Bad Idea!

Chapter 11

"Dottie, we need to talk. I know about what happened at the company picnic."

"Y- you do?"

'Crap! Crap! Crap! I thought Peggy and I were careful! How did she find out?'

"Yes, Angie told me all about the conversation the two of you had."

"Wait, Angie?"

"Well, she didn't tell me all about it. She kept the details pretty vague. But I heard enough to know Angie was way out of line, and just want to reassure you that I told her as much. She won't bother you like that again."

'So she doesn't know about what happened with me and Peggy while we were cleaning up.... She thinks this is all about Angie.'

"Whitney, thank you for talking to Angie for me. You didn't have to do that, and I appreciate it. I admit, I've been a little shaken up by the conversation."

"It was my pleasure. Don't tell anyone, but I do love putting Angie in her place every now and again. Anyway, now that that little bit of unpleasantness is taken care of.... we can talk about why I'm really here. I know we don't always see eye-to-eye. I forget sometimes how intimidating I can be to insecure younger women. But I could really use your help."

"Seriously? Didn't you want me fired not too long ago? You know, after I defended you to your dad?"

"Oh, Peggy told you about that?"

"I overheard."

Whitney looked embarrassed for the first time since Dottie met her. "I do.... appreciate what you said. Though the when and where were out of line.... Still, what you said was.... nice. And Peggy told me in no uncertain terms that you were keeping your job, so I've moved on."

Whitney waved her hand, as if she expected Dottie to just move on, as well. "There's an important charity gala this weekend, and I'll never been ready in time without an assistant. Unfortunately, my current assistant is out on maternity leave right now. So selfish and irresponsible."

"Having a family can be demanding too. You'll find that out if you marry Peggy." She realized too late that she said 'if' instead of 'when', but Whitney didn't seem to notice as she waved away Dottie's concern.

"Yes, family is important, but in this particular instance, business is even more important. I need to be at my best for this event. Peggy told me it's fine if you took the day off to assist me since she already has plans with the boys. Meet me at this address in an hour." Whitney handed her a business card.

Dottie took the card. "Just so you know, I'm only doing this because Peggy said it was okay."

"I knew you were a team player! I'll see you there." Whitney smacked a kiss on Dottie's cheek and then strolled away.

Dottie sighed, wiped her cheek, and looked at the card in her hand. "A full day of Whitney. Whoopee...."

She heard another knock at her door. She braced herself for whatever Whitney forgot.... but then glanced up to see Peggy in the doorway.

"Is it safe to come in?"

"Peggy, you're really scared of Whitney, huh? You're a grown woman sneaking around her own fiancée. You see that, right?"

Peggy slipped into the room with a smirk. "I wouldn't call it 'sneaking'. More like.... walking with discretion. But I am sorry she ambushed you like that. I owe you, big time."

"Good thing I know just what I want as compensation."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"I want you. Just you, all to myself. Send the boys to spend their weekend with grandparents and leave us the penthouse...."