The Boss Upstairs - Roya Carmen Page 0,62
hiding the salami.”
I stifle a laugh. “We are not.”
“Well, he definitely wants to hide the salami.”
I shake my head. She moves down to my waist, and then to my hips. She then gets quite familiar as she measures the inseam of my leg. I do know what this is about. I’m not stupid. He wants to buy me a dress.
“You promised you’d tell me all the juicy details, and you haven’t said a peep,” she whines. “I’m disappointed.”
“I’m sorry.” I really am. But I certainly can’t tell her about the spanking and biting, the tying up, and the mutual masturbation. I wish I could share something with her, but it’s all kind of weird and sordid. But in a really fun way.
“He’s buying me a dress, isn’t he?”
She smiles up at me. “I believe so.”
“You should get him to buy you something too,” I suggest. “It’s only fair.”
Her eyes turn skyward. “I like the way you think, Honey. Excellent idea.”
“So Samuel’s got the hots for me,” I tell the girls.
Abigail puts down her menu. “No way.”
“When it rains, it pours,” Claudia says. “You’re quite the catch these days.”
“I’m having the spinach omelette,” Mischa chimes in, seemingly uninterested in my statement.
“Did he tell you so?” Abigail asks.
“Yes… I thought he was seeing women through the dating sites, but he tells me none of them are as good as me, and he says he can wait for me.”
“Oh my God,” Claudia chirps. “Stalker.”
I shake my head. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far. He just likes me.”
“And why wouldn’t he?” Abigail says. “You’re awesome.”
I smile.
“Is he attractive?” Mischa asks.
“He’s all right,” I tell her. “I’m just not personally attracted to him.”
“Yes, you’re too busy with Mr. Dark & Mysterious,” she says, and I detect a slight note of envy.
“I’m not serious about Mr. Dark & Mysterious either,” I point out. “We’re just having fun.”
“Probably for the best,” Mischa says. “It’s never a good idea to get involved with the boss.”
Claudia reaches for her cup of tea. “God, you’re such a Debbie Downer, Mischa.”
“I’m just realistic, that’s all.”
Abigail laughs. “Remember when you thought Abe was a gold digger out for my money?”
Mischa’s laugh is strained. “I admit… I can be paranoid sometimes.”
“So ladies… have we decided on our orders yet?” the server asks.
Mischa is the first to speak up, followed by Abigail. I scramble to make a decision before she gets to me. I settle for the breakfast for lunch option. It’s my go-to.
“So about Mr. Dark & Mysterious,” Claudia continues as soon as the server leaves us. “What’s the latest?”
“We have a flirty dynamic,” I tell her “It’s fun.”
Abigail and I share a barely-there smile. She knows it’s a lot more than a flirty dynamic. But I’ve yet to confess to Claudia and Mischa. I don’t know if I ever will.
“I know there’s more going on.” Claudia pouts. “You’re a real bore, Gretchen. I thought we were friends.”
Well, now I just feel bad. I vow to let her in on my secret as soon as I can.
It’s Wednesday morning, and I’m running late. I’ve slept through my alarm, waking forty minutes past my usual time. As a result, the morning routine is rushed, and I’m not able to properly do my hair. Instead, I pull it up in a messy bun, my go-to style for such occasions.
I’m still flustered as I hurry down the entry hall. Rosetta is all smiles, and is a vision in a pretty soft pink suit.
“Wow, you look great,” I gush. “Nice suit.”
“You like?” she chirps. “It’s Valentino.”
“Really?” Who knew Rosetta could afford a Valentino suit. How much is Weston paying her? Those are about five grand. I know this because I read it in a fashion magazine at the hair salon.
My heart skips a beat when I finally arrive at my work station. Four shiny black boxes are on my desk, awaiting me, each one bigger than the other. The trademark Chanel logos leave no questions.
He’s bought me Chanel. I’m not completely surprised.
I burst with excitement as I pry open the first box, the smallest one. It’s a beautiful silver bracelet, adorned with diamond studded stars and the trademark double C logo. It’s both delicate and fabulous.
Oh my…
I’m too curious to stop and try it on. I need to know what’s in the other boxes. I rip into the second box, not so daintily, and discover a classic Chanel handbag, black and quilted, silver chain and a trademark logo clasp.
Oh my God.
This bag must be worth about five