Chapter Thirty Three

Nicole;

I'm not a department head but it's imperative for me to attend the meeting too. I trudge behind Carina as we make our way to the room. She doesn't let go of any chance she gets to make her dislike clear for me on her face. With my back straight and my mouth set into a hard line, I do a good job of ignoring her. I'm way too preoccupied with own thoughts. Why would Alex complicate things with such a reply? I'd have liked to have a word with him before the meeting but he's still on the call. I'm racked with nervousness as I follow Carina into the conference room. The department heads are already seated and their heads swivel in our direction as the door opens. But they are not looking at Carina, their eyes land on me and with each step I take deeper into the room, I can't feel the intensity of their gazes as they follow me. By the time I settle down into a seat, I'm beyond uncomfortable.

Thankfully I don't have to spend a moment of awkwardness with them as the door opens and we