own,” Rosetta tells me. “I’ll be overseeing the project since Boss Man is so busy doing who knows what. You’ll work on a few options for us, and you can hand me your work when it’s done. I’ll make sure he has a look. Once he decides what concept he likes the best, you can get to work on all the stuff you’ll need to do.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I say, secretly relieved that I won’t need to spend much time with him. Rosetta, I can take. Mr. Boss Man, not so much. He’s nice, but intimidating as hell. I suppose some people are just like that. They possess a quiet imposing force, a strong presence.
It’s three o‘clock, and the three of us are all seated at the round dining room table. The room is stunning; a mahogany table, blue velvet chairs and a fabulous sparkling glass chandelier. One wall is mirrored, the other displays tasteful black and white photos of sea life. The opposing wall is a built-in rack of wine bottles.
I’m still ogling the space when Mr. Boss Man officially starts the meeting. We all have copies of the report, and Weston insists on diligently going over every point, welcoming feedback and questions. I’m too overwhelmed to ask anything or offer any feedback. Rosetta, on the other hand, is very vocal. Too vocal, some might say. They clash a little, but I can tell she’s the perfect compliment for him. She’s the sweet to his salty. The yin to his yang.
We go over possible names for the organization, names from a list created by Mr. Hanson and Rosetta. We finally settle on Precious Hearts Memorial Fund.
I’m exhausted and so ready to go home and see Ethan. I don’t want to just run off, but it is my checkout time. I thank both Mr. Hanson and Rosetta before I leave.
As I ride the elevator down, I’m happy with how the day went. I smile at the recollection of Rosetta’s antics, and I grin when I think of Weston. He’s Mr. Boss Man. He’s Mr. Hanson. But he’s also Weston. Although I would never call him that in his presence.
I’m not stupid. I know my place.
I settle for a simple grey sheath dress, and red pointy kitten heels for my second day. I’m already full of ideas, giddy.
“I’m happy to see you like this,” Patricia says. “You’re practically glowing.”
“I really like this job,” I tell her. “And thanks so much for helping. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“My pleasure,” she says. “Now, you get going. You don’t want to be late on your second day.”
I check my watch. It’s five to nine. “You’re right. I better get going.”
I’m shocked when Weston answers the door.
“Please come in,” he says somberly.
I wonder where Rosetta is. Is she late?
“How are you?” he asks politely.
“I’m well,” I reply, wondering what’s up.
“Could you please follow me to my office?”
“Uh… sure.” I nip at his heels, taking in the view as we walk. I’ve noticed his lovely behind before, and it is definitely a good one. He’s wearing a checkered button shirt and dark trousers today.
I’m excited. I’ve never been inside his office before. It’s right next to Rosetta’s. I’ve tried to peek in, but couldn't since there’s a small hall leading to the main space. All I could see were photos of what I assumed to be Hawaii or some other similar tropical location.
I’m giddy as I follow him down the small narrow hall. I glance at the tropical photos as we make our way to his personal space.
I’m impressed but not surprised when I finally see his office. It’s amazing, not overly large, but very cozy. An oval desk sits in front of French doors leading to the patio. A sitting area is tucked in one corner, a fireplace in the other. Built-in bookshelves line one wall, and everything is in perfect order. And the pièce de résistance sits against the opposing wall, a giant aquarium with loads of colorful fish and coral.
He motions to the large tufted black leather chair. “Please have a seat.”
I do as I’m told, and feel small in the large arm chair. He sits across from me on the contemporary loveseat. “There’s been a small change of plans,” he says, and I don’t like the expression on his face. I don’t like it at all.
He looks devastated. Is he about to fire me? I’ve barely started! I couldn’t have possibly done a bad job yet. I haven’t had the