What a Fool Believes by Carmen Green Read Free Book Online Page A

year?”
    â€œThree.”
    â€œSix. I’m counting the half days as absences, too. In addition, you’ve embarrassed this station with your—”
    â€œChance, I had pneumonia two days in January. Besides, I’ve already apologized for everything else.”
    â€œElse? No, antics is a better word. Taken to court by all the local news stations. You were so hideously funny, the AP picked it up. ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t good enough, Tia. We are an organization of professionals, not two-bit hoodlums,” she said imperiously. The folder snapped closed. “And you weren’t even good at that.”
    â€œChance, I’d had a terrible shock. I’m sorry for causing you or the station any embarrassment. It won’t happen again—”
    â€œExcuse me,” Chance interrupted sharply. “I’m extending your action plan because of your unprofessional behavior, attendance and poor work performance. If you miss work one day, if you’re twelve seconds late, or if you miss one of those anger management classes, I’ll take great pleasure in firing you.”
    â€œChance, this is so unnecessary. I had a simple lapse in judgment. It was immature, I know. But believe me, people will forget this with the next big news story.”
    Chance folded her hands over her waifish stomach. “Now you’re an expert? Shouldn’t you have thought of that before the profanity flew out of your mouth? Didn’t you see the cameras in the courtroom? My God,” she exclaimed. “That’s why you’re not a forecaster now, Tia. You don’t use mature discretion. Do you know anything about my personal life? No. Do you see me or anyone else from this office on our rival station as Atlanta’s funniest person of the week? No, only you hold that distinguishable honor.”
    What could she say? Some of what Chance had said was true, but an action plan? She’d been a stellar employee for five years. She’d never used a sick day before this year and had never given her parents, the Normans, a reason to doubt her integrity or commitment to the station. It wasn’t until Chance had joined the family business two months ago that Tia had become a problem.
    Chance pointed at her, and Tia noticed red marks lining her wrists. When she saw the direction of Tia’s gaze, she slapped her hands on the desk. “You have an additional thirty days to convince me not to send you packing. Once my decision is final, my parents won’t save you again.”
    â€œPlease assure them that they won’t be disappointed.”
    â€œYou work for me,” she said softly. “Your job is to please me.”
    The glint in Chance’s black-rimmed eyes sent chills up Tia’s spine. Her tongue rolled in her mouth as she tried to formulate words that involved mature discretion. “Thank you for the opportunity.” To kick your ass , her brain completed, but thankfully, the words stayed inside.
    â€œWhy are you still standing there? Get back to work.”
    Tia hadn’t wanted to hurry out of Chance’s office, but she felt as if Chance’s eyes were boring a hole into the back of her head. Before she knew it, she was on the other side, with her back pressed into the handles of the door.
    Ronnie/Rhonda, the cross-dressing mail clerk, sashayed up, dressed as a woman today. “I’d have kicked my sister’s bitch ass. You held your ground, though. Good for you.”
    Tia sprinted after him. He was six feet four and had a stride like a gazelle. “How do you know what went on in there?”
    â€œBaby, Rhonda knows everything. Now get to your desk before you’re on the street. She’s coming.”
    Her heartbeat thundered as Tia careened up the side aisle of workstations and duckwalked to her seat. She landed just in time.
    â€œI thought you were going to make my job easy,” Chance said from behind her, making the