Page 10 of Married to My Grumpy Minotaur Boss

I snort. “Too scared to choose someone for me are they? You pick, then. I’ll send you a list of my requirements. Though I suppose they won’t listen to me, anyway. Not if they’re trying to make good television. I’m sure they’ll find someone who gets on my nerves in the worst possible way.”

“Oh, no. They don’t! I mean,” she retrenches, “I think the show is about finding real matches. At least it used to be.” She looks down at her hands folded in her lap.

She seems like a genuine fan. A genuine fan who’s about to have her dreams crushed, but that’s not my problem.

It still makes me a little sad, though. It’s always sad to see such an innocent creature jaded by real life. I miss the days of being relatively innocent myself. Though they seem long ago now.

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, my thoughts stray to her and the way she’s romanticized the show. As a result, I get less done than normal. She’s such a strange mix of innocence and wild energy and... something else. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. That bothers me. I feel like I’m not seeing the real Justine.

God, why am I even thinking about this? She’s my junior assistant for fuck’s sake!

I work through dinner, satisfying myself with a protein shake and a half container of mints in my drawer. When I finally crawl into bed that night, only a few hours remain before I have to get up and do it all again.

SIX

Justine

My lunch break is interrupted by a buzz from my phone. I set down my latest read,On Fire for the Duke, to find an email from Mr. Kernos.

Ronan: Tall, but not too tall. Not too slim. Big enough that I won’t break her. Must be neat and tidy and take care of her appearance. Must be classy. Well educated. Someone who’s able to hold a conversation. But not too opinionated. I don’t need to spend the whole time arguing or listening to brainless monologues. Could be human or supe. I don’t care. Though not a species with a beak.

I stare at Mr. Kernos’ list in dismay. I’m glad he seems to be taking this seriously, but it also seems like he’s looking for the Goldilocks of brides, and I’m not sure we have time for ‘just right’.

I check the list of entrants once again. Three women come close. I’m hesitant to have the final say on any of them, though.

One is a harpy, a small business owner, and she’s traveled all over the world. She seems to have the most in common with Mr. Kernos. Only she’s got a beak.

Another lady has a beautiful figure and the most impressive list of hobbies I’ve ever seen. On her casting tape, though, she has the weirdest laugh I’ve ever heard. I have a feeling Mr. Kernos will get sick of that pretty quick. He doesn’t seem like the type to have much patience for anything that irritates him.

The third woman is a fitness instructor. She’s fit and strong and has a quiet way of speaking at odds with her bold demeanor.I get the best feeling about her, but she didn’t say much. He did say he wants someone he can talk to.

For another two hours, I agonize then finally cave and message him.

Justine: I’ve shortlisted to 3 candidates. Do you want to see?

Ronan: not really, but you want to show me and that makes me anxious about the options. Go on

I bite the nail on my left thumb while I think about what to type. He clearly doesn’t want too many details or for me to waste his time.

Justine: well traveled harpy, lady with lots of hobbies or quiet fitness instructor?

There’s no response for a long moment, then:

Ronan: not the harpy

OK. That’s half the problem solved. I think for a moment he’s not going to say anything else, then another message pops up.

Ronan: use your judgment. Either of the other two sound fine

Ronan: thank you. I appreciate your work on this

Well, damn. I select the fitness instructor, and send the email back to production. I hope I’ve made the right choice.

Then I read the thank you message again.

I could kick myself for the way it makes a smile creep onto my lips. It lingers there for the rest of the afternoon. Maybe I won’t lose my job, if he thinks I’m working hard to take care of him. I’m glad he’s noticed.

He has noticed, hasn’t he?

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