Assisting The Boss

3

Arden

I wake up the next morning with a missed call from my sister. Sebastian probably told her about my behavior last night. Oh well I'm an adult so screw it. I get out of bed after a small moment of procrastination and begin my usual morning routine. Three cups of coffee later I am finally ready for anything Aria wanted to throw at me.

When she answers the phone, I am surprised at what I hear.

"Hey," I say expecting the worst.

"Hey, what happened between you and Sebastian last night? He wants to offer you a job," She says cautiously, "Sebastian said he wanted to help you out."

"He can shove that job up his ass. I'd rather clean toilets than except his help," I growl.

"Well, let's not be dramatic. I sent him your resume and he'd give you a job," she informs me.

"Aria," her name leaving my mouth with an annoyed huff.

"What? I did you a favor you should be thanking me," she scolds.

"I'm not thanking you for shit," I reply, "do you know how fucking embarrassed I was because of that damn phone call. Not to fucking mention your boss carried me to my fucking door like he was a fucking caveman! Then you have the nerve to call and expect a thank you"

"He did what?" her stunned tone tells me she hadn't spoken to Mr. Bossy Pants yet.

"Yes, threw me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes talking about what kind of gentleman would that make me," I grumble imitating of his stupid voice

"Were you being a brat," she teases

"Eat shit," I huff sending Aria into a fit of laughter.

Once she calms down, we talk for 30 more minutes then say goodbye. Now it was time to job hunt. Hopefully I'd have more luck and not have to accept a job from that insufferable man.

Three hours, that's how long I'd been out interviewing for jobs. I had been to interviews at five publishing houses. And over the past month I had been feeling like my degree in English was getting me nowhere. Every publishing house I had been to, kept telling me I needed to get more experience, but I sensed there was another reason they'd rejected me.

After seeing the rejection e-mail canceling my last interview appointment, I stopped at a local coffee shop to grab a latte and a brownie as my reward for having my time wasted.

You might have to take Mr. Bossy pants' offer, I thought to myself as the barista called my name.

The preppy barista is waiting for me at the counter with my order. I see her smile widen even more when I reach out to grab my cup. I find it strange until a hand connects with my shoulder, stopping my movements and I turn to see who she's really smiling at.

Sebastian.

Why did he have to look so good in a tailored suit? And that smile, that cocky smile. His face still as handsome as the night before. I had wondered what today would bring and apparently Sebastian was on the schedule. I take a deep breath and adjust my grip on my purse, trying to prepare myself for whatever he may throw at me.

He's dressed for business by the look of his tailored suit. His leather satchel matching perfectly with his suit. He is again meticulously groomed. An air of mischief graces his face as I feel my facial expression change. I sense this encounter will be interesting to say the least.

"You again," I sneer.

"Now is that any way to speak to your new boss," Sebastian smiles.

"What are you talking about" I grumbled annoyed.

"I see you haven't looked at the offer we sent to your email," he sighs.

"I saw the email, but I was extremely confused because I didn't apply at your company," I yawn.

"If I were you, I'd thank my guardian angel that someone is offering you anything seeing as you don't have any experience and you have a new degree that isn't worth a shit if you can't use it to pay your bills," he chastised before grabbing the cup of coffee on the counter.

"You seem to know a whole lot about my getting rejected and the reason why especially because I have a degree for an industry you aren't in" I observe.

"Just take the offer and stop being a brat," he grumbled turning toward me, "Aria is worried about you, and wants to know you'll be okay while she's gone. You need a job. Take the offer. I can promise it will be the only one you'll get."

"From you or from anyone," I ask with my brow cocked waiting for his response

"Both," He clarified

"Is that a threat," I ask angrily

"Think of it as more of a promise" his tone makes the statement sound like a suggestion, but I knew better.

Sebastian walks away with a smirk on his face pleased with himself, sipping his coffee. I glare at him watching as he exits the small coffee shop. I turn back to the counter as I hear the barista call out.

"Excuse me ma'am," the young barista calls waving to get my attention.

"Yes,"

"I'm so sorry the gentleman that just left grabbed your coffee. I can make you a new one on the house or I can give you his," she apologizes.

"Don't worry about it. I'll take his," I smile accepting the cup she extends. As soon as I step outside, I find the nearest trash can and toss the cup into it.

Before I can stop myself, I pull out my phone and send out a single text message to the number I have only used a handful of times:

Me: This coffee you ordered tastes like shit.

Mr. Bossy Pants: I thought you'd enjoy a real cup of coffee instead of the sugared-up bullshit you ordered.

For sure this man has lost his mind! Instead of going back and forth with for a second time today I take a deep breath and make my way home.