“Amy?”
“Yes?”
“Would you mind helping me prepare?”
She smiles like I gave her a cupcake. “Absolutely. Anything you need, boss.”
“What I need is for you to go with me everywhere until I get the hang of all this. I can’t do it without you.”
“Oh, stop! It’s me who’ll be learning from you! I’m super excited to be able to work under you. All this should be easy compared to the time you spent in Vienna or even at the Michigan Met. From your credentials, it sounds like you did amazing things for them!”
I purse my lips and open my office door to escape before she asks me any questions about my made-up resume. On my desk is a large bouquet of pink roses and lilies. “Where did these come from?”
“They were delivered this morning. There’s a card, but I bet I can guess who sent them!” She uses a sing-song voice and smiles coyly.
I drop my bag on the chair and walk around the desk. Who in the fuck sent me flowers and what does she know that I don’t? I open the little envelope and read the card to myself.Congrats on your new job. The Sym and I are both lucky to have you. XOXO, Sebastian.
“Am I right? They’re from him, aren’t they?” she asks excitedly.
How quickly I forgot my fake boyfriend. Maybe if I pretend he doesn’t exist, he’ll go away. “Him, who?” I drop the card in the trashcan.
Amy rushes around and picks it out. “You should keep that! You know, to chronicle your romance. May I read it?”
I shrug. “Knock your socks off.”
She reads it aloud and sighs. “Oh my gosh, he’s so romantic. When you fainted yesterday, he jumped over rows of seats to be the first to get to you. And the way he brushed the hair from your face… You two are so cute together.”
She’s going to be really sad when we break up. “Yeah, anyway, about these vendors… tell me what I need to know.”
Amy makes me look brilliant. Her knowledge with my ability to scam helps me look like I’ve been doing this job for years. The vendors were eating out of my hands. Apparently, the events manager attends and supervises all the concerts at The Plaza and Round Theater. I pray I’ll be too busy to see anyone from the orchestra, but knowing my luck, I’ll probably be attached to them. The meeting with Accounting went well. They spent the entire time reviewing their procedures with me, so I picked up on a lot. Amy reviewed our budget with me before they arrived, and I think I knew enough to make it through the meeting without looking dumb.
Amy suggests we eat at The Round Theater so we can prepare over lunch. She’s always thinking ahead, which is great for me. Having transportation to and from each venue provided is amazing. Riding the bus has given me a new appreciation for cars.
When we arrive, Amy stops before we walk through the doors and smiles even brighter than before. “I love this place. The smells, the sounds, the people… We have the best job in the world, don’t we?”
I do my best to mimic her excitement. I hope someday, I feel the same way. Right now, I’m too stressed out about being clueless to feel happy about anything.
Lunch is waiting for us when we enter the conference room. I’m famished. I forgot to grab breakfast this morning, and having caffeine with nothing in my stomach has me a little jittery.
“I hope you don’t mind soup and turkey sandwiches. I should have checked with you first, but I ordered it on my phone while we were in the meeting with accounting and I—”
“It’s absolutely perfect!” I rush to my sandwich like I haven’t eaten in days. Then I remember I really haven’t.
“Guess who’s here?” she asks in her singing voice again as I sit down.
“Who?” I ask as I take another hefty bite of my sandwich and stare at a spreadsheet.
“Sebastian! The orchestra. They’re practicing for the concert tomorrow. I’m sure you’ve seen him play before, but it’s so exciting. I swear, watching the way he plays gives me chills. You’re so lucky. I mean… you’re both so lucky.”
“To be honest, Amy, this whole thing with him has me feeling really awkward. I really didn’t plan on anyone knowing we’re dating, so please don’t say anything to anyone. It’s important to me that I be my own person and create my own reputation. I’m not even sure this thing with him will work out.”
“What?” She seems shocked.
“I would just appreciate it if we could avoid discussing him unless you hear something. I want to know if anyone says anything, okay?”
“Of course. Did I step out of line? I didn’t mean to. I mean, I know you don’t know me, but I’m here to help—with anything. If you guys are having problems, I’d be happy to listen. I’m a really good listener.”
“I’m sure you are. I would just prefer to keep my personal life separate from work. This job is really important to me and I don’t want my relationship with Sebastian to subject me to any favors or ridicule. I’d like to be known for my work, not his.”
