by Kelsie Rae
“It was nice to officially meet you Mr. McKinley. I apologize for the misunderstanding.” Derrick hesitantly takes my hand, and I shake it firmly before shaking Kathy’s as well. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Westfield. I was really looking forward to working with you.”
I head to the door before pausing and turning around. “By the way, you clean up nice, Derrick. I’m glad to see your nieces and nephews haven’t gotten to you today. Or any clumsy waitresses, for that matter.” I smirk at him before making my way into the lobby, my red heels clicking smartly against the marble tile. I push the elevator button to the parking garage.
Well, that was a bust.
Derrick
Well that was an interesting turn of events.
I shake my head as I replay the interview, as well as the previous night at the restaurant, in my head.
That girl is trouble with a capital ‘T.’
I was honestly planning on washing my hands of her and her crazy antics, but apparently, she won Kathy over.
Which is a miracle, by the way.
Kathy is one tough little nugget. She has already turned down half-a-dozen other applicants before today. I honestly can’t believe Bree is the one she wants.
That’s a lie. I wanted her the first moment I saw her, but not as an employee.
Now I just need to decide if she’s worth the risk of hiring in order to keep Kathy happy, or if she’s too much of a burden for the company.
And she lied to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand her reasoning. But it’s still no excuse.
I trusted the wrong girl before, and it damn near broke me emotionally and financially. I won’t let it happen again.
As I weigh the pros and cons in my head, I open another email from Kathy that contains the other applications for the HR Assistant position.
Needless to say, they’re less than stellar.
I think she’s sent the bottom of the barrel applications on purpose.
Subtle, Kathy. Really subtle.
I press my long fingers into my temples, trying to keep the impending migraine at bay for a little while longer, before I click the ‘reply’ button and respond to my pain-in-the-ass office manager.
3
Bree
“So, how’d it go?” my brother asks as I press my phone to my ear while juggling my keys and trying to unlock my car door.
“Oh, you know. Employer ends up being the guy I spilled dinner on last night, whom I may or may not have let jump to the conclusion that I was my co-worker instead of myself, thus sending my interview over a giant cliff, where it crashed and burned into oblivion. It’s a long story,” I reply, climbing into my Toyota Camry and starting the engine.
I’m on my way to work after my disastrous interview, and I’m feeling particularly depressed. I had hoped to inform Scotty Boy that I was quitting, and we could both celebrate our parting ways. Seriously, he would’ve been so excited to get rid of me. Unfortunately, our celebration will have to be put on hold until I can find another job. And I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
I can hear Luke’s laughter through the car’s speakers as I back out of my parking space.
“I swear Bree, this kind of crap only happens to you.” He’s finding way too much entertainment from my current predicament.
I roll my eyes, huffing indignantly. “Whatever. How was I supposed to know that Hot Nacho Guy was going to be interviewing me? What are the freaking odds?” I slam my hand against my steering wheel in frustration as Luke continues to laugh at my expense.
“I know, it’s hilarious,” I add sarcastically.
“You could always move back in with Mom and Dad,” he suggests, making me wish he was in the car with me so I could poke his eyes out. But alas, he’s in his new little home with Liv and my nephew, Leo. They recently moved back from Denver, and it’s awesome to have them so close.
They’re so cute it’s disgusting.
I may have a close relationship with my parents, but it would take a lot for me to move back in with them, and I’m praying it won’t come to that.
“Or I could just move in with you and Liv. Leo needs a nanny, right?” I tease, knowing that we’d end up killing each other if we ever lived together again. Our affection isn’t shown in hugs and kisses, but more like headlocks and wet willies.
Mature, I know.
I can hear him chuckle some more through the phone as I pull into the parking lot. I place my cell between my shoulder and ear, grabbing my purse and heading into the restaurant, ready to start another day.
A long, exhausting day.
“Look, I gotta go to work. Give my little Leo a kiss for me.”
