achieve..."

I've always hated my ridiculous wake-up alarm. The robotic female voice is too fake and too high and she spends forever talking about daily goals and expectations. I hate her, but she gets the job done.

A smile creeps across my lips as memories of the previous night come rushing back. Was that all real or was I just dreaming? My body is covered with a blanket but I feel naked underneath. I'm still on the couch and my clothes are strewn all over. It was all real. But something's not right.

Harrison is gone.

Biting down hard on my lower lip, I will myself to not feel hurt. At some point in the morning, he'd found my bedroom, got a blanket, covered me, and left without a word. I slept cozily on top of him on the couch last night as he caressed me to sleep, saying lots of sweet things to me.

Was it that bad, then, that he left without a word? I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but maybe my inexperience showed and it was unimpressive for him. After all, he's had so many of the most sensual women in the world and then there's me, who probably messed something up.

My mind flashes back to last night, to Harrison's unfazed reaction when I told him I wasn't very experienced. I didn't tell him he was my first but maybe he guessed? Why did he leave me like this, alone and empty to wake up feeling vulnerable in the morning? Did he just want a one-night stand? Damn! I knew it was the champagne.

The alcohol was the only reason a top dude like him would fuck a girl like me.

My eyes sting with tears as I get up, trying not to enjoy the sweet soreness between my legs. Harrison was so gentle and perfect with me. He handled me with care and only upped his speed when I was comfortable. With the way he cuddled and caressed me afterward, kissing my forehead and rubbing my back, I would never have imagined he would leave me like this. I almost allowed myself to think, maybe, just maybe, he was really interested in me.

Wow, Charlee. You're always a dreamy idiot.

Forcing myself up to get ready for work, I focus on my mechanical morning routine to keep from thinking about Harrison. Brushing my teeth. Showering in ten minutes. Slapping on moisturizer, a little powder and a dash of lip gloss. Wearing my short-sleeved white chiffon top with a pencil knee-length skirt. Brushing my hair. Stepping into my kitten heels. Sitting for a quick bite of toast and juice. Grabbing my work bag and heading downstairs.

Feeling a little better as I get into my car, I start blasting my beats and enjoying the sight of my loud New York. The thirty-minute drive from my part of town to BB27 is always so therapeutic. A chance to re-energize myself for the day ahead.

Pulling into the parking lot of Bridges, Inc., I grab my bag and make my way to the reception. It's funny to me how, after five years, I've still not gotten used to the stunning magnificence and sheer opulence of BB27. So much glass and gold and steel and shine.

I walk up to the sparkling rotating doors and greet the doorman. He is in a brilliant mood today and I love that for him. Today seems like it's going to be a good day all around. Heck, it might just be a perfect day, regardless of how it started.

"Hello, Lucy, good morning," I flash a smile at the receptionist, a perfectly-cultured brunette with the fanciest British accent in New York.

"Good morning to you too, Charlee. Welcome," Lucy smiles right at me, revealing her glinting set of veneer teeth. Who can afford veneers on a receptionist's salary? Bridges pays really well but twenty pure-quality veneers? Wow.

I move over to her sensor pad to swipe my keycard and log my entry time.

"Oh, Ms. Fox, my apologies, but that won't be possible again as of today." Lucy just called me 'Ms. Fox', meaning she has some formal news from the administration.

My heart flies to my throat as my breath fails for three seconds. Fuck! Have I been fired? Oh no! What did I do wrong? Ever since that whole thing on my first day, I've been one of the best in this company and they damn well know it.

"Oh, hey, it's nothing so terrible. It's good news, actually." Lucy must have noticed my hyperventilation.

"Lucy, speak quickly, please. What kind of good news would have my key card deactivated? Is there a new log-in system?" My eyes are popping out of my head now and my anxiety is peaking, fast and furious.

"No, nothing of the sort. You've been reassigned to another subsidiary of the company with a double promotion. Your re-appointment starts upon reception of this message. Your desk has already been cleared out for you, to the last grain of dust."

Reaching around behind the counter, Lucy pulls out a fancy box and hands me my desk stuff. I'm in too much shock to say a word, but I take the box from her.

"Could you please take a sit while I buzz Mr. Philips, your now former manager?" She's already dialing before I can make a move.

The world must be spinning in the wrong direction today. How did I suddenly get a double promotion with no hints? I'd been promoted twice throughout my five-year stay at Bridges, but a double in one day? How? Why?

And why didn't they give me time to transition gently out of the company? So, I'm just supposed to pack up and fall out like a soldier? Not even saying goodbye to my colleagues? Jesus, Bridges, Inc. Have some humanity!