Page 8 of The Bonus

Gabriel’s office door opens, and we all jump to attention. I quickly close my real estate screen. He marches through the office. “Geoffrey,” he snaps. “This isn’t a fucking marathon. Hurry up.”

“Yes, Mr. Ferrara,” Geoffrey stammers.

Without another word, Gabriel walks to the elevator and gets in, I stare at the doors as they close.

You’re right, Gabriel, it isn’t a fucking marathon.

I’m going for a sprint.

2

Grace

Six months later.

I print the letter out and carefully fold it, with my heart in my throat, I slide it into the envelope.

Today’s the day.

I’ve bought a house on the lake in Greenville and am moving out of state.

It’s my last week working at Ferrara Media.

My last week with him.

I’m about to resign; I’ll only have to work the four days until Christmas. I have the Christmas party, which I’ve decided that I’m going to look shit hot at. Then I’ve already booked my owed four weeks’ vacation leave for January and that will count toward my one month’s notice that I must give.

I’m trying to make this as seamless as possible, and in a perfect world, everything will run smoothly, but I know Gabriel is going to make my life a living hell once I tell him. I’ve already trained Greg to cover my position while I’m away, and I’m hoping that he will get to keep my job in the new year. And yes, it’s true, I know what you’re thinking, and to answer your question, yes.

Yes, I did. I trained up Greg, do you really think I’m going to hand over Gabriel to another female PA to watch him get dressed every morning?

I’m moving on…not stupid.

Right, this is it.

I let out a deep breath and knock on the door.

“Come in,” his deep voice calls.

I push the door open and there he stands, wearing white briefs, his suit and shirt in his hand. I could just cry. I would give anything to see him get dressed at the end of my bed, even just once.

Focus.

“Good morning, Gracie,” he says as he takes his suit pants from the hanger. “You look lovely today.”

So do you.

“Morning.” I smile, my heart is racing, and I just know this isn’t going to go down well.

“Before I forget, can you drop down to Tiffany’s and pick up a gift for me today?”

Huh?

Actually…good…a reminder of why I’m doing this, thank you, universe, I needed this.

Hit me straight in the face with it.

“Sure thing, what am I getting?” I ask.

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