by H. Q. Frost
"You nervous, Mrs. J?" Tash grinned at her and Lilith pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to freak out. "Ohhh!" Tash began to giggle then whispered, "Mr. J does that. You two have so been seeing each other."
"Tash. Shh!" Lilith gave her an icy glare then glanced around the empty lobby.
"I'm not going to tell anyone." Tash grabbed Lilith's hand and looked at the ring on her finger. "Please tell me this is what I think it is." Tash's grin nauseated Lilith as anxiety clawed at her lungs.
"I think it's all a big misunderstanding." Lilith tried to pull away.
"Lily." Tash yanked her hand back. "I'm not going to tell anyone, but Mr. J is important to me. He took me in when I needed help most and I only want to make sure he's doing what's right."
"What's right?" Lilith stared at her.
"That he's happy." Tash shrugged. "That he's with the right woman."
"Tell me what you know, Tash. Tell me what you think you know."
"You and Mr. J have been doing this a long time behind Karen's back. But there's one thing I don't understand. Shaun?"
Lilith managed to hide the fear she was feeling and calmly said, "Me and Ian aren't a thing. I'm with Shaun. Ian and I made a mistake the other day. He was upset about Karen, I was upset about other things. There's no me and Mr. J." Lilith stared her in the eyes. "If you tell the other girls, things won't end well and Ian could lose the company. Tash, you'll be out of a job. Me and Ian are friends, and now we have a business relationship. We've been good friends a while—"
"I didn't know you a few months ago," Tash doubted her.
"We became good friends quickly and what you saw was a very weak moment in judgment."
"Whatever you say, Lily. I'm not out to get anyone. I want my job and I want Mr. J to be treated right."
Ian rounded the corner entering the lobby looking disconcerted. "Lily." He didn't sound happy. "Why is everyone here?"
"We're having a meeting, answering any questions. I'll meet you in there, Tash."
Tash walked away grinning.
"I've made Tash my personal assistant. She is no longer the receptionist. We'll get the new girl Veronica in here for that and after hours we'll have an answering service that is strictly automated. Her pay raise starts today, which I will also dictate. Tash and I will be fielding the email requests and emergency calls after hours, and everyone needs to be on call. Lastly, all these girls are pissed off I'm standing where I am so we're going to answer their questions." She walked past him and her heels clicked while she assertively descended the marble hallway.
With a grin, he watched her until she disappeared into the conference room. Taking a few minutes to calm his ramped libido, he entered the room and stood at the head of the table, silently demanding everyone's attention.
"Shut up, shut up," Caesar muttered in an attempt to help, but it didn't stop Ian from scowling at him. The unnecessary dramatics he caused over Heidi pissed him off. Catching Ian's daggers, Caesar looked away, unsure what warranted such a deadly stare.
When the talking hushed to a silence Ian looked at Lilith who stood patiently at his back.
She took a step forward. "I don't know all of you, but I'm Lilith—"
Caesar cut her off, yelling, "Lily."
Gesturing to Caesar, she corrected herself, "Lily. I'm taking over for Karen—"
"Where is Karen? She dead?" a short girl across the table questioned.
"No, she's not dead," Ian irritably snapped. "She's seeking the medical attention she needs right now. I'm assuming it's spread about the situation?" He looked around as the whispers started. "Who wants to say it?" There was no mistaking his irritation felt toward having to let them in on a piece of his private life.
"I will." Caesar stood. "Karen was cheating on Ian with Bryan and that's why Bryan doesn't work here anymore either. When Karen had that crazy episode two months ago and tried to kill herself she was really killing the baby Bryan impregnated her with."
The few that didn't know gasped.
Steepling his long fingers on the table, Ian firmly said, "More or less. This is not a gossip center and I fully expect each and every one of you to respect Karen's issues, along with my own. She will not be returning to the company and we are no longer together. You need to respect my privacy or I will fire you," he said simply and all the whispers stopped. "I need you as much as you need me but if we can't be a team, a family, we can't function properly. You all know I will appoint Doctor Russo if anyone wants to talk about these issues, but let's be realistic, it doesn't affect you. This is my life, my tragedy, show me respect."
