Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I think we all feel that way,” Worth says.
“Right,” I agree. “And Jules is… like, I’ve always been aware that she’s low-key hot, right? She’s got skin that sort of glows and her hair is always so… and her eyes… Anyway.” I shake my head. “I’ve always been able to keep her in a defined area, where I don’t really think of her that way.”
“Smart,” Worth says.
“And honestly, she makes it easy for me. She dresses kinda dowdy in the office. She pulls her hair back and wears these thick glasses. Do I sound like a dick right now?”
“You always sound like a dick,” Fisher says. “Are you concerned you sound like more of a dick?”
“It’s just weird talking about a woman who works for me this way. It’s uncomfortable.”
“You’re amongst friends. Feel free to be as dickish as you like,” Worth says.
“We promise to hold it against you forever,” Fisher says.
I roll my eyes but don’t laugh, because I know he’s not joking. He’ll make me pay for this conversation, I have no doubt.
“When she proposed this swap—she would act as my fiancée if I made her manager of The Mayfair—I dismissed it…” I trail off. I’d dismissed it, so why am I considering it now?
“You dismissed it because …”
“Because she works for me and I don’t want her to feel any obligation. I don’t want to abuse my power.”
Lots of nodding around the table.
“Good reasons. What else?”
“And because I don’t want to put someone in charge of my hotel who’s not capable.”
More nodding.
“Is she capable?”
I’d taken a look at her résumé. She has lots of experience but never secured the top job. It’s not so surprising. She’s young, she’s a woman. There aren’t many top jobs to go about. “I think she’s young, but she’s got a fire in her belly, and yes, I think she could do the job. She’s the best assistant I’ve ever had, and I know it’s not the same skill set, but she cares. That’s half the battle.”
“Sounds like ability isn’t something you need to worry about,” Worth says. “What else?”
I shrug. “I think we’ve covered the most important points: I’m her boss, she’s attractive, she wants a job.”
“Let’s be real,” Fisher says. “You’ve got your hands full at the moment. If you gave her the job at The Mayfair, you’d be solving a big problem. And you can find another assistant—put Jules in charge of that.”
“And then she’s offering to solve the fiancée issue,” Worth says. “Yes, you’re her boss, but she’s not going to be your assistant anymore. When’s the last time you spoke to your current guy at The Mayfair? From where I’m sitting, you need to thank this woman who solved all these problems for you, instead of just wondering whether she’s actually the solution.”
Guess I just got the permission I wasn’t looking for.
“If you’re really concerned,” Worth continues, “hire her on a provisional basis. Give her three months to make her mark at The Mayfair. Then fire her if she’s not doing the job.”
I push my hands through my hair. That’s the perfect solution. “Right, and I might put her in this group chat so I don’t have to deal with you lot trying—and failing—to beat Bennett and The Avenue.”
“I think you’re a fucking mole,” Fisher says. “Coming here tonight to distract us from trying to beat Bennett.”
I shrug. “It worked, didn’t it? Anyway, the first thing we need to do is the unofficial referrals. Then we’re making the most of what business comes through our doors.”
“There needs to be a strict roster though,” Worth says. “Otherwise one place might end up with all the referrals.”
“Realistically, if walk-ins come up to the desk for a room when we’re full, they’re going to want to go to the nearest hotel.”
“And nobody’s going to want to go to Boston,” Worth says. “I should have bought a hotel here. Maybe I will.”
I laugh out loud and can feel the tension release from my body. The decision is made. I’m going to give Jules what she wants to get what I want.
It’s a win-win. I hope.
TEN
Jules
I’ve compromised on my outfit today. I’m not wearing a trash bag, and I’m not wearing heels so sharp they could cut steak. I have a black pencil skirt with a kitten heel, a little makeup, and my hair down. Leo agreed to think about me being manager of The Mayfair in return for being his fake fiancée. And I’m hoping his answer is yes. If not, it’s back to my Hillary suits and recruitment websites. I’ll have to start applying for shift manger roles. I won’t be able to go back to The Mayfair.
I’ve only just sat down at my desk when the outer office door opens and Leo appears. He sighs when he sees me. That can’t be a good sign.