I was sitting at my desk when Grayson, our human resources manager came to my office.
“You got a minute, Sam?”
“Sure, Grayson. Have a seat.”
“Kendra was just in my office.”
“Really?” I cocked my head and furrowed my brows. “She called in sick today.”
“She quit, and she said it was because you created a hostile work environment, and she couldn’t deal with the pressure anymore. It wasn’t good for her mental health.”
“I did not create a hostile work environment. What the hell is she talking about?”
“She said you criticized her clothing, you constantly yelled at her, and you made her feel worthless and unworthy as your personal assistant. You slept with her, didn’t you?”
“First of all, she’s lying. She came to work in a sheer blouse with no bra on. Her tits were as visible as the sun on a clear day. I told her it was inappropriate, and I sent her home to change. And yes, I slept with her. But I didn’t know I did until the next morning. It happened the night of the birthday party. I had way too much to drink.”
“Do I need to tell your father about this?” His brow arched.
“No. You do not.” I pointed at him. “If he asks, just tell him she found a better job or something.”
“Alright.” He let out a sigh. “Now I need to start looking for another assistant for you.”
“Do me a favor, and I’m very serious, Grayson. Make sure she’s not attractive at all and she’s a lot older. Maybe a woman in her fifties or something.”
“Why? You’d still sleep with a woman in her forties?”
“If she was sexy as hell, yes.” I smirked. “Find me someone like Joan.”
“And you think someone in their fifties is going to put up with your shit? The only reason Joan does is because she’s known you since you were a kid.”
“Just make sure the woman you hire isn’t attractive, so I won’t be tempted.”
He got up from his seat and shook his head all the way out of my office. Picking up the phone, I dialed Stefan.
“What’s up, bro?”
“Come to my office.”
“On my way. What’s up?” he asked as he stepped inside.
“Kendra quit.”
“Shocker!” He shook his head.
“She told Grayson I created a hostile work environment and I made her feel unworthy and worthless as my assistant.”
“You know I never cared for her. Something always seemed off. And she was always in a bad mood. Honestly, I’m glad she quit. So now what?”
“Grayson is going to find me an unattractive and older assistant. One that I won’t be tempted to bend over my desk and fuck every day.”
“Good.” He pointed at me. “That’s exactly what you need. I have to run. I’m picking Lily up from school today.”
“Where’s Nanny Kate?”
“She has jury duty today. I’ll talk to you later. Good job on losing another personal assistant. I knew you could do it.” His lips gave way to a smirk as he walked out of my office.
I let out a long sigh as I leaned back in my chair.
“Joan, can you come in here, please?” I asked over the intercom.
“What can I do for you, Sam?”
“I want you to know that Kendra quit.”
“Thank the lord.” She made the sign of the cross. “I never liked that floozy of a girl.”
“I know you didn’t.”
“She was rude, always in a bad mood and chewed her gum like an ape. Not to mention her choice of clothing was—” She put her hand up and shook her head.
I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
“Grayson is working on finding me another personal assistant.”
“Can you do me a favor and not sleep with this one? I’m getting a little tired of training these women.”
“I already told Grayson to make sure she’s not attractive and a lot older.”
“No one older than their mid-thirties will put up with your crap.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” My brows furrowed.
Chapter 3
Julia
I had just walked through the door when my phone rang. Pulling it from my purse, I saw Mrs. Hart was calling. Suddenly, a sick feeling rose inside me.
“Hello.”
“Julia, Steven is asking for you.”
“I’m on my way.”
I climbed in my car and headed straight to Steven’s house. When I arrived, Gina, his wife greeted me in the foyer.
“Thank you for coming over so late.”
“Oh my gosh. It’s totally fine. You know I would do anything for him.”
“I know.” A weary smile crossed her face. “He’s declined since you were here two days ago. I just want you to be prepared.”
“Thanks, Gina.”
I went to the bedroom and the moment I stepped through the door, he turned his head and looked at me.
“Thanks for coming, sweetheart.”
“Of course.” I walked over and took hold of his hand.
“Did you deliver those contracts?”
“I did. And I sent the emails you asked me to and picked up the bracelet you ordered for Gina. It’s all giftwrapped and ready to give to her.”
“Thank you, my dear.”
I stayed and talked with him for a while until he fell asleep. After quietly walking out of the room, I went into the kitchen where Gina was sitting at the table drinking a glass of wine.
“Would you like a glass of wine?”
“No. Thank you. He’s asleep now so I’m going to head home.”
“Okay.” She stood up and gave me a hug. “Thanks for coming by. I know it meant a lot to him.”
“Of course. Are you okay?”
“I’m hanging in there.”
“If there’s anything you need, call me.”
“Thank you, Julia.”
I gave her a hug goodbye and headed home.
One Week Later
As I walked by Steven’s casket, I laid down a single red rose on top of it. It was hard to believe he was gone. One minute he was healthy and the next he was given a few months to live. As I was on my way to the funeral luncheon, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number.
“Hello.”
“Hi. Is this Julia Benton?” A man’s voice on the other end asked.
“Yes.”
“Ms. Benton, my name is Grayson Peterson and I’m the human resources director at Kind Design and Architecture in downtown Los Angeles. I received your resume and a recommendation letter from Mr. Steven Hart.”
“You did?”
“Yes. I’m currently interviewing candidates for the personal assistant position we have available, and you came highly recommended. I would like you to come in for an interview if you’re interested.”
I was caught off guard and took a moment to process what Mr. Peterson had just said.
“Hello? Ms. Benton, are you still there?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. Can you tell me when you received my resume and recommendation letter?”