Free Stubborn Love - A Contemporary Romance: Falling for Him (Falling for Him Contemporary Romance Series Book 6) by Jessica Gray Page B

business.”
    “Explain what you mean,” Nigel asked.
    “She’s a complete mess! Her sketches are pathetic, with mistakes that a high school kid wouldn’t make. And the ones she managed to turn in last week were smudges or ripped up.”
    “What do you mean the ones she managed to turn in?”
    “Well, I wasn’t going to say anything, but there were two days where she didn’t finish anything at all. She claimed that her sketches had disappeared from her desk while she was at lunch. But no one in this office would dare touch someone else’s work. You know that.”
    Nigel didn’t say anything and Kaylee continued talking, “And several of her first-run garments look like someone took a pair of scissors to them. What a waste of fabric. And time. And money!”
    “Kaylee, that doesn’t sound like Clara.”
    “Well, I was here last week and you weren’t. I don’t want her working under me any longer. I want you to fire her!”
    She wasn’t able to hear Nigel’s reply as the secretary walked in at that moment and began talking to her. Sweet as ever, she wanted to know how Clara liked the city, and if she’d done any more sightseeing.
    Clara tried to be polite, but found carrying on a normal conversation beyond her at the moment. I need to get away. Now!
    With the excuse that she needed to fetch some urgent work, she left the waiting area and rushed down the hallway. She tried to stem the falling tears but couldn’t.
    She paused in the middle of the hallway, trying to decide what her next move should be, when Phoebe entered the hallway and spotted her. With one glance at Clara she registered the and invited her for coffee. Away from the office.
    Clara agreed, not caring that Nigel would wonder why she wasn’t waiting for him. Not caring that Kaylee would have yet another reason to complain. She needed someone to talk to and Phoebe had made herself available.
    Poor girl! Clara unleashed her worries on Phoebe, telling her everything that had happened the week before and then the conversation she’d overheard Kaylee having with Nigel.
    “Clara, you know that Kaylee had made it her mission to destroy you?”
    She nodded her head slowly, “I’m beginning to understand that. But why?”
    “She might even be the person sabotaging you. In fact, I’m almost sure of it. Everyone else in the office genuinely likes you.”
    “Thanks. At least I’m not going crazy!” She paused. “What should I do?”
    Phoebe looked at Clara incredulously and laughed, “With your talent, I wouldn’t stick around here. Kaylee hates you. Nigel doesn’t appreciate how good you truly are. If it were me, I’d be gone.”
    “But…” she broke off, not sure what to say.
    “Clara. Get a letter of recommendation from Nigel. After you have it, quit and find another design house to work for. You made a great impression on many important people at the event last week. Reach out and grab your destiny in your hands. You owe it to yourself!”
    When Clara didn’t say anything, she continued, “Look, in two weeks we have the big fashion show to present the new line. Make sure you do your best work ever. With those designs on the catwalk, everyone will want to hire you.”
    Clara took Phoebe’s advice and determined to make the best of a rather dismal situation. She already had several designs slated to be displayed on the catwalk. She’d use those as her entry card into another job.
    Kaylee could hate her all she wanted. And Nigel could let his principles keep him company at night. She was going to take the opportunity before her and make something good happen.

Chapter 19
     
    Nigel wasn’t completely convinced after his conversation with Kaylee. She’d always behaved very sweet when dealing with him, but he’d also heard the rumors about how she treated others in the office. Was she showing her true colors?
    Pushing Kaylee’s accusations aside, he exited his office expecting to see Clara waiting for him. He asked his secretary where