Page 94 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

"I’d rather meet him in his office. Skirt, blouse, blazer. Simple. Does it really have to be in such a fancy restaurant?"

I don't feel entirely comfortable with where this meeting is taking place.

"As a PA, he might be testing how far you’ll go—if you’re presentable, if you have good manners, that kind of thing," she says, raising her orange juice in a toast.

"Okay. Hair down. Gold jewelry? What do you think?" I hold up a necklace and earrings.

"Oh yes, I like those."

"And this bag?" I show her a black clutch with a gold emblem.

"Yes, I like that too. Add blood-red lipstick and a little eyeliner."

"Red lipstick? I don’t know…"

"With a black dress, it’s an absolute MUST!"

If she insists, fine. I try it on, fix my hair, fasten the necklace, and slip in the earrings.

"Well?" I turn back and forth until I see her grin.

"That’s it. Perfect!"

If she’s this thrilled, then surely Mr. Volt will be impressed too.

I take a taxi to the restaurant. I could drive myself, but I’m far too nervous and don’t want to risk an accident. This way I can also text Vanessa and let her distract me a bit.

Nessa: And what will you do if he wants something from you?

Me: Look for another job. I’m not going through that again.

Nessa: And what if he’s hot?

Me: Doesn’t matter. I just want to do a good job. And meet someone in a different setting.That thing with Alex was stupid—my fault. Why did I develop feelings for him? Oh well…

Nessa: What if he wanted everyone at the boxing club to know you belonged to him?

Me: What do you mean?

Nessa:Well, you're pretty desirable there, but now that he's hooked up with you, the others know you're his and leave you alone. This way you can train there without anyone hitting on you senselessly.

Me: I don’t know if that was his intention…

Nessa: In my head it makes sense :)

Me: Many things make sense in your head, my dear ;) I’m here now. Wish me luck!

She hearts my last message just as the driver stops. I had him circle the block so I wouldn’t arrive too early.

I pay and get out. After the meeting, I'll head back home, then straight to Vanessa's to spend the night there.

I walk toward the impressive entrance guarded by security. Not everyone gets here. Being under their eyes makes me nervous.

At the reception, I check in: "Good evening. London Waverley. I have an appointment with Mr. Volt." I glance at my watch: six minutes left. "I need to be at his table at 9:00 sharp. How long will it take to get there?"

The young man looks surprised, checks his book, and finds my name. "Ah yes, here you are. Good evening, Miss Waverley. Mr. Volt is already expecting you." He pauses, then adds: "The table is in our lounge. At most twenty seconds away."

I glance at my gold wristwatch. It looks nice though it only cost eighty pounds in a sale. Such a steal!