Work today has been… well, weird. Mrs. Glover keeps looking at me speculatively each time I walk past her desk, which makes me nervous, and curious as to what she's thinking. I haven't heard from Nate all day. I came to the office first while he went to the gym and followed me in about an hour later, as per our usual schedule. But he hasn't sent me any work requests at all, nor have I heard from any of my colleagues.
So, I've been in my office for most of the day working on some reports that needed reworking and doing some research on a client that I know Nate is considering bringing on.
At two o'clock there's a knock on my door.
"Come in," I call out.
Mrs. Glover pokes her head in the door. "You are being asked to join a meeting in the conference room, Miss Montgomery."
"Okay, thanks. Any idea what it's about?" I ask as I gather my iPad and walk toward the door.
"No, but they've been in there all day."
"'They'?"
"Yes, both partners, the CEO and the head of Human Resources."
My stomach falls to my feet.
Fuck.
I follow Mrs. Glover to the conference room. She knocks on the door, and steps inside.
"Miss Montgomery," she announces and ushers me into the room.
Nate and Mr. Luis are seated behind a long conference table, along with our CEO, Mr. Vincent and a woman in a black suit, presumably from HR.
Nate doesn't meet my eyes when I enter the room.
"Miss Montgomery, please have a seat." HR Lady motions to the seat opposite them at the table. Great, I get to sit by myself in front of all of them.
Shit.
I take my seat and lay the iPad on the table before me, then link my hands together in my lap, looking back and forth between each of the people before me. Their faces are completely impassive, not giving any indication as to why I've been asked in here, but I know.
Carly must have told.
"Miss Montgomery," Mr. Vincent begins. I've only met him once before, but he seems like a kind man. He's older with gray hair and kind eyes. His eyes are still kind as he looks at me, his hands folded on the table, leaning toward me. "I have a question for you."
"Yes, sir," I respond, proud of myself for sounding confident and professional.
"How long have you been with my company?"
I frown slightly and glance over at HR Lady. Surely they have this information?
"Three years, Mr. Vincent." I respond.
"And in that time, have you been given information regarding our policies and procedures?" he asks.
"Of course."
"Good." He nods and looks down at papers spread before him. "So you're aware that this company has a no fraternization policy."
"I am." I will not wilt and crumble before these people. I knew this could happen, and I took the risk. I feel all four pairs of eyes on me now and I look at each of them, Nate last. His face is cold, his eyes gazing at me with no emotion. It's the way he looked at me for eight months, after the first time we made love in his apartment and until he talked me back to his place right before my birthday.
"We have received information that you have been involved with another member of this company." Mr. Vincent continues.
"You must have received a statement from Carly this morning," I respond coolly, not breaking eye contact. Mr. Vincent's eyes widen, and then he frowns and looks at his colleagues.
"Actually, no. Why would you suggest that?" he asks.
I frown and immediately hate myself for my big mouth. "It was just a hunch."
"So you don't deny this?" he asks.
"No, sir."
Mr. Vincent sighs and leans back in his chair. "Miss Montgomery, you have an excellent employment record here. You've done very well in your three years with us."
"Thank you, sir."
"But, policy is policy."