“See ya, Breezy. Maybe Liv and I will come to Tumblers for dinner one of these days.”
I smile inwardly, because I know that if they come eat at Tumblers I’ll be getting a nice fat tip no matter what happens. We might tease each other relentlessly, but we love each other to death.
“I’d love that! I need a new pair of shoes,” I tease.
“Yeah, yeah. Now get to work before Scott really does fire you.”
I stick my tongue out, even though he can’t see me, and say goodbye as I pull open the front door and head inside.
I make my way to the breakroom in the back of the building and place my giant purse in my locker. Confirming that I’m putting on the right name tag, oops, I pin it to my white blouse and stroll to my designated area for the evening.
As I make my way over to a nearby table, I’m stopped by Rylee and nearly have a heart attack when she squeals in my ear excitedly.
She and I are friendly to each other, but I definitely wouldn’t consider us “outside of work” friends.
If I did, I wouldn’t have inadvertently thrown her under the bus yesterday by spilling food on a customer and letting said customer assume I was Rylee instead of myself. To be fair, she’s one of Scotty’s favorite waitresses, so it’s not like she would’ve gotten into that much trouble anyway.
I roll my eyes at my weak defense. There’s no excuse for what I did, and I need to stop trying to justify it.
But seriously, it was not my fault!
“Oh my gosh! You are not going to believe what Kristy just told me!” she squeals, her high-pitched voice making me jump. “Apparently, this hot guy was asking about me yesterday and wanted to know if I was single! Can you believe that? He must’ve come back from another day, ‘cuz it’s not like I was working yesterday or anything, but still! I must’ve made quite the impression on him. Kristy says he was a total babe! O.M.G, I hope he comes back tonight!” She sighs dreamily, while I cringe inwardly.
Hopefully no one else saw that I had accidentally grabbed the wrong name tag yesterday, or I’m going to be screwed. Even Scott’s pity won’t save me from her wrath.
“That’s awesome, Rylee! You’ll have to let me know what happens!” I reply, hoping I sound enthusiastic instead of guilty as hell for impersonating a co-worker.
“I totally will! I’m so used to getting hit on by creepers, it would be nice to have a good one for once, you know?”
Oh boy, do I know. I haven’t found a “good one” in way too long. The last few guys I dated were either “between jobs,” “finding themselves,” or “sticking it to the man.”
I roll my eyes again, doing a quick recount of my dating life this past year.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure all the good ones are taken. Or gay. Whoever said there are a lot of fish in the sea hasn’t been fishing around here.”
“Right?” she agrees. “It’s ridiculous.” Rylee grabs a pitcher of water and makes her way toward one of her tables, dramatically ending our conversation.
I’m sure I’ll hear more about the total babe later.
The evening passes pretty quickly, and I manage to make it through half my shift without spilling anything, which is a damn near miracle. I want to pump my fist in the air triumphantly, but know I’ll just jinx myself.
I take a quick bathroo
m break and fix my out-of-control hair into a messy bun before hurrying back to my area.
I stumble slightly, my foot catching on nothing but air, as I take in the new customer sitting in one of my booths.
No. Freaking. Way.
I take a deep breath in through my nose and let it out slowly. Straightening my spine, I lift my chin and march to the booth with as much confidence as I can muster.
“Hi, Ms.Westfield! It’s nice to see you again! What can I get for you?” I state happily, trying to hide the fact that I feel like puking.
This woman witnessed one of my most embarrassing moments earlier today. The wound is a little too fresh to ignore right now, but I try my best to act like it never happened while wondering if I’m really fooling anyone.
“Please, call me Kathy.” She smiles warmly. “I’m so glad you’re working tonight. I wanted to finish talking to you since your interview was cut a little short.”
My interview was cut a little short? Well, yeah! I was caught lying to the head of the company after I spilled crap all over him the night before. Not exactly what I’d call a good first impression. Of course the interview was cut short.
I try to look casual, but I’m pretty sure I just look constipated as my frazzled brain tries to register what she’s said.
