Page 7 of Savage Bosses

Big Break

Tiffany

I

made it to the office on time this morning without any coffee shop incidents. The entire building is buzzing with excitement.

“I don’t know if we’ll get the Basille project, but Tess is definitely trying to get the man’s attention,” Mira says appearing at my side as I prepare the conference room for the meeting. “Her shirt is so low in the front I almost saw her nipples.”

I cringe at her words.

“The woman is relentless,” I say, placing portfolios in front of all the chairs at the table. “Did you look at her design ideas?” I flip open one of the folders in my hand to show Mira the mess Tess came up with. “None of these fit the aesthetic Basille Resorts are known for.”

Mira frowns as she looks down at the brightly colored designs Tess came up with. “Is that tartan on the lobby chairs?”

“Yes,” I say, flipping the folder close and putting it down in front of the head of the table where I’m sure Mr. Basille will be seated.

“We’re not getting this deal,” Mira says, her shoulders slumping. I have to agree with her.

After finishing setting up the conference room, I part ways with Mira. I head into the lounge to prepare the refreshments for the meeting.

“Oh, hey, Tiff.”

I turn at the sound of Russell’s voice. He’s one of our Civil engineers. He mainly works upstairs with the other engineers.

“Hey Russ.” I give him a genuine smile. When I first got here, Russ called himself having a crush on me. He asked me out once, but I kindly told him I had a boyfriend. Since then, he’s been polite, but professional.

“I think you’re the only female employee I’ve met that isn’t overly excited about having one of the city’s most eligible bachelors in the building.”

I chuckle, placing the fresh cut fruit into the pitcher of ice-cold water. “Did you forget I have a boyfriend?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

His tone lacks the playfulness from earlier, causing me to look up at him. He gives me a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“So,” he says clearing his voice. “Will you be joining us in this meeting?”

Shaking my head, I go back to my task. Placing cookies down on the platter, I rearrange them in a circle.

“I’ll be there, but my input won’t be welcomed.”

“I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this. If you want, I can talk to Mr. Paulson. I’ve been here long enough. I could call in a favor for you.”

I turn to look back at him and he’s standing a lot closer than he once was.

“It’s alright,” I say moving to the side placing a little more space between us. “I’m going to earn my spot. Eventually.”

He smiles, but again it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Alright, well I’ll see you in there.”

I nod. He winks at me before walking out of the room. It took me a total of twenty minutes to finish preparing the food and setting it out for our visitors. I’ve been preparing for the meeting since I walked in the door. I finally get a chance to take a potty break. After washing my hands and walking out the bathroom I go to my cubicle to grab a few things.

“Tiff, you better get in there,” Heather, one of the receptionists says. “Mr. Basille and his team got here early and they’re starting the meeting.”

“Shit.” I grab my tablet off my desk and rush to the conference room. I’m slightly out of breath when I reach the wooden door. I walk in but keep my head down trying not to draw attention.

“Nice of you to finally join us, Tiffany,” Tess says. I quickly take my seat at the back of the room. “As I was saying, Mr. Basille. I hope you enjoy the refreshments I prepared.”

Internally, I roll my eyes at her taking credit for my work. But it doesn’t surprise me.

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