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Resolute in her decision, she turned to her roommate. “I’m going to do it; I’m quitting Sunny’s and taking the plunge. And yes, let’s go shopping. I can’t afford anything too extravagant, but maybe we can check out that thrift vintage store on 5th?”
Rory nodded. “You got it; I know Ash wants to go as well. And listen,” her roommate leaned in, “Iamproud of you, and I know you’re going to succeed. I’ve got your back.”
Sofie grinned at her roommate, grateful for the support.
Taking a deep inhale, she rolled back her shoulders. “Alright, wish me luck. I’m going to call the store manager at Sunny’s to let her know I’m quitting.” Sofie’s stomach flip-flopped in a combination of nerves and anxiety.Oh my god, I can’t believe this is happening!
7
“Good morning, Ms. Galena. I have a woman named Sofie Rosswell to see you. She says she has an appointment?” Gabriella’s receptionist, Evangeline, echoed through the phone.
Mmmm. Little Sofie, the coffee shop girl!
I didn’t expect her to actually show up. I wonder if she had the guts to quit her job and commit to the position.
“Thank you. Please send her to my office,” Gabriella replied as she struggled to hide her surprise.
Within seconds, Gabriella heard a knock, followed by a familiar-sounding voice. “Hello? I’m here for the eight a.m. meeting.”
In a brisk tone, Gabriella answered. “Yes, come in.” Squaring her shoulders at her desk, Gabriella sat tall, exuding power and grace. The door slowly opened to reveal the beautiful brunette from Sunny’s Coffee. Gabriella noticed she was as lovely as ever, exquisitely dressed in businesswear and heels- as directed. Without the coffee shop apron and the ponytail, she looked entirely different.
Shit, she fits the role.
“Hi, good morning. We never formally introduced ourselves, but I’m Sofie Rosswell. I hope you recognize me out of my usual coffee shop clothes,” Sofie awkwardly quipped, appearing both eager and nervous. Gabriella scanned her from top to bottom. Sofie’s long, dark hair was immaculately pulled into a high bun, making her facial features more pronounced. To Gabriella, Sofie appeared much more sophisticated, polished, and mature.
Her gaze traveled to the gentle slope from where the pencil skirt hugged the woman’s waist, expanding slightly to highlight the curves of her hips. While Sofie was petite in height, Gabriella noticed her shapely legs that seemed longer than the rest of her body. Sofie’s raspberry-colored blouse was silky and subtly sexy, although Gabriella suspected it was more of a polyester blend. Still, she was impressed with how Sofie presented herself and, more so, her attention to direction.
“Good morning.” Gabriella stood from her desk to take Sofie’s hand. “I am Gabriella Galena, the CEO of Deluxe Redux Magazine. I believe I remember you saying that as a recent New York Fashion Institute graduate, you are familiar with this publication, correct?”
Sofie bobbed her head, beaming with enthusiasm. “Oh yes! It was practically my bible when I was in college. In fact, our instructors encouraged us to follow the trends set by your magazine, and many of my own designs have been inspired by your pages.”
Upon hearing Sofie gush, Gabriella’s ego soared. Especially since her personal life had experienced such turmoil and feeling overwhelmed at the office upon her return; it was nice to have an appreciative fan whom she found so attractive. “Excellent to hear; please, sit down.” Gabriella motioned to a chair in front of her desk.
Sofie appeared uncertain as to what to expect. “So, um, I’d love to hear a little bit about the position. It wasn’t clear fromour phone call. But I wanted to let you know that I’ve quit my job at Sunny’s, so I’m ready for full-time work,” Sofie emphasized, her disposition cheerful.
“Good, I’m glad to hear that. I expect that my staff at Deluxe are fully committed to the success of the magazine. And that sometimes means long hours and taking on additional responsibilities when required.” Gabriella sat back in her chair. “Of course, you will be compensated fairly for your work. But a Deluxe employee can’t have another job if they are working for me. I expect 100% dedication.”
Sofie nodded, fiddling her hands in her lap. Gabriella was charmed by her seemingly innocent demeanor.She seems so sweet,so gentle. A little nervous, mmm, I like that. She looks like a porcelain doll in her outfit; I love how the skirt clings to her hips, emphasizing every curve…
Gabriella blinked, pushing away her deviant fantasies as Sofie responded. “Sure, yes. Understood. I am excited to be here, and I would love the opportunity to contribute to Deluxe Redux. I’m willing to commit my time and skills completely and to grow with the company, hopefully.”
Gabriella felt confident that Sofie would give the position her best efforts.
Now, I need to come up with some tasks on the spot; I didn’t think this through. But there’s no way I will pass up having this lovely woman in my office every day. Oh yeah, this is going to be fun!
Gabriella inhaled, placing her hands on her desk. Leaning in, she began, “Good. The position involves being my personal assistant. I need someone whoenjoysreceiving instruction and carrying out my orders with efficiency, excellence, and grace.”
Eyeing Sofie, Gabriella asked slyly, “Do you like being directed, Sofie? You don’t have an issue being told what to do, do you?” Gabriella knew her tone was playful, although she wasserious about the requirements. But Gabriella also wanted to tease Sofie, to get inside her head.
“Oh no, not at all. In fact, I get a lot of satisfaction from meeting my goals and doing my best work. And I love being a team player; if I can help with the success of a project, I feel that we all win in the end.” Sofie shook her head, appearing so pure and sincere that Gabriella couldn’t help but grin.
Gabriella smiled slowly at Sofie with her index finger propped against her chin. “When I first noticed you at Sunny’s, I thought to myself, Now, there is a woman who seems dedicated to her job, to serving others. But she’s too stylish to be a barista! No, she looks like she belongs in fashion. And that’s why I wanted to give you my business card.”
Gabriella could sense that Sofie was flattered. These days, Gabriella felt more sour on the inside than sweet, yet she still knew how to enchant and seduce. But nothing she had said was false; Gabriella sensed that Sofie would make the perfect, passive personal assistant who was responsive to praise.
Sofie gave Gabriella a wide smile. “Oh really! Oh my gosh, that’s amazing to hear. Thank you. Believe me; I am ready to be your assistant. Tell me what you want, and I’m your girl!” Upon hearing Sofie’s enthusiastic response, Gabriella felt a tingle of arousal; Sofie’s words were music to Gabriella’s ears.
Clearing her throat, Gabriella explained the tasks. “As my assistant, you will report to my office every day at eight a.m., except Sundays. Typically, you will work from eight a.m. until seven p.m., but as I mentioned, some days will be longer than others.”