Kathy rushes on. “Don’t worry, Sweetie. It wasn’t your fault! Derrick can be a little intense sometimes, but you’ll get used to it.” She pats my hand kindly as I try to catch up on the conversation.
Did I miss something?
“I’m sorry. Get used to what?”
“Honey, we’d like to offer you the job. If you’re still interested in the position?”
I look behind me, convinced she’s talking to someone else, because there’s no way she’s actually offering me the job.
“I’m sorry... me?” I point to my chest.
She must think I’m dense.
Kathy smiles kindly before nodding. “Yes, you Bree. Or should I call you Rylee?” She winks.
I laugh out loud, grateful for her sense of humor. “Bree is just fine. You can call me Rylee when I spill coffee in the conference room or forget to make copies.”
She chuckles good-naturedly before standing and shaking my hand. “So you’ll take the job?” she confirms.
“I’d be stupid not to!” I gush, my excitement bubbling out of me.
“Perfect. I’ll see you Monday?”
I can’t help but grin as I squeeze her hand lightly. “Sounds great! Can’t wait! I won’t be late!”
I cringe, realizing I’ve just replied to my future employer in rhyme.
Thankfully, she laughs at my embarrassing word vomit and states, “They’re going to love you.” Kathy picks up her purse and heads out as I puzzle over her comment.
Who’s going to love me? And how the hell did she convince Derrick to hire me?
I shrug off her parting statement, deciding to just be grateful for the job offer instead of questioning why I am receiving it, and head into Scotty’s office, excited to share the good news.
4
Bree
The weekend goes by quickly. I wake up bright and early on Monday morning, ready to start my new career.
Not a job. An actual grown-up career.
I’m finally adulting, and I’m so freaking stoked!
I take a nice hot shower, dress in a gray pencil skirt and lavender blouse, and decide to straighten my long, dark hair. I assume it’ll end up in a bun on the top of my head by noon, but at least I’ll make a good first impression.
Scratch that. I’ll make a not-so-horrible third impression.
I cringe inwardly, butterflies assaulting my stomach. I am so ridiculously nervous to face Derrick I can’t even handle it. And it’s not because I’m attracted to the guy. I swear!
Ok, that’s totally not true. We had some major chemistry going on the first time we met. But that’s not the point. Maybe he’s never in the office, so it won’t even matter. Maybe he only stopped by to see the new hire, and I’ll never see him again.
Yeah, and maybe pigs can fly, eh?
I roll my eyes before gliding the mascara wand over my eyelashes one last time.
I will not be intimidated by Hot Nacho Guy and his roguish behavior.
Roguish? What am I? A romance author?
After releasing a deep breath, I decide I’ll save the not-so-helpful pep talk for later.
I take in my appearance in the bathroom mirror one last time before shrugging, grabbing my purse, and heading to my car. This is the best it’s gonna get.
I pull up to the building with fifteen minutes to spare. After all, I don’t want my lame poetry session to be filled with lies, proving Derrick right.
Remember? Can’t wait, won’t be late?
I ride up the elevator to the main area where I had my interview, only to realize I am very much alone in the reception area.
Unsure of what to do, I wander into the gaming room where I had seen a bunch of the employees hanging out last time I was here. The little Sony symbol is bouncing around on the dark screen of the television hanging on the wall. Who knows how long it’s been on. I’m about to turn off the TV when I hear a muffled noise that sounds a heck of a lot like snoring coming from behind me. I turn around to find an adorable guy curled up on one of the lovesacs.
I use the term adorable because he’s curled up in the fetal position and cradling his head on his hands. A pair of dark-rimmed glasses are skewed on his face, and a small puddle of saliva soaks the light gray fabric. If it weren’t my first day, I would take a picture and post it somewhere or possibly use it as blackmail. But alas, I’m the new girl and don’t want to make the wrong first impression again, even if this guy really is absolutely adorable. All he’s missing is a cute little teddy bear.
