When I reached his office, I hesitated at the door, hearing Lacey’s loud, bright laughter spilling through the crack. I pushed it open to find her perched on the edge of his desk, chatting animatedly. Keaton was laughing, a deep, hearty sound that made my chest tighten. Neither of them noticed me standing there.
I cleared my throat loudly, forcing them to look my way. Lacey's grin barely faltered, while Keaton’s laughter died down. He glanced at me, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
“You ought to be working, Lacey, not chatting. It’s inappropriate,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I turned to Keaton, expecting some sort of support, or at least a nod of agreement.
But instead, he leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. “If you’re such a great staff member, Alissa, shouldn’t you be at your desk right now?” His tone was dismissive, almost indifferent.
My mouth fell open, stunned. “I—”
“Get back to work, Alissa,” he cut me off, barely looking at me, his focus shifting back to Lacey as if I’d never even spoken. It felt like a slap. My heart sank as I realized my attempt to assert myself had only shattered whatever fragile authority I thought I had.