“I didn’t realize the battery was dead until this morning.”
He pulls me into a tight hug. “I was so worried.”
I step back. “I told you where I was going.”
“When?”
“As you were getting out of the car, I told you.”
He shakes his head. “I didn’t hear that. When I went back to my apartment after working a little, you weren’t there. I kept calling. Brian said he dropped you off at your place, so we went there, but you were gone.”
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to panic everyone. I told Angela I was going to my friend’s place.”
After everyone settles down, the office begins to empty out.
“We need to talk,” Jackson grouses. “Just give me a minute.”
I hand off his coffee and go to my desk. I throw the mail we got on Friday and yesterday into a basket on my desk and boot up my computer to print today’s schedule. Jackson’s door is still shut, with Jim and the police behind it with him.
I’ve really fucked up now. If the writing on the wall doesn’t scream it’s time for a new job, then I’m blind. I send a note to HR via our internal instant messaging system.
Me: I’m giving my two weeks’ notice to Mr. Graham today. Can you start the search for a replacement?
Dawn Decker: No problem. We’ll miss you.
Jim walks out and smiles. “We’re glad you’re okay.”
Brian is behind him, and he doesn’t look too happy with me.
I didn’t intend to trick anyone; it just was an unfortunate set of events. “I really am sorry,” I tell them. “I didn’t mean to cause so much commotion.”
“We still don’t have a bead on your stalker, so just be careful,” Jim says.
“Hopefully she’s moved on,” I say with more confidence than I feel.
“You can go on in.” Jim waves me into Jackson’s office.
I pick up a copy of his schedule and walk in. I feel like I’m facing a firing squad.
Jackson is pacing behind his desk. “I didn’t sleep last night. I was so worried about you.”
He isn’t looking at me.
“I’m really sorry.” I look down at his schedule. “You have a meeting with Cheryl this morning, which includes lunch with the management team. At two o’clock you have a call with the development team. At two thirty a call with the patent lawyer. At three, you have to return calls. Four thirty is your meeting with Dash Gates at Stargate Energy, and you have drinks with Mason Sullivan and Dillon Healy at seven at The Press Club in the Four Seasons.”
He looks me over carefully, definitely evaluating me. “That’s a full day.”
It is, but it’s a typical day for him. “I’ll try to keep the riffraff at bay.”
“I’d rather spend time with you,” he says quietly, despite the door being shut.
I sit down across from him, and I will myself not to cry. “I sent a note to HR and asked for applicants to replace me.”
“No.” He shakes his head. “No. That’s not what I want. We’re a partnership. You can’t leave.”
It’s nice that he feels that way—or says he does. But I can’t let him control me. I know what’s going to happen eventually, and I need to protect myself.
“I’ll review resumes and narrow down candidates for you to interview,” I continue. “I know I’ll find someone even better than me.”
“No. I’m not interested in making any changes.” He stands up and rubs his hands through his hair. “I can’t do this right now.”
“I’m sorry, but you know that after the ways our relationship has changed, we can’t go back to being just boss and employee. And when I returned to my apartment and no longer had a bedroom, I felt like that was a neon sign telling me it’s time to leave San Francisco.”
“I don’t know what happened with your room, but we can fix it. And in the meantime, you have a place to stay with me. Given all that we’ve shared, we’ll collaborate even better. And I’ve been working on stock options and a raise for you,” he says with desperation.
I take a deep breath. “It’s not just the money.”
His phone rings, and I start to reach for it.
“Don’t,” he begs.
“Jackson Graham’s office.” I can’t look at him, but I listen to the caller.
“Of course. Just a moment.” I look up at him. “It’s your lawyer.”
I get up to leave.
“We’re not done,” he tells me as I walk toward the door. “We need to finish this conversation.”
I close the door behind me. Despite what he says, I can’t stay. I can’t work with him after all the glorious ways he’s made my body feel and know that soon enough he’ll be doing those same things to other women.
I work through my day and move Jackson around as I’ve always done, making sure he’s somewhat close to his schedule. He receives several calls from women in his life looking for time to see him. I write them down in the daily call log as usual, and I’ll let him know. These only validate my feelings that it’s time to protect myself and move on.
At six thirty, I give up. It’s been a long day, and I’m ready to watch some mindless television and relax. Gabby is staying with Damien tonight, so I’ll get her bedroom to myself.
I walk into Jackson’s office and talk him through the phone calls he needs to return. “I’m heading out. You need to leave in ten to meet Mason and Dillon. I’ll see you in the morning.” I turn to leave.
“Before you leave, can you shut the door?” he asks.
I don’t want to have this conversation, but I look at him.
“I heard what you said this morning.” He genuinely looks
