Chapter 1

...

To protect my performance bonus, I swallowed my frustration and obtained the complainant's number.

The line went through, and a familiar, venomous voice rang out. "So, you've finally got the guts to call me, Jennifer Sargent. Tell me, did you sleep your way to manager?"

This customer had been a nuisance all morning, and now she was spreading vile rumors. My temper flared, but I kept my voice steady. "Miss, I've already refunded your smoothie. We've never met. Why did you file a complaint against me seducing your boyfriend?"

"Never met?" Her voice turned shrill. "I'm Lauren Miller, Matteo Velez's girlfriend, and you're trying to steal him!"

Her words made me laugh. Matteo was the courier she'd insisted on for her order. I had called him in to help. That was all.

Lauren's tone grew colder. "Cat got your tongue? Matteo took a sick day to bring me breakfast and avoid you, you old hag. He wouldn't touch you with a ten-foot pole!"

Finally, her words irritated me. My voice hardened. "If you're worried about him cheating, take it up with him. He's just a part-time worker here."

I'd only been running this smoothie shop for two months, but I'd already dealt with plenty of difficult customers. Lauren, however, was in a league of her own.

"I'm his boss," I continued. "His personal life doesn't concern me. But if you keep slandering me, I will sue you for defamation."

I hung up, rolling my eyes in exasperation. A coworker saw my reaction and asked, "Jennifer, who got you so riled up?"

I recounted the ordeal, and her smile faded. "Not her again."

I frowned. "She has called before?"

Sarah nodded with a grim expression. "Brace yourself. This isn't over."

I blinked, sighing, "We'll deal with it as it comes."

Matteo stormed in with a grim expression. "Jennifer, we are done talking from now on!"

I noticed his phone, hanging around his neck, displaying a call active for seven hours. He clasped his hands apologetically while distancing himself from me.

Eager to avoid more drama, I nodded. "Fine."