Page 6 of Jack Frost, CEO

“Ma’am. As I previously stated, he is in a lunch meeting and unavailable. I will tell him you called.” I hang up and go back to eating my sandwich.

“You didn’t take her information,” Stella points out.

“I did not.” I finish up my little sandwich before sweeping the crumbs into the trash.

“How will you let Mr. Foster know she called if you didn’t get her information?”

“Oh, I have a feeling I don’t need it.”

Jack’s door opens to prove my point, and the man in question walks out. He pulls up short when he spots Stella standing by my desk.

“Mr. Foster, a woman called—quite irate—and stated she will not be ignored. Unfortunately, that was all I could get out of the five-minute rant she left for you.”

Jack grimaces. “That’s Regina. Next time, hang up on her. I thought she would have given up by now. I broke things off with her months ago. She needs to get over it. It was just a few dates. I’m heading to my meeting if you want to take lunch before the team leads show up for their scolding.” His lips quirk, and I smile back.

“I’ll be there, sir.” I stand as Jack walks past while nodding his greeting to Stella.

I smirk. “Told you. Now. What can I do for you, ma’am?”

“I came to steal you for lunch. And judging by that sandwich you just finished, it’s a good thing I did. C’mon. Press forward on the phones and let’s go to the canteen. I’ll give you a mini tour while we’re at it.”

“Oh, but I—” I start to say, but Stella cuts me off.

“Nope. You heard the boss man. Go to lunch, and not that sad sack lunch you just choked down. Let’s go. Grab your purse.” She hooks her arm through mine and drags me to the lifts to the second floor. The doors open to a cafeteria-like setting with heaps of popular food options.

“Okay, each station has several items in your compensation package—it varies. They also have upgrade options that you can purchase using your badge, and the cost will be deducted from your next check. What tickles your fancy?”

I glance around the canteen, spotting Dasi Sushi. Never one to pass up a good California roll, I point, and Stella follows me. I grab a Cali roll and a Maki roll, and we sit at one of the many open tables.

Maybe I should go back and read the packet Martha gave me after all.

“So, it’s your first day. Are you doing okay up there on your own?” Stella pops a piece of sushi into her mouth and chews, her head bouncing back and forth while her ponytail swishes from side to side.

“Yeah, it’s a bit of a mess, which is to be expected.”

Stella bobs her head in agreement.

I grab my own piece of sushi and dab it in soy sauce. “I know I have a lot to learn, and tons of stuff to sort. I have a feeling I’ll be swamped for several weeks.” I jump as a tray slams down next to us, and Jeremy plops into a chair by Stella.

“Yo, ladies. What does it do?”

Stella rolls her eyes and grabs another piece of sushi. “Jeremy, I don’t remember inviting you.”

“Jer Bear needs no invitation when he sees a pair of fine fillies such as yourselves sitting alone.” He grabs a fry off his tray while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“The fact that we are sitting together negates your logic that we’re sitting alone, you goober.” She steals a fry off his tray.

Jeremy just shrugs while grinning from ear to ear. “So, Maisie, it’s your first day. How are you finding things at Foster Inc.?” He takes a massive bite of his burger, bulging his cheeks.

“You’re too late. She’s already answered that question. Has Mr. Foster said anything about assigning more project leads? We lost three to competitors, and they haven’t been replaced.” Stella sips her iced coffee and looks at me expectantly.

Shrugging, I take a sip from my bottle of water. “Nothing’s been said about assigning or replacing new project leads from outside sources. The meeting today is with current project leads. However, I still have a lot of documentation to review and straighten out, so I should get back to my desk.” I pick up my tray when Jeremy stops me.

“I’ll bus that for you, Maisie.”

Stella mimics him, but I smile, thank Jeremy, and return to the lifts. My finger hovers over the button when I hear a voice behind me.

“So, you’re the one who stole my job.”

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