Page 1 of Decoded
Chapter one
Anna
Anna
At the airport and waiting on my plane to board. I cannot wait to see all of you tomorrow!
Pressing send, I lean back in the hard, plastic seat positioned in front of large windows showcasing the planes as they fly in and out of the small airport. I take in my surroundings of the slow, sleepy terminal and send a silent prayer of thanks out to the universe for the upcoming respite. Working at Brenner & Associates this year has been taxing, to say the least. As an executive assistant to the CEO, I’ve had to schedule and coordinate all of the things for my boss, but mostly I’m exhausted from dodging his creepy advances.
After I graduated college with two degrees, one in business management and the other in photography, I had taken a job as an administrative assistant at the center for the arts. Sadly, it had to close its doors almost two years ago leaving me jobless and with way too little in my savings account for comfort. I had to find a job fast before I was forced to move back in withmy parents. When my dad’s best friend offered to make me his executive assistant at his accounting firm, I couldn’t exactly turn it down. My dad wouldn’t haveletme turn it down, for that matter.
Daniel Brenner and my father had been college roommates, so he’s been around my entire life, attending every celebration and most family dinners. He had always been kind, but when his wife left him for another man a few years ago, I noticed his demeanor had changed, particularly toward women. He openly makes lewd comments about their appearances, and when my dad chastised me at his Christmas party this past year for going back for seconds, Daniel assured him that many men like a woman with some meat on their bones.
What my father didn’t know as he laughed and agreed with his friend was that Daniel was talking about himself. For almost the entire duration of me working for his company, Daniel has been sending me suggestive messages about what he wanted to do to me and my body, as well as what he had hoped I would do to him in return. At the office he would find ways to touch me. They were innocent enough that I couldn’t pin him with anything, but they were still unwanted. I shivered knowing those advances were only getting worse and more frequent.
That is why this annual girls’ trip could not have come at a better time. I fully plan to immerse myself in sunshine, booze, and my besties for the next three days. Looking back down at my phone, I smile at the girls who have become my lifeline in this crazy walk we call life.
Jasmine
I hate that you’re going to be there all alone tonight.
Penny
Where are you staying? Have you booked a room yet?
Anna
Oh, I think I can find somewhere in Las Vegas with a vacancy tonight. Maybe I’ll treat myself and stay somewhere fancy, like the place in that movie George Clooney and Julia Roberts were in.
Skyla
You should stay at The Venetian! It seems so romantic!
Anna
Well, considering there’s a snowball’s chance in hell of me having a romantic escapade tonight, I guess I’ll be steering clear of that one.
Skyla
Girl, stop! You’re a hottie. There’s gonna be plenty of singles amidst the thousands of bachelor parties that will be taking place tonight and at least one is gonna be looking for a front row ticket to your incredible rack.
I laugh at my ridiculous dreamer of a friend. Skyla always believes love is just around the corner for everyone.
Jasmine
Just be safe. Check reviews and make sure you don’t end up in some cheap motel that reeks of cigarettes and has stains on the bedspread.
Anna
I’m a big girl. Don’t worry about me.
Skyla
But we do worry about you! We love you!
Penny
Have fun, but not too much fun without us. Maybe don’t go drinking until we get there?
