Page 2 of Like a Boss

“Maybe my resume just blew him out of the water?” I playfully suggest as a plausible explanation.

“Maybe,” she agrees but doesn’t look convinced. She drops it however. “I thought this was a perfect opportunity for you to meet everyone you’re going to be working with. And besides, tonight is a charity event, so everyone will be feeling… charitable.”

“You know what, Han? Save the pep talks.”

She smirks and claps excitedly. “I can’t wait until we work together. It’s only been our dream since we were ten years old.”

I nod because she’s absolutely right. But I have to get through tonight first before I even contemplate starting my new job on Monday.

When the cab pulls up a few feet away from the venue, we slide out gradually, as our body-hugging dresses prevent much movement. While Hannah pays the driver, I look up at the vast, impressiveHotel Du Lucand whistle.

My cheeks are kissed by the crisp night breeze the moment we hit the sidewalk.Hotel Du Lucis classically aged and the bright lights outside highlight the undeniable sophistication inside. I’ve never seen anything so fancy, but I guess it’s a sight I’ll have to become accustomed to seeing as my boss demands nothing but the best.

We walk up the stairs, ready for whatever the evening decides to throw our way. The moment we enter the regal foyer, a sharply dressed middle-aged man with eagle eyes catches Hannah by the arm.

“You look ravishing, Hannah. Who’s your friend?”

Hannah removes her arm from his grip. “My friend is someone who’s been warned to stay away from you, Handsy Hugo.”

My mouth hinges open at her blunt reply, but Handsy Hugo grins, appearing to be accustomed to Hannah’s sass. “Save me a dance.”

“Not a chance in hell,” she replies over her shoulder, dragging me into the majestic ballroom.

I’m unable to appreciate the beauty around me because I’m too shocked by Hannah’s blatant insolence. “Whowas that?” I hook my thumb over my shoulder while Hannah shivers in disgust.

“That was the office pervert, that’s who.”

I screw up my nose. “Oh, duly noted. I will make sure to stay away from him.”

Hannah grins her troublesome, dimpled smile. “Or, on second thought, maybe Handsy Hugo is exactly what you need.”

I choose to ignore her, as I know she’ll make it happen if I give it half a thought. A waiter zips past, and I steal a glass of champagne off the silver tray.

“Not listening, Hannah.”

Before she has time to rebuke, a pretty girl of similar age to us runs over. “Han! Thank God you’re here. I was about to fall asleep in the canapes. Who’s this?” she asks, gesturing my way.

“Hey, Bonnie. This is Baylee Young.”

Her jaw hits the ground. “Oh, you poor thing.” She shakes her head sympathetically, but she soon recovers when she senses my confusion.

I turn to look at Hannah, wondering if she’s shared my sob story with the entire office. The random girl sees my annoyance and quickly clarifies. “You’re Mr. Fox’s new personal assistant, right?”

Hannah smiles sweetly at me while I shake my head at her jab. “Yes, I am. So, why poor me?” I ask, downing my champagne in one big gulp.

Bonnie looks at Hannah, who shrugs. “She already knows what a pain in the ass he is.”

Bonnie breathes out a sigh of relief, appearing thankful she wasn’t the one who spilled the beans. “Pain in the ass is giving him a compliment. He’s lucky he’s so ridiculously hot because what he’s lacking in the personality department, he sure makes up for look-wise.” She fans herself while Hannah nods in agreement.

I gulp. Who the hell am I working for?

I steal Hannah’s champagne and toss it down quickly.

Bonnie sees my anxiety and quickly amends. “I guess he’s notthatbad.”

“No, he’s worse,” Hannah adds, chuckling when I stop the waiter for another glass of champagne. “Lighten up, Bay. At least you’ve got some eye candy to look at, no matter how bitter that candy may be. Bonnie and I are stuck looking at Handsy Hugo all day.”

Both girls shudder while I laugh. Although, I don’t know how long I’ll be laughing as my boss sounds like the devil reincarnate.

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