It was what Michelle expected, and Taylor had gone along with it,
 
 just to get Michelle out of there faster, but also to make things easy for
 
 Christina. Taylor didn’t want to make a bad impression and have Christina
 
 pay the price for it later.
 
 “All the journalists that are here,” Michelle went on. “It’s excellent.
 
 You did a great job, Christina. Taylor too, of course.”
 
 “Thanks.” Taylor managed to get that out without an epic helping of
 
 sarcasm.
 
 “All the little dogs and stuff. People are going to eat it up. It was a
 
 great idea. Great execution. The building is gorgeous. All that hard work
 
 definitely paid off. I know that this is one that is going to get a massive
 
 return on our investment. Christina has great instincts.”
 
 Christina stood woodenly off to the side. She was so uncomfortable
 
 that it was painful. Taylor might not have noticed before, since Christina hid
 
 it well behind a passive expression, but now that she knew her better, it was
 
 more than obvious. Michelle either didn’t see it or didn’t care.
 
 “Well, now that this is wrapped up, I’ll see you back at the office?”
 
 Michelle asked. She didn’t give Christina a chance to answer. “I have a
 
 whole week booked solid for you. All brand-new ideas that you can work
 
 your magic on.” Michelle hefted her handbag further up her arm, gave
 
 Taylor a big smile, then turned and walked through the back door. Taylor
 
 had no idea how Michelle knew she could get out that way. She must have
 
 had some sixth sense for giving orders and escaping.
 
 “Sorry about that,” Christina mumbled.
 
 “It’s not your fault! My goodness, all you’ve done is work your butt
 
 off, side by side with me for weeks. You probably put in so many hours
 
 outside of this place that you don’t tell me about. You were the reason this
 
 is even a reality today. You pitched my idea. You made people listen. You
 
 walked through it all, step by step with me. You singlehandedly were
 
 responsible for the marketing. You did an amazing job. I seriously wouldn’t