Not His Juliet

Chapter 1

Not His Juliet by K. Jessica Ramirez

Chapter 1:  

"Miss White, please excuse the interruption-"  

I glance up at my latest personal assistant, Avery who looks a bit irked. Holding up a single finger, I stop her mid-sentence. My eyes quickly train back onto my computer screen. I'm right in the middle of editing a paragraph for one of the books we'll be publishing this summer and it's almost perfect.

  She stood tall, her heart pounding fast in her chest, fear slowly swallowing her whole but she wouldn't let it show. She looks fearless and defiant as she stands there, her long brown hair whipping like flames in the air. She had lost so many people to this rebellion and all she ever did was hiding, but not anymore. She would fight for everyone she lost and she would make the change they all dreamed of.  

I lean back to the comfort of my desk chair, smiling with content at the screen. Quickly, I save the document and prepare to email it to Donna on the publishing floor to have her send it out. An almost inaudible annoyed sigh fills my ears bringing me back to reality. Turning, I came face to face with the only other person in my office, my personal assistant. Her hair is in a tight bun and the exasperated look she gives me creates wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, only adding to the stress-filled aging look on her face.  

"Miss Simon, I hope that I did not just detect a sense of annoyance in your voice when you are addressing me or standing my presence. I do not have to remind you that I own the company you are now working for nor should I have to explain to you how easily dispensable you are." I address her smoothly and firmly.  

Avery's eyes widen and she flushes darkly, her cheeks turning tomato red at my statement. She reminds me of a character I've written about in the past. She looks embarrassed and frightened that I almost feel bad for her. Usually, I wouldn't have been so cruel to her but I simply hate when people disturb me in my office.  

Some say I've been blessed with the gift of business and creative writing as a young girl but, honestly, blessings had nothing to do with it. I've worked hard to achieve what I have and I will not stand to be disrespected by my own employees; boundaries must be set and followed. I'm her employer and she will not and should not treat me like it.  

"Of course not, please forgive-"  I cut her off once again waving her off.

I wanted to finish sending 'Abyss of Courage' to Donna's section so it could be sent out before the next morning. I also have to begin to edit the novel 'The Emerald Eyes' before I move on to preparations for the next board meeting and then visit John on the finance level to check in on ratings. I don't have time for excuses or apologies.   

"Just tell me what you came in here for. I do have a business to run, Miss Simon."   Her cheeks color pink yet again and she stumbles to answer me, becoming utterly incoherent.   

"Just give me the damn report Miss Simon, I have work to do!" I exclaim at her, a bit of anger lacing me voice.   She nods hastily before finally answering me.   

"Naked Sky' is finished and ready for its last edit. It'll be on your desk and ready for you tomorrow morning. 'The Darkest Heart' is done and has been sent out. You have a missed call from Miss Isabelle White..."  

Avery's voice fades away as she searches the stack of papers in her hands for the note my mother must have asked to be passed along to me. I wait patiently in my chair for her to continue. As she files through her sheets, my mind wonder to the reactions we'll get from 'The Darkest Heart'. I make a swift mental note to check in and see if Sarah from the language department had translated the novel in Spanish so it can be publish in Hispanic regions too.