"Just keep laughing. It's the only way to stay sane around here."
"Drugs, phone sex, and a hooker for a boss? I can't figure out how a nice girl like me ended up in a place like this."
"Or a nice boy like me."
*
It was payday, finally, and Maggie was excited to go at lunchtime, and pick up the gown she asked the boutique to alter for her. The gown was expensive, but it would be worth it. Bronco8881 wasn't sitting on any of the fountain benches when she arrived, and she was glad not to have the distraction. She had just enough time to do a final fitting and if the alterations were right, to pick up the dress.
It wasn't yet break time when Jim tapped on her wall and motioned for her to meet him outside. She didn't see him when she first walked out the door, until she went to the side of the building and found him waiting beside the picnic table.
"When is your interview?" she asked. Her smile faded as soon as she noticed the look on his face.
"They cut my wages in half."
"What? They can't do that, can they?"
"They just did."
"I can't believe it. Are you going to quit?"
"As soon as I find something else. I have no choice."
"Take my advice and change your phone service before you do."
"Good idea, I'll do that tonight. Will it tip them off if I do?"
"As long as you don't cancel your service here, they will never know."
"Good point. I'm so mad I'm not thinking straight."
Maggie gathered her long hair in the back, and then pulled all of it around to one side. "These people terrify me. Are all companies like this?"
"None I ever worked for."
"That's good to know. Jim, can you make it on half the wages?"
"I couldn't make it on full pay. I have to find something else and fast."
Maggie bowed her head. "I shall miss you more than you can possibly know, but you must do what you must do."
"I'll miss you too. Maybe if I get in a good place, I can recommend they hire you."
"I would be ever so grateful. We better get back in there."
When she started to leave, he took hold of her arm. "After I'm gone, tell everyone they cut my pay. I'm not supposed to say anything, but people should know it can happen to them."
"We might have a mass exodus."
"Wouldn't that be nice? Nicole would have to train a whole new staff herself and it would serve her right."