Lilith's eyes widened hearing him say 'my tragedy'; she had no idea that was how he was feeling.
"I lost a good friend and my girlfriend in one fell swoop and I don't want to lose anymore of you because you're more interested in drama than helping the company grow." He looked at Lilith and stepped to the side. "Lily is going to be partnered. She will take over for Karen. Any problems or concerns, you see Lily—"
Of course there was protests. "What about you? We used to go to you."
"If you're more comfortable seeing me, that's fine, but I think you'll appreciate Lily's gentle and kind nature. And she will only be here to help you and look out for your best interest."
Tanya scoffed.
"I won't bring my personal feelings to work." Lilith's skimming eyes lingered on Tanya. "As Ian said, I understand this is a team and family and I want to keep it that way. You're all greatly valued by Ian. I respect and appreciate that. There are a few changes that'll only better the company. Payroll will be distributed differently—"
One of the men blurted, "Oh, what the hell!"
She looked at the unfamiliar man and moved on, suppressing her annoyance. "You will all be paid weekly, not by job anymore. I understand this may be a shaky transition at first, and we can talk about pay advances. This also means I need everyone to pitch in wherever it's needed. I know some of you girls only work a few days a month, well there's stuff for you to do around here. I do not need to see you every single day, not at certain times, but I want to see an effort being made. Ian deals with everything from wardrobe to food and this should not be the job of one man. He's not your nanny, he's paying you. Make your own decisions," she encouraged.
"We all need to work together. Working for Luxe is easy. I know, I've worked here about a month and I've made easy money sitting at my house. You all have personal lives, children, spouses, fun recreational things you like to participate in, but none of you have a second job because you're paid well enough not to. This means you can make more of an effort to pitch in around here. There isn't a lot that needs to be done, but why are we paying for vehicle maintenance at the highest charging auto shop in Chicago when I know for a fact one of you men know how to change oil? And those of you that don't, can learn. I know how to change the oil in a vehicle, you will too. It's cheaper to pay garage space for an hour than sending the cars to a shop.
The Vanity room is full of clothes that none of you girls will re-wear because someone else wore it, or you won't be caught dead in the same outfit twice. That's fine, but we need to start circulating these clothes. Selling, making, finding new outfits just as chic for cheaper than the magazine Ian is shopping out of. Men pay you to look good, you can look good for less because you're all very beautiful women and your face and body comes before your clothes." She paused to observe expressions. "If anyone is interested, we will offer a free gym membership to the gym downstairs, which if you're downstairs working out, you're technically benefiting Luxe so you will be paid. I know most of you have memberships elsewhere, but this is something to consider. I will not pay you to workout at your gym because I can't keep tabs on that." Her eyes went to Tash who was grinning cheerfully; Lilith had to fight a smile.
Tash's happy-go-lucky vibe made Lilith feel comfortable, especially after what Tash discovered.
"We are raising the rates so that means more money to you girls, and guys too. The schedule app that we
used before is no longer applicable. To check your schedule you will need to log on to the company site and sign in to your account. The sight is now mobile-friendly. All information will be there and if you're ever confused, call me, anytime, any day. Tash will no longer be answering the phones. She has been promoted to personal assistant and we will have a new girl, Veronica, who will answer the phone and be doing light clerical. That is all she will do. Tash has also resigned as an escort so she will be available for you girls more—"
"What about you? You still escorting?" Tanya called out.
"I am still escorting and when I'm not on a date I will be in the office six days a week."
"So what's your title then?" Tony asked.
"Um." Lilith glanced at Ian.
The only title coming to mind was 'Ian Jacks' fiancée. Fucked my way to the top'.
"She's senior management," Ian spoke.
No gasps were heard, but a few people wore a shocked expression.
"Can you fire people?" Caesar asked.
Lilith said "no" at the same time Ian said "yes".
"Well, which is it?" One of the girls laughed.
