Her mouth drops open slightly.
“I mean…” I backpedal, my forehead creasing and heart galloping away. “Uh, you know what I mean.”
That slip of the tongue felt a bit too personal, but there’s no way to take it back now.
Carlie gives a small laugh, her eyes lighting up for a moment. “Got it, boss. I’ll change.” She hesitates for a second, then adds, “Thanks, Adam. For not giving up on me over all of this.”
I nod, feeling a tightness in my chest.
“Always,” I say, more to myself than to her.
We walk into the hospital together, the conversation and drama still lingering between us. Watching her turn to head towards the locker room, I’m struck by her resilience, and her ability to find humor in the midst of this kind of shit storm. I’ve been in the social media spotlight for years and I don’t think I’d be able to.
Hell, who am I kidding? Ihaven’tbeen able to.
I shake my head, then make my way to James’s office, my mind tumbling through so many thoughts. The situation with the viral post, my growing concern for Carlie, and now, this unexpected meeting.
I don’t want to admit it, but having a conversation this early doesn’t bode well.
I knock on James’s office door, bracing for the worst.
“Come in,” he calls.
Entering the office, I find James with the kind of grim expression that says to close the door. So, I do.
The usual pleasantries are absent as he gets straight to the point. “Adam, we’ve got a serious problem.”
I nod, steeling myself. “I know about the posts. I’ve been trying to?—”
“Look, we knew your growing status on social media might become a problem, but you’ve always been so good at keeping things professional,” James counters. “It’s not just the posts. It’s the backlash, the comments about you and your new client. The newspaper has already called for a statement and …” he pauses, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s blowing up, and not in a way that paints our program and what we do here in a good light.”
My heart sinks. “I didn’t do anything wrong, James. Neither did Carlie. It was strictly professional, despite how it looks.”
He sighs, leaning back in his chair. “I believe you, Adam. But it’s not about what I think. It’s about public perception. And right now, the perception is damaging. For us, you, and her.”
I clench my fists, feeling a sense of injustice. “So, what happens now?”
James looks at me, his eyes filled with regret. “The board had an emergency meeting this morning and?—”
My jaw drops open and I gawk at him.
He sighs heavily, like it pains him to say whatever comes next. “Look, they can’t ignore this kind of negative attention, so they’ve made a decision. I’m sorry, Adam, but we have to let you go.”
The words hit me like a physical blow.
Fired.
Over a misunderstanding—a twisted narrative that couldn’t be further from the truth. “This is unfair, James. You know that. When Jillian?—”
He nods, his expression somber. “I know. But what she did never impacted the integrity of our gym. The only ones who witnessed it were the ones paying attention. My hands are tied here, Adam. The board’s decision is final.”
I exhale, anger and disbelief coursing through me. “Fine. I’ll clear out my stuff.”
James’s voice is soft as I leave. “I’m sorry, Adam. For what it’s worth, you’re a great trainer. You’ll end up on your feet. I’m sure another company will snap you up.”
I huff a laugh.
Fuck that.