I got up and got ready for work. At least now, I didn't feel like a train wreck, although I wasn't sure how work would be when I arrived.

I left the house and stopped to get a couple of cups of coffee.  As always, there was still someone holding things up. I watched some sleazy woman flirt with the Barista.  Whatever happened to having respect for yourself?

Morals went out of the door. As we all stood in line as this woman, knowing we would be late for work, I heard someone say, "Excuse me. I'm pretty sure no one wants to see you show your desperation. So, do you mind moving along so we can get to work on time?"

"Excuse me?"  She scoffed.

"There's no excuse for you. No one wants to see your tits hanging out, your makeup is outdated, and I'm pretty sure you're the reason most people are angry at work - lack of caffeine in their systems. Run along now," they said.

We all stood there, not knowing what to say.

Then I heard them say, "As for you, have some self-respect. That woman is old enough to be your grandmother. Desperation doesn't look good on you, buddy. Now, how about doing your job like you were hired."

Wow.  I was utterly shocked. That was the first time I had heard someone put people in their place.  Whoever it was is my hero. Maybe now I can get to work without having to break my neck to do so.

Once I got our coffee, I made my way to work. I walked in to be greeted by Mel. I handed her a container of coffee, and we walked into the conference room.

We walked in and took a seat at the back of the table. We watched as the others filed in, and Tabitha appeared in the front, wearing a low-cut blouse. Figures. We just rolled our eyes.

Once seated, Mel and I briefly talked about things when I heard a husky voice say, "Okay. Settle down. We need to get to business."

We turned to see a guy walking to the front who looked at him about thirty. He had short hair and a goatee.  Then it hit me.  Oh shit.

I slunk down in my chair and tried to hide my face. Mel noticed my actions and whispered, "What is wrong with you?"

"My name is Mr. Stevens. I am the owner of Logan Enterprises, whose name will change. I am also your new boss," he announced.

I looked at Mel and whispered, "That's the guy from the club."

Her eyes widened as I slightly nodded.  She let out a breath and facepalmed her forehead.  Fantastic, my crazy night resulted in me sleeping with my boss. I am so screwed.

Mr. Stevens briefly explained what he had planned and that our job assignments would change. He also told us that he would meet one-on-one with us. Yep, I was screwed.

He released us an hour later, and as we were leaving, I overheard Tabitha say, "You know, if you need anything at all, I can be at your service."  I saw her play with a button on his dress shirt.  At that moment, I realized that Friday was just what it was, one night.

Don't get me wrong, I feel embarrassed, but that made me realize I was better off being single and forgetting that night.  Let's hope Mr. Stevens doesn't remember.

                                  *******
We all went back to our desks, and I got to work. I didn't need to give him a reason to fire me. He could say he didn't remember what happened Friday night, which would save me a lot of trouble.

Note to self: start looking for a new job. I'm pretty sure I was on the chopping block. As I busied myself with work, I noticed employees entering Mr. Steven's office individually. As they exited his office, some were happy, some were not.

I watched Tabitha saunter in and close the door. I expected to hear groaning in a few minutes. Nope. Instead, I listened to a lot of yelling. What in the world?

She came storming out of his office.  That couldn't be good.

Then I heard Craig ask, "What happened?"

"Not only did he demote me, but he told me to dress appropriately. Said he wasn't running a prostitution ring," she huffed.  Well, damn.

Now I was screwed.

Next was Mel. Good luck, Mel.  She walked in and closed the door.  A half-hour later, she emerged smiling.  Starting tomorrow, she was being moved up in the company in a different position.

Then he called for me. I pushed my chair away from my desk and trudged to his office. I walked inside and closed the door. I took a seat in front of his desk. He was looking at a computer screen, typing.

"Carolina Sherwood?"

"Yes?"

"It says here you have been at Logan Enterprises for three years.  You never miss work and never take time off.  Your work is impeccable," he said, looking at the screen, then turned to me, "Do I know you?"

"Nope," I said quickly.

"Funny, you look like someone I met," he said, rubbing his chin.

"Nope, I swear we had never met before," I lied.

He studied me for a minute. Ugh. He was going to figure it out. I was going to get fired and labeled a slut even though I hadn't slept with anyone since Ben.  He's also going to think I have a drinking problem. Ugh.

Then he turned back to the screen and said, "Keep up the good work. You can go back to work."

That was it?  I got up and returned to my desk. Fantastic.  Mel got promoted, and I was still doing the same job as before. Maybe he did recognize me, and that's why I'm lucky to have a job yet.

I walked over to my chair and took a seat. It looks like I will never get promoted.  I sighed.

"Lina?  What happened?"

"Nothing."

"What?"  She looked at me, confused.

"He said to keep up the good work, and he dismissed me," I said.

"That's it?"

"Yeah," I answered as she looked at me, and I just shook my head.  "Don't worry about me, Mel. I'm happy you got promoted. You deserve it. I'm just happy to still have my job."

"Oh, Lina," she said to me, but I waved her off. I didn't need the pity. I learned a long time ago that things weren't going to work out the way I wanted them to.

I mean, what did I expect? I had a random hook-up with a guy who was my boss. My husband divorces me only to find out later he's gay. My life wasn't exactly stellar. At least I had Kami. She was the silver lining.

                                 *******
When the day ended, I shut down everything and left the building. I was the last one to go beside Mr. Stevens.  He had given me some work to finish, and I stayed later than usual to finish it all. I couldn't argue with him. I needed the job.

I called Tara, and she didn't hesitate to keep Kami longer and ensured she had dinner.  I was grateful that she did that for me.

I left work and walked to my car. Then I got in to go pick up Kami from Tara's.  Once I saw her, she hugged me.  At least I got something right in my life.

I took her home and spent whatever time I could with her. We watched a couple of episodes of Spongebob Squarepants before I bathed her and got her ready for bed. I tucked her in and read her a bedtime story like I always did, and she gave me a hug and kiss, telling me she loved me.

This little girl right here is what was necessary. To me, her happiness was more important than mine.  If that meant not dating, so be it. If Friday taught me anything, the only way I could even talk to a guy was when I was drunk.

Worst mistake ever.

She cuddled up with her SpongeBob, and I kissed her. Then I walked over and turned off her light.

I went into my room and got ready for bed. A group message popped up, and everyone wanted to know what happened.  So, I told them. I also told them I was lucky to keep my job and that going out anymore was a big no.

I knew I should have stayed home with Ben and Jerry. At least I could have my date with them next weekend since I will be alone now that Mom was taking Kami all weekend.

I left the group text and turned off the light. Tomorrow was a new day.  God, I hope so.