A bold idea. Though possibly…immature.
A “you only live once, dumbass” idea. I grin to myself, my pulse picking up.
“Alright,” I mutter to Diesel, who strolls in. “You busy with hiring, Elena? Well let’s play.”
You know, when in Rome, and all that.
I mean, when dating a hot corporate woman who wants to keep things on the casual level?
Well, I may as well have some fun.
Chapter Seventeen
ELENA
By late afternoon Friday, I’ve had one heck of a week. The kind that makes my office smell like burnt coffee and despair.
I clickEnd Meetingon the Zoom window and sag back in my chair, done with another candidate.
Francis Stalworth’s interview is done, and he won’t be getting the job. He’s just another walking LinkedIn profile with the personality of a beige cardigan.
“My biggest weakness is that I care too much,” he had said.
I nearly ended the interview on the spot.
Before I can even groan, my boss—Greg, Mr. human embodiment of a half-price sweater vest—pokes his head in.
“Great work this week, Elena,” he chirps, holding a paper cup like he’s presenting an Olympic medal. “Coffee for you. Thought you might need a boost.”
It’s lukewarm.
Classic.
“Thanks,” I say, accepting the cup that probably came from the lobby cafe no one likes.
He glances me up and down.
“You look nice today. Big Friday plans?”
I stiffen.
Please don’t ask. Please don’t ask.
He smiles like he absolutely is about to ask.
“So…big date?”
“No,” I say too fast. “Just, you know…relaxing. At home.”
Oh, maybe texting my trainer. Nothing big.I’ve been too busy this week to even look up.
Greg nods like I’ve said something profound.
“Well! Keep up the good work. These candidates won’t interview themselves!”
He laughs like he’s said the funniest thing in the world and disappears.
I resist the urge to bring the coffee straight to the sink and dump it.
