Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 62497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
“Yes,” I say, unsure why he would ask.
“Do you need assistance with my workload?”
“No,” I reply. “I can handle it.”
He turns back to Jeff. “You have your answer, don’t let her near my shit again.” He stands and faces me, offering me his hand. I take it, and he pulls me up to stand. When I straighten, we’re close, too close for my comfort. “It’s good to have you back, Mayve.” He leans down and kisses the top of my hand, pausing with his face inches from my fingers. “You still wear the ring?” he asks, making me feel awkward. “Even after he filed for divorce?” I go to pull my hand back, but he tightens his hold.
“Yes, I like the ring.” It’s the nicest gift I have ever been given. One time, my friend gave me a gift of weed. Before now, that was the only thing I’d ever received from someone.
“What about the person who gave it to you?” he asks.
Jeff coughs behind him, and he lets my hand go. I pull it to my side and discretely rub my hand up and down my dress.
I don’t bother looking back up to Marco, but I feel his eyes are penetrating me and I am unsure why.
“Does that appease you?” Jeff asks him.
“Very much so.” I glance up to find Marco with a smirk on his lips. “Good to see you, Mayve. I have a client dinner tomorrow to discuss a deal. I would very much like you there to see if it’s beneficial to me.”
“I’ll be there. Please email me the details.” I smile as he turns and walks out. As soon as he’s gone, I turn to face Jeff. “What was that about?” I ask as the door opens again, and in walks Vanessa.
Jeffs stands from his chair at the front of his desk and moves to the one behind it.
Oh shit, formal.
“You’re back,” Vanessa sneers.
“So it would appear,” I say with a wave of my hands. “It was a week’s vacation, so I am due back today.”
“Why don’t you return to coming in one day a week and not talking to anybody? It was better that way.”
“Vanessa, that was uncalled for.” She turns to face Jeff, crosses her arms over her chest, pushing her tits up higher.
“I wasn’t lying… she’s ruined everything. I should have that job.”
“Mayve taught you how to do your job,” he kindly reminds her. “If it was to go on experience, she would outrank you.”
“Yeah, but she lacks social skills,” Vanessa retorts.
“Marco likes her, and the other clients do too.”
“Who cares about Marco? He’s a pig anyway.” Her nose scrunches in distaste.
“I do. I care. That man brings in a lot of money,” Jeff says. “Take a seat.”
I’m confused by the pig comment.
Marco doesn’t seem to be the type to be sleazy to anyone. Let alone Vanessa. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling I’m not.
“I saw him leave,” Vanessa says, her angry gaze locking on me. “I bet you’re happy that you get him back.”
“I didn’t realize I’d lost him as a client,” I inform her.
“Sit, please, Mayve.” I retake the seat I was just in.
“Why does she have to be in here?” Vanessa whines.
“Because when I go on vacation in six months, she will be in charge.”
My head swings to him. No way.
“No way!” Vanessa screams as if she has read my thoughts. “I won’t take orders from her. I’m better than her.”
I huff and don’t realize I do it until they both look my way.
“What?” she screams. “You think you’re better than me?” Her hands fly to her hips, and I lick my lips as I stare at her. “You do.” She throws her head back and laughs. “That’s funny.”
“She is better than you, Vanessa. There is no denying that,” Jeff interjects.
Her laughter ceases, and she turns to him, but this time the anger is gone, and in its place is a softer expression that’s almost on the verge of tears.
“You don’t think I do a good job?” The way her voice changes makes me shiver. What a liar she is.
“You know I do, but what you did—”
“I didn’t know.” She throws her hands up in the air. “He was looking at me—”
“That doesn’t give you an invitation to kiss him,” Jeff points out.
“Kiss him?” I ask out loud, and Vanessa whips her head around toward me.
“I bet you’re really happy right now.” I’m taken aback by the sheer venom in her voice. “You won. Do you fuck him too?”
“Who?” I ask, my brows creasing in confusion.
“Marco,” she says.
“You kissed Marco? You’re supposed to be doing his finances, not trying to hit on him,” I say, shaking my head. “And aren’t you engaged?” I point to the ring still on her finger.
“Yes, a question I called you in here to ask. Why would you do that, Vanessa, if you’re engaged?” Jeff questions, when in reality he should be firing her. I have always known Jeff to be a little too lenient, but this should not be excepted.