that I really didn’t want to more times than I care to count over the years.
“So, I was right, then,” Jason continues, and I would really love to punch that satisfied look straight off his smarmy face. I glare heavily at him. “Would you really cut your nose off to spite your face? I’m offering you a job here.”
I cross my arms and glare some more. Jason sighs and rubs a hand through his hair.
“But, in saying that, you might be right,” he admits. My body relaxes slightly. “So, why don’t we try this? I’ll hire you for a two-month probation period in which we’ll see if we can work together. At the end of those two months, if it isn’t working out, we’ll walk away.”
“Two months?” I ask. “That’s a long time when we should know within the first month whether this is going to go well.”
“I just want to give it a little extra time in order to give us a few extra weeks to get over any underlying issues,” Jason explains. “On top of that, it will give us both time to find something else; you to find a new job and me to find a new secretary.”
It’s a sound plan, I can admit that. It also helps us both out. I frown and drop my folded arms, thinking it over.
“Two months?” I ask again.
“Two months,” Jason confirms.
I can handle two months. I don’t have any doubt that I’ll be moving on at the end of that time, but at least it will give me time to apply for different jobs. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll even manage to get a reference from Jason.
And, if I’m honest, seeing the looks on Sandra’s and Paula’s faces when I show up at Jason’s side as his secretary would be completely worth the hassle.
“Okay,” I say abruptly, stalking toward the desk. “Two months, that’s it. Let’s give this a go.”
Jason grins broadly and holds out his hand, giving mine a firm shake.
“Two months,” he agrees again. “Good to be working with you, Opal.”
As I shake his hand, I can’t help but hope that I haven’t made a deal I’ll regret.
Chapter Eight
Opal
My mind is still spinning as I make my way to Legend Bar, having changed out of my work clothes and more than ready for a drink after the day I’ve just had. I step in through the door and a wave of soft sound washes over me, making me stand for a moment to take in the warm atmosphere. The owners decorated this place in various wood grains, giving it a woody, homey feel.
“Opal!”
I drag my attention back and turn around to see two people waving frantically to me. I grin and make my way over to the table in the corner.
“George, Bella, how are you?” I ask, hugging the tall, blonde woman. I then turn to smile at the broad, hazel-eyed man as he accepts a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Good!” Bella says, her voice raised to be heard over the music. There’s a live band playing tonight, but it doesn’t worry any of us.
Bella and George have been my best friends since high school. Back then, it was the three of us against the world. Then we all went to college and did our best to keep in touch. They’re my brother and sister in all but blood.
Three years ago, Bella and George started dating. They got engaged two weeks ago and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them. I always knew there was something between them, and it was hilarious to watch the two of them playfully argue over which of them would get me to stand next to them at their wedding.
“How have you been, Opal?” George asks, sliding a drink toward me, one that they’d already bought for me before I arrived. “Today was the day the intern was chosen, wasn’t it?”
I grimace, and Bella and George look at me sympathetically, knowing all about my current troubles.
“Yeah,” I say. “It was Paula, of course.”
“Of course,” Bella says, rolling her eyes with a heavy scowl. “What are you going to do now?”
“Well…” I hesitate. “Today ended up being a little weirder than I expected. Harold McNamara officially retired today, leaving the company to his son.”
Bella gasped.
“Don’t tell me…” she says, hushed.
“Jason,” I confirm with a nod. “It’s Jason. He’s the new CEO of the company.”
“Damn,” George says, sitting back with wide eyes. “Even if you're in money trouble now that you’re out of a job,