Page 83 of Drama Queen

“I know, but you’ll be in good hands with Ethan. Just don’t treat him wrong, don’t give him any sass, and you’ll do great.” Soon after that our food arrived.

“I don’t think there’s enough time for the spa before your meeting, so is there anything else you want to do?” He looked me over again with judgemental eyes. “Like, maybe go to a boutique and get new outfits? I’ll pay for those, too. I can’t let you go to your interview with your hair looking amazing but the rest of you looking like you just walked out of a homeless shelter.” He laughed, but I felt how serious he was behind his words.

“There’s a place I’d like to go not too far from here. Stella is one of my best friends, and she’s running a sale today. I fully intended to go there before the spa. Plus, the massage is only thirty minutes, and they do my nails while they relax my body. We have plenty of time,” I reassured him as I took my last bite of spaghetti.

“Okay, well, if you think we can make it, let’s finish up here and head over.

After lunch, we settled the check and then headed to the boutique. I was looking around, and I was so glad to see my best friend, Stella, working today. I told Stella about my plans and everything I wanted to do over the next few months. I slowly replaced all of my wardrobe, so I now had a more professional selection. At least thirty different outfits that I could mix and match. It was everything I wanted. Within minutes, Stella had pulled a few options and presented several for me.

I looked over what she picked out, and Braxton pulled out a few. “Please keep whatever you choose tasteful. Keep your breasts covered and your dress at least four inches below your knees,” he scolded.

“Ew. Stop. You’re disgusting.” I walked toward the dressing room. “You’re so cringy! Whatever you say, old man.” I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, Lily. I’m serious. You need to go in there looking respectable. You’ll get this job with your brains, not your boobs.” I just looked at him and nodded while he scolded me.

“Yes, sir. Can we go now?” I was done with this conversation. I knew how to act and dress appropriately. This wasn’t my first rodeo interviewing for a job. Itwasmy first rodeo working for a company where I’d actually be using the skills I learned in school. My internships had provided me with an extra three months of training, which I extended by an additional three months. I was ready to start my career and my new life.

“You in a big hurry to go for some reason?” He cocked his head to the right when he looked at me.

“Duh! I have an appointment at the spa. I know we said earlier we might not have time to make it, but if we could, I’d still like to go… After we’re done here, I’d like to stick to my schedule, because I’m meeting with your best friend to get a job. Are you getting senile already?” I laughed but, seriously, I was getting worried.

“I know; I was just kidding. Get back in there and try a few more things on.” Braxton forced an awkward laugh.

“That’s the original plan, sir. After this, we should be ready for the spa,” I told him.

“Okay, I’m going to take this call real quick,” he said, nodding for me to continue with what I was doing.

I tried on each outfit, loving them all. But then, I tried on one that I fell in love with. I walked out of the dressing room to show my brother and get his opinion and, instead, found the hottest man I’d ever seen sitting beside him. Of course I saved the best for last. It was a beautiful orange and cream skirt with a crop-top tank, and a cream jacket. Everything was silky and fit me in the right places.

“Brax! Look at this one. I think this is the one that will grant me the position!” I said, twirling around, making extra sure to show off my ass for the new guy.

“Lily, this is Ethan, your new boss if you land the job. He was in the area, so he agreed to join us.” He winked. Was he hoping that would mean something to me?

“Oh. Nice to meet you, Ethan. I guess I’ll be seeing you later?” I offered my hand, immediately entranced when he touched mine. By his eyes, his touch, his everything. How could this be Braxton’s best friend and my future boss? Why couldn’t he be a random hot guy I met on a dating app? Just looking at him, he was pure perfection.

“You will. I’m glad to host your interview.” He smiled, staring me up and down. “I think that’s the perfect outfit for you. Plus, if all goes well, you can get your ID badge today.”

I decided to wear the outfit out of the store, so I removed the tags, slipped my sweats into the pile, and then went to check out. I was ready to go. But we now had less time than I had hoped we would for the spa, so we agreed to do that another day.

Despite both of us driving to the mall, Braxton drove me over to the company’s building, walked me to the door, and wished me luck. This would be the start of my new life.

“Good luck, baby sis. I hope you have a great day,” he said before escorting me to the elevators.

“Thanks, Brax. I’ll see you in a few days,” I said as the door closed.

Ethan

I heardthe elevator ding and watched as my best friend’s sister stepped out, looking around like a lost puppy. I knew this was going to be a fun test. I was interviewing her to work on the top floor with me. All company heads and head offices were located on the top floor. So once a month, we scheduled each department within the company to meet in the main conference room on the top floor.

Lily would fill the Vice President of HR and Labor Relations position. If hired, she’d oversee both departments. She would help me hire and recruit those needed for the job. She would handle all of the training and education for each employee. Most importantly, she’d fill a critical role and be a highly valued asset to the job.

Typically, we require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, plus ten years of experience to even be interviewed. I was breaking all my rules by ignoring that detail on her resume and giving her the job.

When I watched her step off of the elevator, I knew I needed to protect her at all costs. It was my promise to Braxton, and Iwould keep it. I waved to her as she walked around, looking a bit lost but also curious.

“Your background check came back clean, and your credit check came back amazing. Great job paying off your student loans. Sometimes, that can mess people up,” I said to her in greeting as she stared, unsure how to respond.

“Thanks. I was sure I had a few more payments, but I guess Braxton took care of that as well…” She looked confused; perhaps she’d had a long day and was tired.Would she be up for the extended test I had planned?

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