"Yes she can. She's looking after all of you now—"
"What the hell you gonna be doing?" Caesar asked with a smartass grin.
"Any legitimate questions?" Ian asked.
"You two fuckin'?" Tanya blurted.
"Excuse me?" Ian glared at her.
"Well, you were fucking Karen and she became an office manager, so one could only assume she's, senior management now because you're fucking her too," Tanya said, lifting her arms to air quote senior management.
"That is my personal life that I don't want you prying into. I can have sex with whomever I want, but no, Ms. Tudor is not taking over because I'm fucking her." He fielded the comment calmly as Lilith clammed up, unable to speak.
"You wouldn't tell us if you were," someone mumbled.
"If any one of you would like to try and take her place, please stand—" Ian began.
"Does that include fucking you?" one girl blurted and he scowled at her.
"I'm in a relationship." Lilith held up her hand, showing the ring. Ian was losing control and she had to help somehow.
"With who?" Tanya boasted.
"Now that's my personal life. I assure you, Mr. Jacks and I are not together in any way. Are there any more questions that don't revolve around Ian's sex life?" She stood tall.
"Do we have to come in tomorrow?" Tony asked.
"Are you on schedule tomorrow?"
"Not yet."
"Actually he is. You were booked while we were in the meeting," Tash spoke, looking at her cellphone.
"Why don't any of us get to drive you around?" a tall, burly man spoke, staring at Lilith like she was a prize to be won.
"Because Lily and Tony are close and she's comfortable with him," Ian spoke.
"Are we hiring more security? I've worked three days in a row from eight a.m. until one in the morning. I like the money, but I have a family."
"Yes," Lilith said before Ian could answer. "We are hiring more staff."
"Females?" a redhead asked.
"No, we don't need more girls at the moment," Ian responded.
"I have a date in twenty minutes," a short woman in the back said, standing.
"Where's your office?" another girl asked Lilith.
"Oh, uh." She glanced at Ian. "I'll be at the front desk for the most part."
"Her office will be the one next to the Vanity room. Any problems or complaints, see me tomorrow. I'm leaving for an offsite meeting." He looked at his watch.
Lilith brought her attention to Tash who was staring at her. Approaching, she quietly asked, "Who booked me and for what?"
"Private client, he's only got a client number. Birthday dinner for a friend. Confirm?"
"Yes," Lilith mumbled; she hoped she wouldn't have many dates that week while implementing the new, improved changes.
All of the girls followed Lilith to the front desk. She assumed they were on their way out, but when they all stopped, she looked at them in confusion.
One spoke up with annoyance, "I have to run, but do you have our schedule? Do you even have a schedule?"
"I'm making the schedule now and I'll email all of you," Tash said, relieving Lilith.
Lilith pinched the bridge of her nose; there was so many things she forgot to address and set up.
"You don't want all of these girls in here at once. We need to schedule them for specific days around certain hours. They're more likely to actually come help out that way," Tash quietly said when the catty mob of females started filing to the elevator.
Lilith watched a few girls walk down the hall toward Ian's office and she began to obviously worry.
"Don't fret, my pet." Tash sympathetically rubbed her arm. "If Ian wants you here, you'll be here and he'll get rid of them if they have problems," she whispered.
"That's not what I want to happen," Lilith whispered back.
"Don't stress." Tash offered a kind smile and gave Lilith's arm a gentle squeeze.
"Lily." Tanya stomped to the desk. "I will need to be on a restricted schedule. I am pregnant."
"You will be." Lilith smiled at her.
Tanya misread her smile and blurted, "You can't cut me!"
Lilith leaned into the desk, lowering her voice, "My personal problems with you won't come into this office and I expect the same respect." She smiled again then spoke in a normal tone. "I hope you're seeking proper medical attention and have started a safe exercise routine for you and the baby. I also have some ideas I'd like to discuss with you, but not today. I'm swamped." She glanced at Tash who was starting a new spreadsheet for an in-office schedule.
"Lily!" A bright blue-eyed girl ran up to the desk then looked at Tanya, not wanting to speak in front of her.
