Read Being Me (BBW Romance) for Free Online Page B

him he'd opened the door for me. We were met with an unpleasant surprise in the form of Alicia. She stood in the doorway and I swear I saw her head swivel around like she'd been pressing her ear against the door. I didn't like that twinkle in her eyes; Dunner wasn't too pleased to see her, either. "Something I can do for you, Alicia?" he asked her.
    "Oh, um, I was just wondering when those interviews were going to start up again," she stammered out.
    Dunner raised an eyebrow. "You had your interview yesterday," he pointed out.
    "Oh, well, I just thought maybe something happened and was worried about my friend here." It took me a few seconds to realize she was talking about me. Thank god she didn't try wrapping an arm around my shoulders, or I would have had to light myself on fire to get her stench off. " Is everything all right?"
    Dunner wasn't convinced by Alicia's sudden interest in my welfare. "That's something you'll have to discuss with Miss Collins. But if you'll excuse me, I'll take your advice and start those interviews."
    That was my cue to get out of there. I hoped Alicia would go back to her own cubicle, but much was my horror when she turned into my dog and followed me home to my little box. She salivated for info on our 'conversation' in there, but I wasn't going to throw her any bones. "So what did you two talk about in there?" she asked me even before I sat down in my chair.
    "Not much, just about strategy and positions." That was technically true, in an innuendo sort of way.
    Alicia just kept digging. "Any news about your position?" she persisted.
    I shrugged. "Not really, still on this floor dealing with pests." I suddenly slapped my hand down on the desk as though swatting at a fly. Alicia jumped, and I grinned up at her. "Damn, missed her."
    She sneered back. "That's a pity, I was hoping the IQ on the floor would go up after you left."
    I mimicked a sad shake of my head and sighed. "I'm afraid you'll just have to be stuck dragging the IQ down with me." It was a slap at both of us, but I never minded laughing at myself. Alicia, however, wouldn't take a joke out for a cup of coffee.
    She put her hands on either side of the entrance to my cubicle and leaned in toward me. Her voice dropped to a low, hissing whisper. "You think you're so smart, don't you? That if you just make everybody laugh that they'll be your friends? Well, guess what, bitch, they're not. Nobody likes you and nobody cares about you."
    Usually her words didn't hurt me, but this time was a very painful exception. I wanted to hurt her like she was hurting me, but we didn't work the same way. I needed to strike at her with my usual weapon of choice: snark. "That's good to know in case I win a million bucks. I'll make sure to buy everyone a pin with the word 'douche' on it." I smirked when her face reddened with anger. "Careful there, Alicia, or your makeup will run," I warned her.
    "You just fuck off, bitch, or I'll make your life so bad you'll be glad to quit this place," she shot back. I expected her to finish off with a rattle of her tail, and snorted when I heard her jewelry clank. She angrily pulled back and gave me the greatest gift of all; the gift of her absence. I breathed a sigh of relief when her stomping steps faded into her cubicle. Then I turned around toward my monitor and leaned down to rest my forehead against the desk. This whole thing about being careful really wasn't working out all that well. We'd already been caught in a compromising liaison, and now here was Alicia threatening my livelihood with that same info.
    And speaking of info, I'd forgotten to get Dunner's phone number. Turns out he was busy the rest of the day, too, finishing up interviews and talking with the big-wigs in the afternoon. Rumors swirled around the floor like a tornado full of fear and despair. Everyone feared they'd be swept off their jobs by the ever-rumored layoffs, or that they'd be transferred to some horrible, primitive place where the natives