Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“I don’t care what they think,” she added. “I left those needs behind me. I like me. My friends like me.”
“I like you too, Rylee. I think we’re gonna be great friends.”
She smiled, the action lighting up her whole face. “I think so too.”
“We should trade numbers and hang out after work sometime.”
“I’d love that.” Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen with a groan. “Well, that was a short break. I’m needed.”
“Have a good afternoon.”
She left, and I watched her go, observing the little clique in the corner. The one who looked like the leader made a remark, and they all laughed. I shook my head at their childish behavior, surprised they were allowed to act that way in a business environment. Then I remembered what Rylee said. Nice to her face, mean behind her back. And she wasn’t one to complain, especially since it would be her word against theirs. But I liked her, and we could be friends. Maybe somehow we could stop their wagging tongues.
I stood and headed to the door, then stopped and went to their table, deciding to catch them off guard.
“Hi,” I said with a bright, fake smile. “I’m Magnolia. I started here this week.”
I met the flat blue eyes of the one I suspected was the ringleader. “I’m Verity. This is Rhonda, Maxie, and Susan.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“You’re Bane’s girl of the week?” Verity asked with a sneer.
“I’m his new assistant, yes,” I replied, ignoring the jibe.
“Don’t get too comfortable. They never stay. I doubt you’ll be much different.” She sat back, eyeing me up and down, no doubt making notes for her scathing opinion of me. “One of these days, he’ll realize the best assistant for him is already in the company.”
Ah, her dislike of me made sense. She wanted to work for Mr. Bane. Probably more than work.
She wanted to bang Bane.
Bang, bang Bane.
For some reason, that silly thought made me smile. I had to bite back a laugh.
She narrowed her eyes at me. “What are you smiling about?”
“Nothing. I’m enjoying it so far. Mr. Bane and I get along fine.”
“You should join us for lunch. We can make sure you mingle with the right crowd.”
I smiled even wider. “You mean, keep your friends close but your enemies closer? Thanks, but I know the right crowd, and it’s not this one. Have a good day, um, ladies.”
I walked out, hearing their furious whispers and knowing I had just made some enemies.
Chapter Five
MAGNOLIA
Iopened the door to the office, going to my desk. Mr. Bane’s door was partially open again, and I heard voices, indicating someone was with him. I was about to sit down when the voices became louder.
“I am not discussing this with you again, Mother. I don’t have time, and frankly, I have no interest.”
“You need to listen to reason.”
“You need to listen when I say no!” Bane roared.
“You said you were going out of town. You lied to your own mother to avoid seeing me. That is horrible behavior, even for you, Alexander.” I could hear the censure in her cold voice.
“I didn’t lie…” His voice faltered, something in it causing me to spring to my feet, grab my notebook, and hurry to the outer door, opening it, then shutting it loudly. I rushed back to Mr. Bane’s door, flinging it open.
“Mr. Bane, the car is waiting for you!” I pretended to hesitate. “Oh, I apologize. I didn’t realize you had company, but if you’re going to make that flight, you need to go now.”
He stared at me, then leaned over, slamming his laptop shut. “Right. I was on my way, and I got distracted.”
“Your bag is in the car. I’ve checked you in, and if you go now, you’ll make it. I can’t call the client and tell them you’ve been delayed again. They were already upset enough. You’ll be taking them to dinner later to apologize.”
“Of course.” He grabbed his coat. “Mother, Ms. Myers will show you out. Call next time. I’m very busy.” He looked at me. “I’ll text you from the plane.”
He rushed past me without another word, but he winked as he went by, the relief on his face evident. I tried not to laugh at that or the fact that he’d added a Ms. in front of my name—no doubt to sound professional in front of his mother.
He shut the outside door loudly, his footsteps fading.
“Where is he going?”
“Vancouver.”
“For what purpose?”
I crossed my arms over my chest, holding my notebook. “Your son is in demand all over the world, Mrs. Bane—”
She cut me off with a flick of her fingers.
“Mrs. Johnstone. I remarried.”
I flicked her right back. “Regardless, he is very sought-after.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And you are who, exactly?”
“I am Mr. Bane’s assistant. I run his office for him.”
“So, you’re the one who answers his phone now?”