The first day of being Grant’s assistant hasn’t gone well at all.
I saw a small glimpse of kindness in him the night I went to the lounge, and I kept hoping it would return, but it hasn’t. Today has been awful and slow. All he seems to do is bark orders at me, and for the most part, he’s sent me all over the hotel so he didn’t have to be near me. At noon, with my stomach growling, I walk into his office.
“What time should I be eating lunch?”
He lifts his head, then looks over at his computer. I assume he’s dismissed me, and I’m not sure what to do when he looks back at me.
“Did you bring something to eat?”
“Uh, no.”
“Well, then, make your way to the restaurant and give them your work card. The food is free for those who work here. Why don’t you know this?” he grumbles, still not looking up from his computer.
“I do know this, but I don’t have a work card. They never gave me one.”
A loud groan emanates from him, then he finally looks up at me. “Head over to HR and get one but be back here by one.”
“Got it.” I walk out.
I’m glad to get out of his office. But mostly I have no idea how I’m ever going to work with him. It’s only been half a day, and already it’s been like torture.
I make my way to HR and knock on Paige’s door. “Hey, good to see you. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.” She smiles tentatively. “You’ve really saved our skin here.”
“About that. Any chance there’s anywhere else you can place me?”
“Is there an issue with Mr. Lancaster?” Paige’s voice sounds surprised, but the pinched expression on her face speaks volumes. She knows damn well that working for that man is intolerable. I won’t tell her the truth for so many obvious reasons, but I really need to try to get relocated.
“No, nothing’s wrong. I just don’t think I’m suited for that position, and I really don’t want to let anyone down,” I lie.
“I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully. If Mr. Lancaster himself has yet to complain, you must be doing something right.” Paige’s face is hopeful. “There really isn’t any other place I can put you that is more needed. Mr. Lancaster is in dire need of an assistant. Mrs. Lancaster placed you herself.”
My stomach sours at the mention of Mrs. Lancaster.
“She did?” How ironic that of all the candidates she’d choose me. It’s absolutely insane.
“Yes. And whatever she says goes. She’s amazing. You’ll never meet anyone like her. She’s a genius.”
A sick feeling weaves its way through me. Hearing that Mr. Lancaster’s wife is perfect brings back old feelings I don’t want. The idea of him comparing me to her makes bile rise in my mouth. Is that why he stopped us? Did he kiss me because he was drunk and then realized I wasn’t as perfect as his wife? I feel ill, but I don’t want Paige noticing, so I give a tight smile and nod before changing the topic. “Can I get my work card? It’s time for lunch.”
“Of course. I can’t believe I forgot. Let me print one out for you. It has a special barcode so you can’t get them reprinted outside. Yours will be unique to everyone else’s. They scan it at the staff restaurant to make sure you only use it once a day. It has a price limit, but it’s quite high, so I doubt you’ll ever reach it.”
Perks. At least working for this asshole has some perks. “You don’t know how much I like to eat,” I force out.
Paige laughs, and my sour mood starts to lighten. “A woman after my own heart.” She presses some buttons and stands. “Okay, here we go. If you’re looking for suggestions, the pulled pork toasted sandwich is a winner.”
“Thank you. I’ll give it a try.” I smile while walking backward out the door, finally feeling more like myself. “See you around.”
I make my way downstairs to the restaurant that’s designated for the staff and place my bag down on an unoccupied table. The place is busy. It’s a cafeteria-style restaurant, so I head to the counter and order the pulled pork sandwich and a cappuccino. Once it’s placed on my tray, I head back over to my table and sit down to watch the crowd around me. I’ve always been a bit of a people watcher. I love to concoct my own stories of what’s going on in other people’s lives. Also, not knowing anyone who works here, it’s a great way to pass the time. As I go to take a bite of my sandwich, a familiar figure smiles and walks up to me. It’s good to see Jared, and I relax into my seat at the idea of not being alone.
“Mind if I join you?”
I smile. “Of course not.”
He places his own tray down and smiles. “So, first day. What did you order?” He glances over at my food.
“The pulled pork sandwich. Paige said it’s amazing.”
“Paige is right.” He winks, and I peek at his tray.
I laugh. “We ordered the same thing.”
“We clearly have good taste.”
I take a bite and grin. “Whoa. This is amazing.”
“This place has one of the best chefs in the city. His name is Porter Brown, but everyone calls him Portobello. They like to fuck with him.”
I giggle. “Nice, I won’t forget that one.”
“So, how’s the first day going?”
“It’s . . . going.” I wish it was flying. Or better yet—over.
He tilts his head. “Where did you end up?”
“I actually ended up in corporate. I’m with Mr. Lancaster.”
“No shit.” He chuckles. “I’ve never even met him. Word around town is he’s impossible to work for. He’s been through three assistants this month alone. Apparently, he’s very private. Never shows up to anything. Likes to sit in his penthouse office looking down his nose at us commoners.” He shakes his head.
“Yeah . . . he’s a peach,” I groan. “Can’t say the rumors aren’t true.”
“Wow, that sucks. It’ll be excellent experience, though.”
I reach for my mug and take a sip of my cappuccino, which is delicious, and shake my head. “If I can tolerate him long enough. He’s not the friendliest guy in the world.”
Jared laughs. “Yeah, I’ve heard stories. In business, he’s a shark, and in his personal life . . . well, talking about his personal life will get you fired.”
“Are people scared of him?”
“Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean you have to be.”
“Oh, I’m not scared of him. I just don’t particularly like him.”
Jared laughs. “Stick it out, and you’ll have your pick of jobs.”
“I’ll do my best.”
We spend the rest of lunch talking about all other aspects of The L. Jared seems to genuinely like his job, which is something.
After lunch, I return to the office in a better mood. Jared is a good guy, and I enjoyed his company. I’m feeling light and happy for a change until the moment I see Grant again. My bad mood returns instantly. He looks up at me, his gaze steely, then he looks down at his watch. I wasn’t even gone an hour. I place my hand on my hip and wait for him to say something.
“Good lunch?” The sarcastic bite isn’t lost on me. He acts as if going to lunch is something I shouldn’t be doing.
“Yeah, it was delicious. Did you eat?” My retort is heavy on my tongue.
“I’m too busy.”
“I would’ve brought you something. I can go now.” I desperately want to get away from here and his temper.
“No, we have work to do,” he says. “I can’t have you sitting there all day. I’m going to set you up in the office across the hall with your own computer. I’ll have a list of work for you to get through.”
I’m relieved. I’ve been scared I’d somehow end up in his office, right in front of him. That would have been horrific.