Page 25 of Strings

I woke up in a cold sweat and couldn’t fall back to sleep. It was a long night.

As the bus comes to my stop, I consider the idea that maybe I need therapy. I chuckle to myself at the idea of telling a stranger my secrets. That would never happen. I need to snap out of this funk and stop thinking crazy thoughts. It’s time to deal with the issue at hand and start damage control. I’m good at that.

McKinnze waves as I walk through the doors. “Hi, Talia!”

Trying to smile and seem cheerful, I fail miserably. I’m certain my “Hello” sounds as pitiful as it feels.

“How are you?” she asks, slightly concerned.

I stop in front of her desk and sigh. “How bad is it? Tell me.”

“How bad is what?”

I grimace. “What are people saying? Give it to me straight.” I motion to her to show I’m ready for it.

“About you? Nothing, really. Everyone has said you’re really nice.”

“And? What about Sebastian?”

She smirks. “You mean other than the usualhe’s bossy, and talented, and really hotstuff?”

“Yeah, other than that.”

“No one has said much, but I bet you’ll whip him into shape.”

I smile. “Will you keep me posted?”

“You got it!”

Feeling relieved, I take the elevator to my office and wonder what’s on my agenda for today.

“Morning!” Amy jumps to her feet when she sees me. Does she ever leave? I still can’t get over the idea of having an assistant. I’ve never had anyone willing to help me in my whole life. Even though she’s getting paid to do it, it’s still a weird concept to me. And how is she always so perky?

“Hi, Amy. How are you this morning?” That came out much more positive than my first attempt with McKinnze.

“I’m great! I stopped and got you some Starbucks this morning because you said I should only get you some when I get myself some, and—” she holds up a cup at her desk “—I got some for me. Yours is on your desk. If it’s cold I can warm it up in the microwave or I can go buy you another.”

“You got me coffee?” How is this my life? I need to act like I’m not surprised. Talia Pearson wouldn’t be shocked even though the real me is flabbergasted. Maybe this won’t be a bad day after all. “Thank you so much! I really needed it today. It’s like you’re reading my mind. How much do I owe you?”

“No, no, no… you can’t pay me.”

“Um… yes I can and I will. You’re not buying me coffee.”

“We have an account. I used that. Oh, gosh. I should have asked you first. I hope that’s okay?”

“We have an account?”

“Yeah, the Sym does. We use them all the time.”

“Oh. Good to know. Thank you again.”

She follows me as I make my way to my office. I stop and turn to face her with my hand on the door when she speaks.

“You have a meeting at ten with the vendors for tomorrow’s concert at The Round Theater and they want to check in for Friday’s repeat performance. They did tell you, you have to be present at all events, right?”

“Of course.” I lie. I had no idea.

“Good! I took care of everything before you were hired, but it’s your baby now so anything you want to change can be done, just say the word. You have an eleven with accounting to discuss the budget for the Gala in two months. They also want to discuss the rental expenses, and security. Lunch from twelve to one, then we head over to the theater to meet the staff there. At four you’ll meet with our major ticket vendors—it’s really important to have a good relationship with them. Then at five Mr. Bordo wants a follow-up. Any questions?”