“I don’t think he’ll move on until he gives you his best shot.”
“Whatever.It’s his time to waste.I’ll never, ever marry a wealthy man, no matter how much I like the finer things in life.”
“Really?Why?”
“Because I refuse to follow in my father’s footsteps.”I glanced at the time and stood.“I have to go.Show up at Lunar Pulse tonight or else.”
She waved me away with a grin.
As I walked by the pastry display case, I made a mental note to stop by tomorrow morning to grab something for Whitney, to thank her for guiding me this week.I’d already learned enough to take over three of her daily tasks.Hopefully, the gesture would be seen as an olive branch and help convince her and Shana that I was there to stay, rather than there to play.
Playing was reserved for my night job.Smiling, I rode the elevators up and braced myself for the second half of my third day at Steele Corp.
At the end of my shift, my optimism that I could win over either of my coworkers with a pastry no longer existed.Apparently, one of my predecessors attempted using sugary bribes to obtain information about the CEO’s daily routine.I discovered that tidbit in the break room, overhearing gossip I was obviously meant to overhear.
“I’m starting to think Steele Corp isn’t as great a place to work as they let people believe,” Mom said when I walked in the door.
“It’s fine, actually.Good hours.Great employee benefits.It’s the drama around their CEO that will likely have everyone viewing me as an outsider for at least the next six months, no matter how hard I try.”
“Is that a bad thing?Being seen as an outsider?There will be less interoffice chatting to slow down your productivity, which means more performance accolades and less drama.I say enjoy being an outsider while you can.”
“Yeah, you’re right.It’s just…”
“You’re used to being liked by everyone?”
“Yeah.I always make friends with everyone, and it’s driving me crazy that they’re all treating me like I’m a problem when they don’t even know me.”
She gave me a side hug.“Never forget this feeling.There’s someone out there feeling the same thing, and one friendly gesture from you might change their world.”
After a quick temple kiss, she left me to get ready for work.Again.
“Don’t forget to eat dinner,” I called to her on my way toward the door.
“Oh?And what did you eat?”she asked.
“Be a good Mom and lead by example.”
I closed the door on her grumbling and grinned on the way to the car.My stomach started growling the second I clocked in at work.I wrinkled my nose at it and pulled out my phone.
Me:Burger.An unholy amount of pickles, regular ketchup, and mustard.If onions touch it, we’re not friends.
Miranda:I’m not a short-order cook.
Me:Shots on me if I’m fed.
Miranda:Do you realize how much I can drink?Be there in thirty.
Grinning, I walked into the main part of the bar.It wasn’t as busy as the night before, but it was still relatively early.
“There’s my girl,” Uncle Jay said, spotting me.“Ready for tonight’s special?”
“Not yet.Miranda will be here soon.I’ll have her model the drink tonight, along with a shot tower if you’re willing.”
“I am.Is she?”
“Yep.The girl has some serious capacity.”
He had a shot pyramid ready and waiting for her when she strolled in with my takeout.I took pictures of her happiness and a quick video of her laughing as she took two shots.Then another of her sipping the drink of the night.Then I sat at the bar with her and ate as she posted for me.
