You’re fired!

Jake 

I tapped my fingers gently on the desk while I waited for the call to the HR department to connect. I had made up my mind. Laura had been distant for weeks now, ever since she walked in on me with that woman. It wasn't like her to avoid me totally like that. Sure, our relationship had never been straightforward, but she still always kept things professional, no matter how complicated things got between them. This time, though, her avoidance was different. She wouldn't even look me in the eye, and I couldn't deny the tension that had built up between them.

I sighed deeply as the HR manager finally answered. 

"Good afternoon, Sir. What can I help you with?"

"I need someone to accompany me on my business trip tomorrow," Isaid, my tone clipped. "Laura's taking some time off. Get someone else ready."

There was a brief pause before the manager replied, "We have a promising intern, Lisa. She's been doing well, very sharp. I can send her with you."