Nice Girl by Kate Baum Page A

office to the right.  I doubt it’s locked.”  I practically whispered it.  She looked up at me with shock at what I just implied.  Then, I saw the realization that she knew what I was asking her to do.  I had a feeling it wasn’t the right move.  I just wanted her to stop talking.  To stop bringing back my own pathetic emotions regarding men and sex.  She was now Vinnie’s problem, not mine.
    She nodded at me and immediately walked to Vinnie’s office door.  I heard it open and then waited for what I surely knew was going to blow up in her face.  Vinnie did not disappoint.  I heard that voice again.  That low deep menacing threat.  The same voice that I heard during my interview.  The same voice that had my legs shaking in fear.  This was the voice from a man that was able to break a lunatic’s wrist in a snap.
    “Listen to me you filthy slut.  If you ever come near me or my place of business, I will make sure the cops bust your fucking crack dealing brother.  Considering he supports your sorry ass, I don’t think you want to mess with me again.  I don’t hit women but I will pick you up and throw you out of here like the piece of shit whore you are.“
    Vinnie kept his voice controlled but it was enough to make Dolores run out of here.  Then Vinnie came out of his office and stood at my desk.  I was praying he couldn’t see my face tremble even though I knew it was probably obvious.
    “I told you to get rid of her.”
    I was totally intimidated at that moment but something about what he said did set me off. Get rid of her?  How was I supposed to do that?
    “Vinnie” I said as calm as I could “I am not the A and V bouncer.”
    “Is it your job to manage the office?” He asked with a sneer.
    “Managing the office does not include your personal life.”  Good answer I thought.
    “My personal life and this office are one in the same.  If you aren’t tough enough, then you can get the fuck out of here.”
    My mouth hit the floor.  Was he kidding me?  After all I had done to get this office in shape?  How unreasonable can a person be? 
    Somehow I found my voice.  “Fine then.  I quit.”
    He snorted  “I knew you couldn’t handle it.”
    Just then Anthony walked in.  What perfect timing.
    “Anthony, I QUIT.”
    “Wait, what?  Grace?”  He looked at me, then at Vinnie.  “What just happened?”
    “I quit.  That’s what happened.  Let me get you your key.”
    “Hold on for a minute, Grace.  Vinnie, what the fuck?”
    Just then the phone rang. 
    “I’m not getting it Anthony.  I told you I quit!”
    “Grace, please wait.  Let me answer this and then we’ll talk.”  He glared at Vinnie.  “Damn you Vinnie.”
    Quickly he picked up the phone “A and V Private Investigations.”
    While Anthony was talking, I got my purse.  I was shaking so bad, I could barely get my key chain out.  When I finally did, I proceeded to try to get the office key off.  Also on the key chain are my dorm swipe card and a few reward cards.  I don’t know if it was because my hands were trembling so fiercely but I was having trouble sliding the office key off the ring.  My thumb nail kept trying to keep the tight link open so I could slide the key through the other link.  I couldn’t coordinate this simple move at all.  My eyes started to tear up.
    I will not cry.  I will not cry.  I will not let Vinnie see me cry .
    It wasn’t working.  I could feel my eyes well up.  I just wanted to get this damn key off the chain and run out of there.  I could hear Anthony trying to wrap up the phone call.  Making matters worse, Vinnie was still standing there at my desk.  He wasn’t saying a word.  When I glanced up at him, he was staring at me with that gaze that showed no emotion.  I had to get out of here now.  I jammed my thumb nail in hard.  I didn’t care if it bent the fucking nail off.  Apparently, the feel of my skin getting pinched caught up with my emotions and I