Page 90 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

“So, what do you think?” I ask him.

“Honestly? Fire her. Immediately.” Harsh words from my best friend. “You need employees who are loyal, and she clearly isn’t.”

“Mh …” I start pondering.

“Have you thought about my offer?” he asks.

“I have. It would actually make a lot of things easier, and I’d really like to move back to the States.” I take a deep breath.

“I’d find another PA if I get your position.”

It would be perfect—I could live and work in the U.S. again, my entire team wouldn’t have to relocate, and Marc would finally get the chance to run a big company under my supervision. I’d just have to fly to London once a month to handle the most important matters.

“Actually, you need her. London does an excellent job. If you take over, it's only under the condition that she stays."

“Okay. If that’s what you want, I agree to that.”

That was quick.

“I’ll meet with my team a week from Monday, but first I need to talk to London.”

“You really want to go through with this? Just offer her a raise and tell her you’re leaving. I think she only applied somewhere else because she doesn’t want to work with you anymore. If you tell her you’re moving back to the States, she’ll probably be happy to stay.”

“And you’d be fine working with her?”

“Of course.”

“A minute ago you wanted me to fire her.”

“Yeah, because I thought you weren’t okay with her applying elsewhere. But if you’re fine with it, then so am I.”

Very accommodating of him. Stephanie calls me. Now, of all times.

"Okay, I’m almost home. We’ll talk again next week. I’ll be in touch."

"Alright. Bye."

Now I can take Stephanie’s call. I’m really not in the headspace for this, but she’s tried several times today, and I’ve ignored her every time.

"Hey, sorry. I’ve been out all day," I answer.

"Oh man, finally..." she complains, but then says: "It's good to hear your voice. Phew. I really need to tell you something." She sounds completely distraught, sobbing and crying.

"Hey, what’s going on?" I can’t remember the last time I heard her cry. It must have been when we were kids.

“Marc said that he has more important things to do now than take care of his family. The company comes first. He really wants your job.”

“I know. I've offered it to him and he's considering accepting it.”

“But... I'm pregnant.” She cries bitterly.

"You’re pregnant?"

Usually good news, but seeing how desperate she sounds, I probably shouldn't congratulate her.

"Please. You need to stay, Alex. Don’t leave me alone now, please!"

"Why would Marc not have time for you anymore? Does he know you’re pregnant?"