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I look down at her, feeling her words heavily but amused at her bluntness.
“I was a bit mean, wasn’t I?” I agree.
“My mommy is really pretty.”
I smile at her.
“I think so too,” I say quietly to the girl. That’s when I sigh. Regret washes over me as I realize the impact of my words. I hadn’t meant to hurt her or make her feel inadequate. It’s the exhaustion and the strain of everything that set me off, clouding my judgment. I’ll try to be softer on her because I need her help. Somehow, I’m going to have to train her because I can’t trust my staff. It’s just more on my plate that I don’t need right now.
Chapter 5
Lily
Thecarrideisawkward and quiet. I feel uncomfortable dressed in Olivia’s fancy Gucci dress and her too-high Louboutins, but the moment I step into the store I’m glad for Blake’s tough love. I would have been out of place. The air is tinged with the scent of luxury, and the soft glow of crystal chandeliers casts an ethereal light on the exquisite displays. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of sophistication and glamor that is captivating and intimidating. I realize that he was right to make me change.
My eyes scan the store, taking in the impeccably dressed women who gracefully navigate the space. They exude confidence and elegance, their designer dresses hugging their figures flawlessly. Immaculate makeup enhances their features, and their perfectly styled hair adds to their allure. I can’t help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, acutely aware of the contrast between their refined appearances and my more modest attire. The only thing that gives me confidence is Blake’s hand on the bottom of my back, guiding me forwards and toward them.
“Good morning, ladies,” he greets them. “This is Lily Johnson. She’s going to be assisting me out back this week. I’m going to be training her to be Mina’s replacement. Please make her feel welcome.” Blake talks with a commanding tone, and I can tell that each woman there hangs on to every word he says. I can’t blame them. He’s attractive and despite being a bit prickly, he radiates charm.
“Hi,” I say, feeling a little silly. They look at me but don’t say anything.
“Any questions?” he asks. And without giving them a chance to respond, he says, “Great. Don’t bother us.”
I look at them sheepishly, hoping they can’t see how hard I’m blushing right now.
“Come on, Lily,” he says and then walks off without even waiting for me.
I hurriedly follow him, trying to focus on putting one foot in front of the other without falling flat on my face and humiliating myself. My footsteps echo on the polished marble floor, a reminder of my presence amidst this world of luxury. I can feel the weight of my insecurities, the nagging self-doubt that whispers in the back of my mind.
We walk into the offices out the back and down a long corridor to a door that Blake opens with a key. It looks like an empty manager’s office.
“Are you always so rude?” I ask once the door has closed behind us.
Blake gives me a stern look. “You need to toughen up, Lily. Those women are all spiteful and shallow.”
My mouth drops open.
“You don’t know that. Maybe you misunderstand them.” I like to try and see the best in people which I will do with the women. Right now, Blake is making it hard for me to see any good in him when he’s so dismissive and rude.
“They seemed…nice.”
“No,” he disagrees, looking at me like he knows better. “They’re gossiping, backstabbing, lazy workers who will throw you under the bus if they get the chance. If you want this job you’ll need to learn to navigate this kind of environment. You need to grow a backbone and it’s not something I can teach you.”
His words only build more frustration and annoyance. It reminds me of why I’ve sworn off men and have decided to stay single. Still, I know better than to argue with my new boss. He’s doing me such a big favor because of his love for his twin sister. Way more than he has to.
“I just…I think there’s a better way to deal with that than speaking to them like that,” I say, the words pouring from me before I can stop them. Oh, God, why can’t I stop talking?
“Oh, you do?” he asks, taking a step toward me. “And how many businesses do you own? How many staff do you manage?”
He peers down at me, frowning at me with that annoyingly handsome face. I gulp and look up at him in frustration. My mind has gone blank. He folds his arms across his chest, his jaw muscle twitching in his annoyance.
“Because I own a conglomerate that encompasses high-end retail stores spread overtwentylocations. As well as the prestigious jewelry shop where I employyou,” he continues. “As well as three hotels, and two very successful, major online stores.”
I gulp thickly, completely floored by his words as he looks down at me.
“I have curated a portfolio of businesses that cater to those with refined tastes. Each store embodies a distinct sense of luxury and quality, offering a range of exquisite products that appeal to those who appreciate the finer things in life. That requires a team of staff who know their stuff, Lily. I’m willing to train you. So be grateful for the opportunity. Working here part-time will make you double of minimum wage and if you step up and work hard, I’ll be happy to provide you with a company car. I know independence is important to you.”
I gulp as I process his words. He’s right. I’m used to working for tacky fashion stores, grocery stores, and small businesses that cater to the working class. Here, I am completely out of my depth. I’m lucky to even be standing here in the office, having the CEO personally walk in me, chauffeur me to work, and on top of that, be willing to train me. He could have dropped me here this morning and left me to drown, but instead, he’s standing with me face-to-face and trying to get me to understand what it will take to be successful. The offer of a company car makes me feel desperate to have this work. My ex took my car when we broke up and at the time, I was too heartbroken to fight it. I haven’t been able to buy a new one since. I just can’t afford the initial expense.
