Page 59 of VOGUEish

“Ms. Birdie, not that it’s any of my business, but why don’t you take over as editor-in-chief?” Isabella said. “You have all the skills needed. Sure, you may not have a degree in fashion, but clearly you know fashion.” Isabella waved her hand toward Nonna. “That jacket is divine. I came in here feeling quite Vogue-ish, and now I realize I’m still swimming in the Garanimals pool.”

“Thank you, darling. But I’m ready to retire, not run a magazine. I’d already be retired if Chandler would take over the corporation instead of insisting on continuing as a fixer.”

“He’s being stubborn, is he?” Isabella raised her eyebrows and tilted her head his way. “I feel your pain.”

“You’re a darling,” Nonna cooed. “Am I correct to assume you’re okay with accompanying Chandler on this trip to woo our potential editor-in-chief?”

“Absolutely,” Isabella said. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Where will we be going?”

“The Florida Keys.”

Isabella clapped her hands in child-like glee. “In that case, I’m going to need a new swimsuit…or three.”

The idea of Isabella in a swimsuit already had Chandler sweating. “Nonna, since you feel so strongly that I’m ready to take over Glamour Inc., then hear me out on this. I believe we should send a team of three.”

“Three?” she asked.

He nodded. “At least three. It says we’re not skimping on expenses to impress.”

Nonna studied him. It was the same type of look he gave employees when he’d not yet decided if they were to be fired. Their reaction to his stare told him volumes. The guilty fidgeted.

He held still. Didn’t swallow. Didn’t blink. Didn’t change his expression.

She pressed her lips together. “Fine. Bring Annie.”

“Annie? The secretary? Why her?” Chandler questioned.

“Because everyone knows you’ll get nowhere in a company if you don’t make a point to impress their administrative assistant and their custodian. Take Annie and see if our candidate gets that.”

“When is the trip?” Isabella asked.

“February 14th.”

“We’re going to be in Florida on Valentine’s Day?” Isabella asked.

Chandler perked up. He wasn’t opposed to getting her out of town on Valentine’s so his friend couldn’t romance her hard and heavy on that day. Which made him an ass.

Nonna gave him a quick glance, and the speculation in her eyes before she turned her attention to Isabella made him think she’d read his mind. Fuck.

“That’s when she’s available. Is that a deal breaker for either of you?” Nonna said.

“Not at all.” Isabella smiled brightly. “I’m thrilled to be on the hiring committee.”

“And you?” she asked Chandler.

“You’re the boss.”

“That I am. Now, I have someplace I need to be this morning. Would you be a dear and go over Isabella’s new contract with her that we drew up yesterday?” Nonna withdrew a folder from her satchel and handed it to Chandler.

Chandler tensed. There were parts of this contract that would insult Isabella coming from him. Parts he’d pushed hard to have included. Was that why Nonna wanted him to go over it with her? So he’d be the one to explain the whys of those parts? “I’d be happy to.”

“Thank you. I want to get her officially in the position as digital editor for Naked Runway before one of our competitors realizes she’s ready to settle into the corporate world and attempts to steal her out from under us.”

“Not a chance,” Isabella said. “Naked Runway is my dream.”

Nonna stood. “Isabella, I do believe you will love the clothing allowance part of your contract.”

Isabella squealed. “OMG. I have a clothing allowance.” She jumped up, causing coffee cups to rattle, and threw her arms around Nonna.

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