"Tanya, you'll get your schedule emailed," Lilith said then brought her attention back to the girl. Tanya rolled her eyes and walked to the elevator.
The blue-eyed girl whispered, "Lily, I need some money. I had a date this morning and thought I'd be paid. My rent is due today."
"How much?"
"Rent is eleven hundred and I don't have any gas money, oh god!" she spouted on the verge of tears. "I'm not going to make it through the week."
"I'm sorry, what's your name?" Lilith calmly asked.
"I'm Tegan." Her pout vanished and she smiled. She was the youngest Luxe girl and Lilith could tell.
Turning to the computer, Lilith switched her own eight o'clock date with Tegan. "You can work tonight?"
"Sure!"
"Dinner is at eight, it's only two hours. Here's this." Lilith pushed a piece of paper over the counter to her. "Write down who I'll be paying your rent to, contact number, and I will pay it with a credit card. I will give you five hundred credit for gas and food for the week and then you will be paid Friday, minus rent and this five hundred dollars." Lilith hit print on the computer while staring at Tegan; Tash grinned.
"Thank you so much." Tegan pushed the paper back.
"Tegan," Lilith said before she could walk away. "I need you to sign this."
"Oh." Tegan looked over the paper with confusion.
With a sweet smile, Lilith pointed. "Here."
"Okay." Tegan signed her name at the X, agreeing to pay back the advance.
"I'll make that payment now and Tash will transfer five hundred into your account."
"Thanks so much, Lily."
"Tegan," Lilith said again before she could walk away. "If you'd like to sit down, we can go over income to debt ratio."
"Whad'ya mean?" She giggled.
"You're paid well." Lilith took her arm and walked her to the elevator. "There's no reason you shouldn't have money in your account. I know for a fact Ian paid for your car brakes last week, so I'm just saying you must have a lot of debt. I'm not being nosey, I want to be helpful to teach you how to manage your money so this won't be a weekly thing."
"Oh. Okay." Tegan smiled.
"Can we do that? I'll bring you all my bills?"
"Yeah, we'll do that Friday. I'll put you on the schedule. My client tonight isn't going to be happy you're filling in for me—"
"Lily." Ian placed his hand on her back and she looked at him over her shoulder, annoyed he was interrupting.
"Just a minute," she said to him and stepped away from his touch. Looking back at Tegan, she continued, "He won't be happy about the change so do your best to keep him pleased, and if he's satisfied, he may choose you over me. He's a high rate."
Leaning into Lilith, Tegan whispered, "Is it sex?"
"No. You don't talk, you sit there with a smile. Have fun." Lilith grinned at Tegan then looked at Ian.
"Bye, Mr. J." Tegan girlishly giggled.
"Tegan." He nodded then turned to Lilith. "I have to go—"
"You don't need to tell me that. Go." She gestured toward the closed elevator doors.
With her head directed down to the desk, Tash watched them through her bangs.
"Yes I do," he said sternly.
"Actually, your personal affairs don't affect me inside the office."
He stared at her dismayed.
"Have a pleasant meeting, Ian." Lilith turned on her heel and walked away; she assumed he was either going to see Karen or Heidi to discuss the birthday again.
Red-faced, Ian took three long steps and got onto the waiting elevator.
IAN: I like you in charge but don't fuck with our relationship.
It was meant just as crudely as she read it; she smirked.
MY FREYJA: I don't want to be thought of as the girl fucking her way to the top.
IAN: Well you'd have to hit my dad for that so don't worry, you're not.
MY FREYJA: Ian please don't make this more difficult than it already is. Enjoy your date, meeting, whatever it is.
IAN: I'm seeing my father about partnering you. He has a gift for us and wanted you to attend but I figured that'd be a little suspicious. Also, did I hear you correctly? You gave Teagan your client?
MY FREYJA: Her name is spelled Tegan and yes. She needed to borrow sixteen hundred dollars. She needs to be working. I will call Dr. Smith and kindly explain I've injured myself and TEGAN will be my fill in.