Page 4 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

“And that’s appropriate in your books? How do you plan on being focused and efficient dressed like that?”

“I didn’t know everyone else would—”

“Everyone else is dressed as they should be, except you,” he interrupts. “How did you even get in here?”

“I came by your office, but you weren’t there, so I decided to take a look around.”

“You’re a distraction in that…like I’m staring at a ridiculous mascot,” he claims. “Go home and change. Something black, something professional.”

My smile vanishes like a thief in the night. I stand dazed for a few seconds. “But—”

“No buts,” he cuts me off, his voice dry. “Do you understand?”

Before I can think of a response, he turns and walks out of the office.

“Be back in an hour, or consider your job offer rescinded,” he says as the door slams shut behind him.

I remain glued in the spot where I stand, speechless and suddenly overcome with anger. So much for sunshine and rainbows. That explains the cold black look on everyone’s face downstairs. I just got a taste of the grumpy tyrant.

Be back in an hour…

His words echo in my head, and I rush out of the office. Everything else feels like a flash, even Sarah’s wave as I run past her and head outside.

Reaching the nearest clothing store, I fling open the doors and head straight for the racks of professional attire. Black. Instant mood killer. Everything has to be black: black blazers, black dresses, black pants, black blouses, and black shoes. It feels suffocating, like being trapped in a perpetual shadow. The monotony is a stark contrast to my rather sunny disposition.

As I sort through the racks, a cheerful salesclerk with curly red hair and a name tag that reads ‘Lily,’ approaches me.

“Hi there! Can I help you look for something specific today?” she asks with a bright smile.

“Yeah, unfortunately. I need something black and businessy fast,” I reply, glancing at the limited time on my watch.

“Ah, going for the timeless classic look,” she says, winking. “Or are you trying to blend in with some undercover agents?”

I chuckle. “More like under duress. My new boss has a strict dress code, and apparently, my vibrant ensemble didn’t make the cut.”

Lily nods sympathetically. “Sounds like a real charmer. Let’s see what we can find to appease the Dark Lord of Corporate Fashion.”

She starts pulling various black items off the racks, holding them up for my approval. “How about this blazer? It screams ‘I’m professional, but let’s grab drinks after work.’”

I grin. “Perfect. Now, do you have a skirt that states ‘I’m classy, but I might kick you under the table if you annoy me’?”

Lily laughs, rummaging through the skirts. “Absolutely. Here’s one with just the right amount of menace. Pair it with these killer heels, and you’ll be ready to conquer any corporate dungeon.”

I shake my head, smiling. “You should get a raise for making your customers more relaxed during a dress code crisis.”

“I’ll bring it up at my next performance review,” she says, handing me the clothes. “Now, go try these on and let’s make sure you’re ready to face Mr. Bossy Pants.”

In the dressing room, I quickly change, trading my colorful outfit for the somber attire. The reflection staring back at me feels foreign, a Chloe Summers stripped of her usual brightness. A hostage to fashion, I step out to show Lily.

“Wow, you clean up nice,” she says, giving me a thumbs up. “You look like you’re ready to take on the world—or at least a very grumpy boss.”

I sigh, smoothing out the blazer. “Thanks, Lily. This is exactly what I needed. If this doesn’t win him over, I don’t know what will.”

“Remember, it’s not just about the clothes,” Lily says, her tone turning more sincere. “It’s about showing you can adapt and still be amazing at your job. You got this.”

I smile, feeling a surge of confidence. “And another reason you deserve that raise. Thanks for the pep talk—and the outfit. I better get back before he fires me.”

“Good luck!” Lily calls as I head to the register. “And remember, if all else fails, just imagine him in neon pink holiday boxers with the Grinch's face on it. Works every time.”

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