Page 1 of No Time for Traditions

Chapter 1

He was just about to kiss her for the first time when Brittany’s alarm went off. She sighed, making a note of where to pick up in the manuscript.

Her boss, Cassandra, ran the boutique press more efficiently than any business Brittany knew, even her family’s timber and farm company in Alabama. That left little excuse for Brittany showing up late to her annual work evaluation. Even if she’d just gotten to the good part in a new story.

Brittany fumbled her feet until they connected with the Steve Maddens resting under her desk. After smoothing out her slacks, she took a deep breath and headed for Cassandra’s office.

Evaluations happened every year, but they always gave her jitters. Last year, the evaluation had ended in a promotion from copy editor to editor, which came with an office and a nice pay raise. Maybe Cassandra would show her favor again this year. Lord knew she’d earned it.

Aside from Cassandra, Brittany spent the most time at work. Of course, this was her choice. Most of the other women had families waiting at home, or at the least a dog or cat. Brittany had nobody or nothing to concern herself with aside from her career.

And for the most part, that was the way she liked it.

Brittany tapped lightly on Cassandra’s closed door. She knew better than to wait around and let Cassandra assume she’d come by later than expected. Even if another evaluation had carried over beyond schedule, Cassandra would honor her promptness more than not interrupting. Brittany liked to think her ability to read people and notice the tiniest of details gave her an edge as an editor, and before that, as a writer.

“Come on, Brittany.”

Brittany smiled, knowing she’d made the right choice in not waiting. She opened the door and walked into the room, decorated more like a library than a CEO’s space.

Cassandra’s small frame hid behind a huge antique desk with shelves of books on either side. It was amazing how someone so small and pleasant looking could strike fear in an instant. The fact that she wore navy blue ninety percent of the time made her appear even more militant. Still, Brittany respected Cassandra and had come to like and admire her over the past five years.

“Hi, Cassandra.” Brittany took a seat on the mid-century sofa facing Cassandra’s desk. Another feature that gave the room a library feel.

“Hello, Brittany. Let’s see here.” Cassandra put on her bifocals and glanced down at some papers in front of her. Brittany made her eyes focus on her boss rather than the papers. “I’ve saved you for last today.”

Despite learning to read Cassandra well, Brittany wasn’t sure what she meant by that. One thing she did know, however, was Cassandra didn’t waste words. Everything she said had some underlying meaning.

“Let’s see.” Cassandra clicked her tongue and held up a paper for closer review. “You’ve met all deadlines. Writers respond well to your methods of communication. And all your books sell well. You’ve done a phenomenal job this year as editor.”

“Thank you.” Brittany smiled as she relaxed her shoulders.

“But . . .” Cassandra let the page float from her hand to the desk and eyed Brittany over her spectacles.

And there it was. The “but.” This woman couldn’t give straight compliments. She liked to build people up before tearing them down. Some people appreciated the niceties accompanying a critique, but Brittany never was one for sugar coating any news. Just get to the point and don’t dance around the real issue.

“But?” Brittany repeated, trying to prod Cassandra into finishing her thought.

Cassandra set her glasses on top of her notes. She folded her hands on her desk and narrowed her brown eyes.

“In all honesty, I need more help with acquisitions. I’m thinking of creating a position that focuses more on that, with some editing involved, and I think you’d be perfect for it.”

Brittany bit her bottom lip, still unsure of where this was going. She wanted to ask if the new job was a promotion or, hopefully not, a demotion. Her gut instinct told her to hear Cassandra out before asking any questions. She’d learned over the years, especially through books, that sometimes a question would answer itself if you stuck around long enough.

“It would come with a pay raise and essentially be a promotion. Of course, that would mean more responsibility as well.”

Brittany nodded. There was her answer.

“I know you’re going to The Hills tomorrow for Christmas.”

A slight laugh escaped. “Hillside.”

“Yes. I clearly know nothing about the South.”

“That’s fine.” Brittany smirked, happy to see Cassandra’s lips curve a bit. They’d spent enough time together for Brittany to see a more human side of her now and again.

“Anyway, think about this over the holiday, as will I.” Cassandra started stacking papers on the edge of her desk, indicating the evaluation was complete.

“Thank you, Cassandra.”

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