Page 96 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 68

Alex loved casual Fridays since she wore stuffy, albeit sleek, bank suits all week. Wearing a turquoise embroidered Show-Me Bank logoed sweater, black slacks, and black heels, she settled behind her desk and glanced at her packed calendar.

She had barely set her bag down when Hannah traipsed inside wearing a form-fitting, low-cut red sweater.

Staring at Hannah’s attire, Alex frowned. “Knee-length shorts aren’t allowed.”

“Why?” Hannah glanced at her clothes. “And good morning to you too.”

“Bank dress code. It’s conservative around here, if you hadn’t noticed.” Alex paused. “Per your dad’s rules, of course.”

Putting her hands on her hips, Hannah said, challenging her, “It’s Friday, which means it’s also casual dress day.”

Already tired of her intern’s bluster, Alex turned toward her computer. “Check the policy manual. Shorts aren’t allowed.”

Hannah pouted. “But they’re dressy shorts, plus I’m wearing heels. What is this? The fifties?”

“Something like that but there are bank guidelines—for everything—including employee attire. Follow them, like it or not.” Alex swiveled in her chair, lowering her voice. “Between you and me, I think the antiquated rules are ridiculous too.” She motioned with her head toward a husky male employee taking the stairs two at a time. “See that real estate officer? He wears dirty cowboy boots and faded jeans every single casual Friday. In my opinion, you look much dressier, but hey, your daddy is the president. Take it up with him.” Boom.

Hannah sank into a chair, obviously defeated. “I don’t think daddy will send me home, but I guess I won’t wear these again. What’s on the agenda today?”

“The bank anniversary,” Alex said.

“Again?”

“Yes, again. It has to be right.” Alex powered up her computer while Hannah retrieved her iPad.

As the screen came into focus, Alex clicked on a file. “Let’s go down the checklist. Did you send out the direct mail pieces?”

Hannah hesitated a bit too long. “Uh, sure.”

Alex turned to face her intern, voice rising. “Convince me.”

Stiffening, Hannah said, “Trust me, okay?”

“O-kay.” Alex didn’t like Hannah’s nondescript answer but continued checking off her to-do list. “How about press releases. Were those emailed to the media?”

Again Hannah hesitated. “I’ve been really busy.”

Fuming, Alex narrowed her eyes and attempted to contain herself from hissing. “I’m going upstairs for coffee. The anniversary celebration is our top priority. I’ve told you that a hundred times. What in the hell have you been busy doing besides those stupid radio spots?” As she got to the door of her office, she turned. “Be right back.”

Typing madly on her iPad, Hannah didn’t bother looking up. “Will you bring me a cup of coffee too?”

Only if I can spill it down your shirt. Once again, her maddening intern had somehow managed to get her to fetch coffee. I don’t work for you, bitch. It’s the other way around.

In the employee lounge, the bank president hovered near the coffee pot. “Everything ready for the bank’s party, Alex? I know I don’t have to tell you how important this event is.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “We’re on it. In fact, Hannah and I were just going over the final checklist.”

“I knew I could count on you two.” Jim refilled his SMB mug and left.

Alex’s pulse quickened. Nothing can go wrong. Absolutely nothing. She got halfway down the stairs before she remembered she forgot Hannah’s coffee. Dammit.

Reluctantly, she returned to the lounge and reappeared with two cups of coffee. She plunked Hannah’s down so hard it splashed over the side. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Hannah stared at her iPad as she reached for the coffee. “The cup’s sticky.”

Alex didn’t respond. She knew her intern enjoyed this power play and told herself this was the last time she’d get Hannah’s coffee. “Back to the press release, let’s—”

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