Page 2 of Stepbrother With Benefits

"She asked Xiao Lin for a selfie during his lunch break when he was here being interviewed about his new film."

I waited to hear what awful thing happened next, but the story ended there.

"Obviously, we can't have our employees acting like starstruck teenagers, or word would get out that we were unprofessional, and it would be the end of BELLE."

What?! But she's his biggest fan! His mug is literally on her phone case.

"Nice girl, though," Crecia said. "I do wish her the best."

Oh. My. God. That's it?! Jin busted her ass for you! Not that she had much ass to bust, but still.

"I will be leaving a favorable review for you, however, when I have a chance to meet with Mariam."

"Thank you."

"For what it’s worth, I never thought you'd last. You were such a disaster in the beginning. But there’s no denying how much you’ve improved."

I forced a smile, figuring that was as much a compliment as I could expect to get from Crecia.

"Plus, your sense of style is immaculate."

It took all my energy to keep my jaw from falling open.

"Which gives me hope that you could become an asset to our team."

"I appreciate you saying that, Crecia. I've done my best to—"

"Have a great weekend," she said, moving back around her desk. "I'll see you Monday morning by the hot rack."

"I cleared it already."

Her winged eyes flicked up to me, and I could've sworn I saw a trace of approval in them. "In that case, I won't need you here till nine."

"Should I swing by Starbucks on my way?"

She almost smiled. "No, that's alright. Jin's on coffee duty next week."

My chest swelled.

"Would you like her to pick something up for you?" she asked. "It's no trouble to add to the order."

"No, thanks," I said, terrified of developing an expensive coffee habit. "I'll be properly caffeinated when I arrive."

"Perfect," she said, digging through her Prada Galleria tote.

"Have a nice weekend," I said, backing towards the door.

She waved me off without lifting her face, and my insides cartwheeled all the way to the elevator.

I couldn't believe it. Not only had I survived, I'd impressed someone who the fashion collective believed had an eye for talent and style. Little old me, a girl who nearly rotted in the receptionist's chair at a dentist office less than four red line stops away. And suddenly, all those indulgent self-help books I'd read seemed worthwhile. Not because they contained uncommon secrets, but because they actually inspired me to take action.

Step one: Figure out what you want (or at the very least, what you absolutely do not want for one more second).

Step two: Go after number one.

It seemed ridiculously obvious now, but I remember how scary the prospect of this internship seemed six months ago, how scary the prospect of moving in with Quinn seemed. But I accepted the risks and bet on myself, started leaving my comfort zone and putting myself out there. And now things were finally happening for me instead of to me…all because I stopped hiding.

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