Page 3 of In a Pinch

Because you have horrible taste in men, my brain answers the question for me. I shake my head and get back to the moment.

Cal changes the subject, and I snuggle into Isla’s side. Knowing that tonight is our last night together for a while is a punch to the gut. Having a best friend live thousands of miles away should be illegal.

Chapter One

Addie

“Are you nervous for your meeting today?” Maggie asks, pushing her perfect, wavy blonde hair off her shoulders. Crossing her arms, she leans against the counter.

I turn to the mirror and fluff my hair, then adjust my blazer and smack my lips to even out the gloss. The bathroom at work is some high-class shit. We get real towels to dry our hands with instead of paper towels. The countertops are covered in marble, and it is always impeccably clean. Being that we work for some of the biggest names in law in Colorado, that shouldn't be a surprise.

“Surprisingly, no. But at my annual review they basically said that I would be getting the promotion. I’ve been here longenough, and I think they know it’s time for me to move on up. I’ve played the field as the admin assistant, then legal assistant. I know how this office runs inside and out, and the lawyers love me,” I reply, looking at her through the mirror.

Maggie nods her head in agreement and averts her blue eyes.

If we’re being technical, they didn’t actually tell me I was getting the promotion. However, I've worked my way up, and I didn’t bust my ass and work all those extra hours for shits and giggles. It was absolutely important to learn the ins and the outs of the office, how each job works, and what the workload looks like, but the time has come. I’ve been here for literal years. And, let's be honest, I kick ass at my job.

“If it were me, I would be shitting bricks. You’ve got HR and Mark sitting in on it.” Maggie hops up on the cold, marble countertop and crosses her ankles.

“Mark is a weasel. He doesn’t scare me. Actually, he gives me the ick, and I think the only person HR is sending down is Patricia. She handles all of the employment side of things, and she gives off ‘best grandma ever’ vibes. So, I am feeling confident.” At least, I was until Maggie came in here and rained on my parade.

Sliding my heels back on after giving my ankles and soles of my feet a break, I do a quick spin in the mirror to make sure everything looks good. I can’t believe today is the day. It’s just in my DNA to be the boss. Some say I’m bossy, but I like to think of it as being aggressively helpful and resourceful.

“Well, when you turn into the big lady on top and become the office manager, remember that I am your favorite, and that Susan is a brown-nosing bitch.”

I laugh at that. Susan is the freaking worst. I reach into my purse and spritz my favorite perfume,Daisyby Marc Jacobs, across my chest.

“Seriously, though, you deserve this, Addie. You have the strongest work ethic here and you take no shit. This place would run a lot better if we all had your drive.”

Maggie is the type who makes it to work at 7:66 a.m. a.k.a. six minutes past eight, and six minutes late. Every. Single. Day. I don’t think the girl has run on time a moment in her life. She does her job and goes home. Pretty much the opposite of me. I have the personality that might be considered a little obsessive.

I reach over and give Maggie a squeeze after she hops off the counter. She has been a great friend the last couple of months. We bonded over venting about work, with most of my complaints being my lack of movement in the company. She has been the best hype girl, listening to me share my ideas about the company. It took years, but I finally made a good in-office friend. Most of my other work besties have moved on to other jobs and law offices as their lives changed.

“Thanks, babe. I need to head up to the big boy’s office.” We walk out of the door and go our separate ways.

The short elevator ride to the twelfth floor is spent hyping myself up. Are you really going to the big man’s office without reminding yourself that you are a boss-ass bitch at least thirty-four times?

No.

I walk up to Mindi, who is Mark’s receptionist. For being the receptionist to the big guy, you’d think they’d give her a bigger desk. Papers and sticky notes almost completely cover it. Mark is the most cutthroat lawyer in the firm. There are three major partners who all own a chunk of the firm. So, when decisions are made, it must be a unanimous decision.

“Hello, dear. Are you here for your four o'clock with Mark?” I excitedly nod my head yes. She leans across the desk and brushes her short brown hair out of her face. “Not to be nosy, but what kind of meeting are you guys having? HR and everyoneimportant are in there.” Her bright smile calms some of my newly acquired nerves thanks to Maggie.

“Girl, you know I am nosy as shit. Own it.” She chuckles in response. “Honestly, I am pretty sure I am getting that promotion.”

Her eyes light up and she sits straight up in her seat. “Well, it is about time. You have been here longer than almost anyone in your current position. We’ve had a lot of faces come and go, you and me.” She nods her head appreciatively. At least someone around here has noticed.

“Yeah, that will be something I want to address once I become office manager. We need to work on our retention rate and ways current employees can grow in their careers without leaving here. I ran some ideas past Maggie on ways we can sharpen up the office, and she loved them all. So, I think it will be a good transition.”

“If you can find a way to make that girl run on time, I will consider you a master of your craft. She had a meeting with Gerald and Sue from HR today and was a few minutes late to that. She was lucky they were running even later. You know how Gerry gets when he has to wait.” She raises her brows behind her cat eyeglasses, waiting for an agreement she knows is coming.

She isn't wrong. Nothing makes that man spicier than being told to wait. When someone’s at his caliber, I guess it makes sense.

“Well, head on in, dear. We don’t need you running late on my chattiness.”

The first thing I’m doing when I become manager is giving that girl a raise. Dealing with Mark alone means she deserves a raise.

Sending her a smile, I turn to grab the cold handle of the large door and walk in. Confidence isn't something I usually struggle with, but it’s a bit of a struggle at this current moment. My timeto shine has finally arrived. I did my time, paid my dues, and now I finally get to turn this hellhole around.

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