The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 68

Josie’s head drooped, her voice filled with despair. “You don’t understand, Suzie. I came to this city from a small town, and it was a struggle just to get through college here. After graduating, all I wanted was to find a job and stay. With no connections, I fought hard to get into this studio. Even though my title is ‘intern photographer,’ I’ve really just been Lexi’s assistant. I’ve worked so hard, but working life is nothing like I thought it would be. Most days, I just feel outmatched.”

Suzie looked at Josie’s youthful, innocent face, her eyes welling with unshed tears.

She let out a soft sigh as Josie spoke again. “You might not believe me, Suzie, but everything I’ve said is the truth. An old classmate of mine taught me to record conversations. He said people at work can turn on you fast, and making it a habit could protect me.”

Just then, Oliver, who had been silent, gently pulled Suzie aside. “Suzie,” he whispered, “the recording sounds convincing, but you can’t always see what’s in a person’s heart. Don’t be too quick to trust her. You need to maintain your guard.”

Suzie blinked, looking up at him. “I know.”

Oliver gave a wry smile. “What do you know? All I see in your eyes right now is sympathy. Suzie, when you’re out in the working world, you need to be cautious with new people. It might sound cynical, but if it keeps you safe, I don’t mind you being that way.”

“I know you mean well,” Suzie said with a faint smile. “But I’m not a child anymore. Let’s go back. We’ve left her standing there for too long. We don’t want her thinking we’re plotting something, we’ll scare the poor girl.”

With that, she started walking back toward Josie. As she did, Oliver lightly tapped the back of her head, just as he used to. “You’re more of a little girl than she is,” he murmured. “So innocent and naive.”

“You had the recording. You could have gone straight to the boss. Even if a manager might favor someone for their skills, I can’t believe any boss would tolerate someone with such malicious intent in their company.”

As Suzie spoke, Josie nodded frantically, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Oliver reached them and spoke directly to Josie.