Page 106 of Falling for the Boss's Son

Cassie logged off her computer at eleven fifty-eight. She knocked on her boss’s door and reminded him of her lunch with the other assistants and made her way to the lobby.

Within five minutes, the lobby was full of the company’s administrative assistant. They walked the block and a half to the restaurant, chatting amongst themselves. Cassie had made their reservation over a week ago, so the hostess was waiting on them. They were promptly shown to an area in the back.

As everyone took their seats, Cassie took inventory of the room. Most of the assistants were women, but there was one man. He worked as an assistant to Grayson Hyde, the head of the IT department. She’d talked to him a few times, but she wouldn’t say she knew him.

Her gaze landed on Stephanie, and they locked eyes for a moment. A silent communication passed between them. They were both here on a mission.

Two servers came to take the group’s orders. It didn’t take long. Given they came to the same restaurant every month, most of them ordered the same thing every time. It made things easier for everyone.

Conversations continued as the servers went around the table, so Cassie figured she’d get to work. She turned to the woman beside her, Janice. “How are things going in accounts payable?”

“Oh, you know. Same old, same old. IT updated some of our software, so I’ve been fighting with that.” Janice rolled her eyes.

Cassie had to log into accounts payable from time to time, so she knew what the woman was talking about. “I can only imagine. Anytime I’ve logged into the system over the last week, I’ve had to call down to the help desk.”

Janice grinned. “What about you? How are things on the executive floor?”

“Good. I’ve been helping Mr. Masters with some new projects.”

There was a gleam in Janice’s eye. “Are we talking about your boss or the other Mr. Masters?”

Cassie had walked into that one. “My boss. Jesse and I try to keep our relationship out of the office.”

The woman on the other side of Janice snorted. “He brings you to work every day and comes to your desk to pick you up.”

“I heard you got caught making out in the executive conference room,” Betsy said.

Cassie was trying to figure out how to respond when Stephanie chimed in. “I doubt that. I’ve seen them together in the office and they’ve always kept things professional.”

Betsy pursed her lips, not liking how Stephanie shut her down.

Janice patted Cassie’s arm. “Try not to let Betsy over here bother you. She’s just not getting any at home, so she has to live vicariously.”

Betsy narrowed her eyes, but everyone around them laughed.

“Maybe we should change the subject,” Stephanie said. “Did either of you know the woman who used to have my position? I think her name was Crystal.”

Janice nods. “I knew her. Not well, but she used to come to these lunches.” She paused. “You know, if you want to find out more about her, the best person to ask is Sandy.”

Cassie had no idea who Sandy was. “Is she another assistant?”

Betsy shook her head. “No. She works in accounts receivable. They used to go to lunch all the time. I think they hung out outside of work, too. I saw them leaving together a few times.”

As much as Cassie wasn’t a fan of office gossip, for once it was working in her favor.

“I know Sandy. She hangs out with Shannon a lot. Long, blond hair, wears it up in a bun most of the time.”

“That’s the one,” Betsy said.

Given the direction of the conversation, Cassie let Stephanie take the lead. “Do you know if they still hang out? I might want to pick her brain. I’m still trying to get a handle on some things.”

“I’m not sure.” Betsy looked at the other side of Cassie. “Maxine, do you know if Sandy’s still in contact with Crystal?”

“That’s a strange question.”

The tone in Maxine’s voice piqued Cassie’s interest. “Why do you say that?”

“Because they’re sisters.”

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