Page 3 of Bossy Grump's Secret

"Universities don't do their professors fair," I mumble. Lily must've heard me, because she nodded in agreement as she stepped beside me. A woman sits behind of desk who looks like she has a few mansions. Flawless makeup...

Or is that her natural skin?... Her mesmerizing azure eyes stood out, but the overwhelming presence of the oak furniture obscured the rest of her, though her ample figure seemed to occupy the space effortlessly.

"The new summer intern, aren't you?" she speaks with apparent confidence with the ease that comes with being in charge.

"Y...yes, ma'am," Lily stutters.

We agreed I'd do the talking!

"Welcome to Belfrost Hotel! Call me Mrs Greane. I am the manager of RDM. Human Resources forwarded your transcript and all. Figured it would be nice to have fresh hands and willing minds. Especially as it's the summer. Busiest time of the year." She stated.

"We've interned last year," I say fast before Lily messes everything up with her nervous chatter.

"Where was that?"

"Holiday Inn."

"Hmmm. Quite impressive, ladies.The experience you are gaining here will enhance your career." She smiles at us, and I smile back in response, not knowing what to say.

A part of me is slightly annoyed at how little control I have over the conversation, but I don't dwell on it. This lady could have me out of the building by snapping her fingers. What's not to respect? She keeps glancing at her computer, making me wonder if she is checking our files.

Her next question answered my curiosity. "Oh. You both are still in school?"

I open my mouth to answer, but she throws in a "not bad...not bad" a split second after.

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It was a rhetorical question. No need for smart talk, Ava. I scold myself. I always take pride in my ability to talk my way out of unfavorable situations and into favorable ones, sometimes even talking my way into unfavorable situations. It was my ultimate weapon. I felt quickly compelled to use it at the slightest provocation. Because why not? But I have to know when to keep my mouth shut. That's gonna be an enormous battle for me.

"Ok. Ladies, are you ready rocking and rolling? This is Dylan." She points at the guy who led us in here and who, surprisingly, hasn't left. His focusing back into my vision almost startles me.

"He is the Executive Housekeeper. Practically the boss of the department I just put you in. Since he's here, you'll just go along with him." She smiles, and Dylan immediately starts walking out.

"Dylan?" she calls. He pauses and turns around, almost mechanically, like he's controlled by someone or an algorithm. "Take it easy, please. Show them their rooms and get them prepared for tomorrow. Light tasks today. Just observation."

He nods and leaves the room. Leaving us hurrying after him.

"Well, you'll lose him in the hallway if you keep staring at him like that. Go, go!" The manager prods us, "He's a handsome one, I know. That doesn't mean you should be hypnotized." I hear her laugh just as we thank her and close the door.

"I like her," Lily squeaks as we hurry after Dylan.

"Yeah, me too."

"Surprisingly !" Laughing and panting, Lily tries to keep up with me and Dylan as we jog lightly,

"You're being harsh on me, Lily," I huff.

"It's true. You don't like people easily."

"I do. It just takes a while for them to notice." I murmured.

"Whatever. I just want..."

"Ladies?" Dylan's voice from behind startles us.

How did he?

"There's a stairway here. We'll take it," he says, continuing without further conversation. Determined not to let him out of sight again, we keep up this time. So, after about three downward flights of stairs later, we exit the staircase and come out at what I assume is the staff's living quarters.

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