Meu Amor

Chapter 18

"And that's why I think she is the ideal choice to cover for me while I'm away" Taylor says, looking at me.

"Or because she is your bff" Hugo says under his breath.

"Hugo, do you want to say anything?" she asks him.

"No, nothing."

"I think I heard you speaking."

"I was just clearing my throat. I think I need some water."

"Yes, of course. But be careful. We don't want you choking" Taylor says with a wicked smile. "Why are you here, tho? This isn't your department."

"It isn't" our boss says. "But this meeting affects him. We are in need of a new assistant, and Marc is the best choice since he has already worked as one."

"But he is my assistant!" Hugo says.

"I know, Hugo" our boss replies. "But his talent was being wasted doing statistics with you. Being pitch side is the best decision, and he has already agreed to move."

"He has? And no one cares to tell me?"

"They are telling you now" Taylor says.

Hugo replies by giving her a murderous look, but she doesn't care. "So now what? Do I have to work without someone helping me?" he asks.

"We are already interviewing new people, people who especially work on your field. And you'll have the last word when it comes to pick who will assist you."

"Thank you. I guess" he says, visibly mad.

The meeting keeps going for a little bit, our boss explaining some other details. Once it ends and people start leaving the room, Hugo grabs me by the arm.

"One day your luck will be over and they'll see you for what you truly are. A so called journalist who has gotten where she is by kissing asses" he hisses.

"You are hurting me, Hugo. Let me go."

"You are not worth of your position, and the sooner you realize it and step aside so those who truly deserve it have a chance, the better. If you don't do it, I'll do it myself. And trust me, none of your friends will be able to help you."

"What the..." I say when he lets go of my arm.

"Everything ok?" Taylor asks, walking towards us.

"Peachy" Hugo says with a fake smile, leaving the room.

"What happened? Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine, don't worry. But I think he just threatened to end my career."

"Let him try" Taylor says. "Now, let's go celebrate. I'm in the mood for chocolate cake."

"I think I could do with some cake too" I say, Hugo's threat still in my head.

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For Christmas we decide to have both our families together in Manchester. On Boxing Day there is a derby, and even though I am working, Rúben got tickets for everyone to attend the game. I'm just hoping that my dad and my brother won't punch anyone if City wins.

"Feliz Nadal? That's how you say Merry Christmas on Portuguese? Like the tennis player?" my dad asks me while we are on the train.

"Yes, dad. Like the tennis player" I say, rolling my eyes.

"Weird" he says, going back to his phone where he is translating different sentences to Portuguese and trying to learn them. And learn them wrong, in this case.