A loud knock made me look up. "Come in."
I reached for a hair tie beside me and pulled my hair into a ponytail.
"You called me…ma'am?" Melody said.
I looked up. "Take a seat, Melody."
She shut the door a little too loudly behind her and sat opposite me. I stared at her; she'd gotten a haircut.
Her long hair was styled into a bob, resting loosely on the nape of her neck.
She cleared her throat, her eyes darting to the ceiling, the desk, the paintings—anywhere but me.
She was nervous. Good.
"I didn't see you at the wedding," I said.
I knew she wasn't invited but I needed to remind her the difference in our status now.
"Uh, I didn't think you wanted me there," she said.
She was right—and her clipped tone made sure I knew she resented it.
I knew Melody had a crush on Oliver and that she hated me for being such good friends with him.
I also knew she was the source of that nasty gossip that spread around the office about me.
