Page 16 of The Boss I Can't Stand
“If…” she added.
“If?” I repeated, annoyance creeping into my tone.
“Yes…I’ll sign itifI’m provided with a bottomless supply of RevX.”
My entire face screwed up. “You mean that poison disguised as an energy drink?”
She looked as offended as if I’d told her her baby was ugly. “It’s my favorite energy drink,” she shot back. “And I’m obviously going to need a vat of it if I have to deal with you every day.” She stuck her hand out. “Deal?”
What a ridiculous addition. I couldn’t believe that’s what she wanted, of all things. “Fine,” I grumbled. “Deal.” I reached for her hand, but she pulled it back at the last second and tossed her arm around the damn mannequin.
“Put it in the contract, Mr. Bigshot. I want to see it in writing.”
7
SIERRA
“Where are you?” Ro asked.
“Just got to the production lot.” I put my phone on speaker as I reached for my bag on the passenger seat, making sure it had my favorite fabric scissors—I brought them to every new job for good luck—my copy ofEvery Day Is Sunday, and the current script. I’d spent all weekend marking it up with notes on the characters and had even started on some initial costume sketches for Tommy and Evelyn.
“So…” Ro said. “I just got an email from X.”
I stopped rifling through my bag and grinned. “And?”
“He wants to interview me this morning. I assume you worked your magic?”
“I might have subtly hinted to X that I knew a great intimacy coordinator who was available to start anytime.” This business was part hustle and part who you know. Ro and I looked out for each other on that front, always name-dropping for each other when there was an opportunity, and I was not about to pass up the chance to work on this film with my best friend.
“I’ll text you after the interview to let you know how it goes.”
I was certain it was more of a formality than anything. “Sounds good.”
“Have a kickass first day. You’re going to rock it. Don’t forget you can poke Finn with a pin if he gets out of line.”
I laughed, though I was secretly hoping he’d be busy doing producer things far away from me and I’d get to work in peace. “Good luck with the interview.”
Ro hung up and I climbed out of my car, tossing my oversized bag over my shoulder as I strode toward the main building that housed the workshops. Stepping inside, a thrill of adrenaline washed through me.
I loved the beginning of a project when everything was fresh and new: New ideas. New passion. New coworkers. And despite the fact I was working for Finn Lockhart, the most frustrating—and frustratingly gorgeous—man I’d ever met, doing costumes for this movie was a literal dream come true for me.
I checked in with security and then spotted Finn’s assistant Brenna hurrying toward me. She wore a gorgeous maroon pantsuit and sturdy heeled boots. I imagined she needed the sturdiness when she spent all day with Finn barking orders in her ear. Whatever he was paying her was not enough.
“Hey, Sierra,” she said, holding out a lanyard to me. “Got your ID here. This’ll get you into all the places you need to go.” She handed me a printout of a map next. “This is security right here,” she said, pointing to a small letterS. “And this is the costume shop.” Her finger drifted across the page to where she’d circled the shop in red marker.
“That’s handy,” I said, turning the page to orient the map properly. “Thanks. Having a good morning?”
“It’s definitelyamorning,” Brenna said with a frazzled smile. “But I’ve gotta run. Security stopped Shaw at the gate and won’t let her through.”
“Oooo, rough morning to be the leading lady,” I said. That wasn’t exactly the welcome you wanted on day one.
Brenna rolled her eyes. “It’s always something these first couple of days. The real question is where our leading man went. But once I’ve dealt with Shaw and tracked down Kaiden, I’ll bring them by. Finn wants them in with costumes first thing for initial measurements.”
Yeah, big shocker that Mr. Bigshot was a stickler about every second of that timeline I’d fought so hard for.
“Sure thing,” I said. “We’ll be ready.”
Brenna checked her smartwatch, then her gaze snapped back to mine. “Are you good to make it down to the costume shop by yourself?”