I sigh longingly at the missed opportunity, when I hear a gruff voice from behind me.
“You’re here early.”
Startled, I turn around gracelessly. My heel catches on the lovesac and nearly lands me on top of Mr. Sleepyhead. Thankfully, I catch myself on the nearby coffee table, but not before spilling an opened can of Mountain Dew Code Red all over Sleeping Beauty.
Oops.
The poor guy jumps up, simultaneously wiping the saliva from his mouth and straightening his black-framed glasses. Now that he’s awake, I can see how cute he is in a totally nerdy way. Built like a swimmer, he’s tall and lean with gorgeous chocolate-colored eyes and curly, dark hair that reminds me of my own.
I place my lips between my teeth as I try to contain my laughter at the ridiculousness of the situation. I have now met two guys that I’ll be working with, both of whom I’ve spilled something all over.
My eyes bounce between Mr. Sleepyhead and Hot Nacho Guy, I mean Derrick, before finally landing on the latter as he continues dryly, “I can see our insurance premiums will be going up this next year.”
I snort at his sense of humor, deciding to go along with it instead of being offended.
“Probably. You might want to order some more cleaning supplies too. I have a feeling you’ll be using them a lot more often.” I wink mischievously.
Mr. Sleepyhead chuckles at my stupid joke and lifts his hand in my direction, gaining my full attention.
“While I’m used to waking up to beautiful women, I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.” Oh, he’s smooth, and he has a British accent. Mr. Sleepyhead might be dangerous in a completely nerdy, surprisingly adorable kind of way.
“I’m Jude,” he murmurs, gripping my hand confidently. I’m kind of surprised he’s so self-assured considering the compromising position I just found him in.
“So if I happen to break into song anytime I say, ‘Hey, Jude,’ you’ll be ok with that?”
Jude chuckles at my innocent flirting and continues to hold my hand, his thumb lightly rubbing back and forth across the back, before Derrick clears his throat loudly. He steps around the Mountain Dew mess on the floor and lightly grabs my forearm, effectivel
y breaking Jude’s hold on my right hand.
“Jude, this is Kathy’s new assistant, Bree Jensen. Today’s her first day.” His tone is sharp and his expression tense.
I smile at both gentlemen who keep eyeing each other like they’re sizing the other up or something. For some reason, I feel like I’m in the middle of some kind of silent battle as the two guys face off with aggressive stares.
It’s obvious to me who the alpha is in the room.
No offense, Mr. Sleepyhead.
Part of me wonders if we’re being filmed for a nature documentary where a Morgan Freeman voiceover describes the scene unveiling itself in front of me.
The alpha lion will now stake his claim over the defenseless antelope by baring its canines to the challenging pack member.
I shake myself out of my daydream before replying, “It’s nice to meet you, Jude.” I attempt to break the tension by turning my attention to Derrick, who still seems to have a hold of my forearm. When I say Jude’s name, Derrick’s grip tightens ever so slightly before releasing the pressure. It doesn’t hurt by any means, but I definitely felt it. The result of his firm touch is a swarm of butterflies assaulting my insides.
“So, Mr. H…” I stop abruptly, barely catching myself from calling him Hot Nacho Guy.
Smooth Breezy, real smooth.
“Derrick,” he replies evenly. I can almost believe that forgetting his name doesn’t offend him, except for the slight tick near his left eye that definitely wasn’t there before.
“Yup!” I nudge him with my elbow playfully before mentally slapping my forehead.
This guy isn’t Luke, you idiot! You can’t go around elbowing random people, even if they do make you nervous. I swear, anytime I’m around Derrick, he makes me sweat like a sinner in church.
Jude chuckles at my not-so-professional behavior. “Well, I better go clean up. Wouldn’t want to be sticky all day. It was nice to meet you, Bree. Don’t be a stranger.” He throws a boyish grin over his shoulder before heading down a hallway on the right then disappearing around a corner.