Page 84 of XOXO

You earned this.

You’re the motherfucking boss bitch.

Laptop bag strewn over my shoulder; Birkin clutched tight in my hand. I push my shoulders back as the doors open, ready for whatever the day may bring. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I’d go from receptionist to senior partner. Most say I slept my way to the top; others say it’s because of my last name.

Hearsay.

I’ve dreamed of being a lawyer like my dad since I was little and have worked my ass off since. Well, the man who I thought was my dad until eight years ago.

“Shayla,” my assistant states with a forced smile on her face.

There’s an odd vibe in the air that prevents me from moving forward. It’s giving me the same gut wrenching feeling I had as I watched my dad hit the ground from a heart attack.

“We’re waiting on chocolate filled donuts and iced lattes.” She quickly steps towards me, and before I realize it, her arm is looped around my back. “They should be here any minute.” Her speech is fast, and her tone is sharp.

“Why?” I stop dead in my tracks, trying to figure out why she’d order foods I crave when I’m stressed or on my period.

I’m neither.

“No, no. We’ll talk in your office,” she says in a singsong voice while nervously laughing and pushing me along.

I may detest everything she’s doing right now, but I don’t resist. She’s a fantastic assistant who has my back, so I follow her lead.

“Going to tell me now?” I ask as she closes the door behind us.

“After caffeine and donuts.” She sits in a chair in front of my desk, nervously glancing at her watch. “Where the hell is Daniel?” She murmurs.

“Okay, what gives?” I lean back in my chair, eyeing her.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had an amazing sense of smell. I’m sure it’s something that I inherited from my biological father. It’s both a blessing and a curse.

“You’re putting off a weird odor.” I wave my hand in front of my nose.

“You and your sensitive nose,” she giggles as a knock on the door breaks the awkwardness. “Come in,” she says without looking.

Seeing the smile on my face, Dorin turns and gasps. Walking through the door is my best friend Colleen, phone in her hand, scowl on her face.

“No!” Dorin screeches, jumping to her feet, rushing towards Colleen, who sidesteps her.

“Back off!” Colleen snarls, storming past Dorin. “I’m guessing you haven’t said shit.”

My smile fades. Colleen’s jaw is clenched and cocked to the side. Her eyes are narrow and her nostrils flare with every breath. The last time I saw her this furious was after a celebrity client went on a drug fueled rampage in a hotel lobby.

“No, I have not…”

“Dorin.” Daniel walks into my office with drinks in one hand and a bag in the other. “Where do you want these?”

“You were supposed to be here twenty-minutes ago. Just put that over there and get the hell out.” Dorin snaps. “Damn it, Colleen, I have my way of doing things.” She runs towards Colleen, who is feet from me.

“What the hell’s going on?” I look between the two of them, waiting for answers.

“Sometimes the best way to handle situations like this is just to pull the band-aid off real fucking quick.” Colleen places her phone on my desk.

“What’s this?” I ask, looking at her phone.

“I’ll keep this in mind the next time you get bad news.” Dorin hisses.

“Read it. It’s all anyone is talking about.” Colleen nudges her phone towards me.

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