The shock hit her like a punch to the gut. Of all the things she'd expected when she walked into this office, this wasn't one of them.
Jackie sighed, removing her glasses. "Cara, I have to do this even if I don't want to."
"Why?" Cara's voice was sharp with disbelief. "I thought I gave you a good time last night? Is this your way of paying me back for my good deed?"
"Keep your voice down," Jackie whispered, glancing toward the door.
Cara folded her arms. "I'll try."
Jackie exhaled, her expression softening. "Look, this has nothing to do with what happened last night. It's about business. I had a post nut clarity and to terms with the fact you haven't been pulling your weight around here, and I still pay you. You come in late, leave whenever you want… I love the hell out of you, Cara, but I have to make hard decisions. If I keep you on like this, I'll be burning money. You have to understand—I'm running a business, not a charity."