Nothing says happy fucking Monday better than a conference call in the middle of the day. It’s already been a tiring day, but these three people are making it extra shitty.

“What do you mean they will only accept if you work with 23 Media Inc.?” Shelby asks. “Because what I’m understanding is that you’re working with the competition, not crushing it.”

“Tony Gyles’ condition is to work with both companies. He insists we each have something he wants. I tried to persuade him to just work with Blend. However, on the positive side, I’m in charge of the project. We’re just outsourcing with 23 Media.”

“Who is going to maintain the account?”

“We haven’t established that yet,” I say, using my most professional tone. Thinking, what the fuck, Shelby, since when do I have to spell every fucking movement and decision I make? Not even when I was a junior vice-president. “I’m going to have my team work on the proposal and—”

“Before you move forward, you have to have a contract signed by 23,” Shelby reminds me.

“Hiring his services as a consultant?” I ask to make sure we’re on the same page. “We already asked legal to draw it. Once they sign, I’ll sit down with Mr. Archer to create a proposal based on—”

“Wait, are you working with Miller Archer?” she says.

I swear my telephone shakes as her volume increases. If Shelby keeps interrupting me, I’m going to lose it.

“Yes, he’s the founder and CEO of 23 Media Inc.,” I remind her.

“Claire, sweetie,” she says, and there she goes to patronize me.

It must be hell to be Jonathan. Poor guy, growing up with so many expectations from her and always disappointing her. Because I’ve heard her use that tone with him more than anyone.

“You two have a history,” she says. “I don’t think it’s in your best interest to continue working on this project. You understand, don’t you?”

My stomach churns as the anger arises. She can’t be serious. I told her about Miller as a friend. She shouldn’t be using it against me.

“What do you mean?” I bark the question, gripping the armchair.

“Well, clearly you can’t separate business from pleasure. Are you two together again?”

Yes, we are, but I’m not going to tell you about it because I have the feeling you’re going to do something stupid, like moving me to London, fire me, or give me some lecture about my future.

“As I explained to you before, if we don’t work with 23 Media Inc., Gyles winery won’t sign the contract with us,” I repeat.

“Jonathan can be there by tomorrow to take over,” Shelby suggests in that, you poor stupid child who can’t get shit done, I’m going to have to fix this for you—again, tone.