Page 124 of Savage Bosses

Minutes later, I heard him enter my bedroom. I waited until he noticed me out on the balcony.

“Bro, what are you doing out here?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He had a knack for asking stupid questions.

Wes shrugged. “Drinking coffee?”

No shit. “What do you want?”

“I’m just visiting.”

“No, stop the bullshit. Why are you here?”

“Well, I need some money.”

Three weeks after our parents died, two weeks after the funeral, and he’s asking for money. I gave him 50K a week ago. He’s on salary at FuSeWater. He lives in our parent’s house that’s paid off and estate property. What the hell was he doing with his money? I don’t have time for his bullshit.

Chapter Five

AERICA

T

his Friday marked my three-month anniversary on the job. I couldn’t complain. I was killing it. Even grumpy boss was leaving me alone. Not completely alone, but he wasn’t calling me into his office five times a day. It was like he just wanted to look at me. He was still giving me menial tasks that he could just email to me. I was tired, but I was doing my job very well.

The phone rang, jolting me from staring at the same spreadsheet for another ten minutes.

“This is Aerica at FuSeWater. How can I help you?” I answered briskly, my eyes still glued to the monitor.

“Hi Aerica, it’s Sandra from HR. I wanted to let you know that we just got word from Marjorie. She won’t be coming back from maternity leave after all.”

I froze as Sandra’s words slowly started sinking in. Marjorie’s not coming back? The woman I’ve been filling in for these past three months?

“Did something happen to her, baby?”

“It’s nothing like that. She’s just going to be a full-time mother.”

“Oh, so what does that mean for me?”

“I have informed Apex Staffing and put in a request to extend the contract.”

“Does Kyle Caldwell know his admin isn’t returning?”

“Yes, he’s aware.”

“Thank you, Sandra. Thanks for telling me.”

“I just wanted to let you know this assignment may be longer than the four months.”

“Thanks.”

“Bye.” She ended the call.

My mind spun as I did the math. I’ve practically been doing two jobs this whole time. And for what, a temp salary with zero benefits? It was time for me to get what I deserved.

I waited until lunchtime to talk to Kyle. There would be fewer people in the bullpen. I stood and gave myself a quick silent pep talk as I walked away from my desk.You can do this, Aerica.No more being a pushover. Time to ask for that permanent position, at Marjorie’s old salary. I had to put my foot down. I couldn’t do both of the jobs and only get paid for one.

I tapped on his opened glass door. “What?”

---