“Wait a moment,” Britney followed him out of the office.
“The meeting is about to start. I need to set up,” a rushed Gabe said, striding past Jessica who gave him a censorious look.
“Two seconds,” insisted Britney. “Gabe!”
Gabe stopped, turning to face her. “Brit, there isn’t time. I have a meeting to run. Whatever you want to talk about can wait. You want to make supper, go ahead. Put your stuff wherever you want. I have to go to the boardroom.”
“I just wanted to straighten your tie. I know how you like to have everything perfect when doing presentations,” Britney informed him. She reached up, moving the piece of fabric. “Now your tie is straight. Have a good meeting.”
Feeling chastened, Gabe nodded. “Thank you. For everything.”
“You’re welcome,” smiled Britney. She watched as he made his way down the hall.
“Well, that was special,” mused Parker.
“Engaged?” Jessica lifted an eyebrow as she gave Parker a sidelong glance. “He didn’t say anything.”
“It’s new,” confirmed Parker. “Probably will be an announcement in the society papers soon, knowing Mom.”
“I had no idea,” admitted Jessica, irritated by the news.
“Now you know,” chirped Britney as she swung a predatory smile on the pretty secretary. “Parker? Don’t you have a meeting or something? I think the lovely secretary and I should have a chat.”
“Oh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” mentioned Parker as he looked at the two ladies.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” cooed Jessica, dripping false enthusiasm. “We’re going to be the best of girlfriends.”
“I think so too,” gushed Britney.
“Oh boy,” Parker muttered. He glanced at his watch. Gabe would not be happy if he was late. Then again, Gabe might not appreciate what was about to happen here. “I think I should escort Britney to her car. I would hate for her to get lost in the building. Sometimes it can be a bit confusing and I even get turned around.”
“Go away Parker,” requested Jessica sweetly. “Britney and I have things to discuss. I promise she won’t get lost going to the parking garage.”
Gabe would have to handle this on his own, decided Parker. “Have a nice afternoon.”
Britney waited for Parker to leave before approaching the secretary with a hand out. “Britney Crawford.”
“Jessica Porter,” replied Jessica as she coolly shook Britney’s hand. “Let’s get a few things straight. I am the secretary. I do not sleep with the boss. I am efficient and I ensure his efficiency. I’m career focused and anything that poses a threat to my boss being at his best and at the top of this company is a threat to me. Gabe is a well-oiled machine and doesn’t need to be bogged down with a wife or children. I fully expect him to amalgamate with several hospital chains over the next decade, taking Ramesly HMC to the next level. He needs to concentrate on his career to achieve those objectives. Gabe doesn’t need a family life, nor is he a family man. You should quit now.”
“Wow, you don’t pull any punches,” breathed Britney. She gave Jessica an admiring look. “I appreciate your honesty.”
Jessica waited then gave Britney a confused look when she didn’t say anything more. “That’s it? That is all you have to say?”
“I’m the one wearing the ring,” Britney flashed her engagement ring with a satisfied smile. “I think the ring says it all.”
Jessica narrowed her eyes as Britney went into Gabe’s office to collect her purse and everything she had strewn over Gabe’s desk in her search for the USB stick.
The confrontation with Gabe’s secretary was concerning. It was obvious Jessica was jealous, but Britney did believe her when she said she wasn’t sleeping with her boss. Gabe wasn’t the type to have an affair with a secretary. Britney could sympathize with Jessica. She knew what it was like to love someone from afar. However, she wasn’t about to let Jessica sabotage her chance with Gabe. Not after waiting all these years.
Sometimes Britney could barely believe it. Gabe was going to marry her. Gazing down at the engagement ring gracing her finger, Britney smiled happily.
Moving in this morning had been risky but ultimately had been the right move. Now she had to finish moving in and start being indispensable to him. Once Gabe came to rely on her, he would never want to let her go.
She was going to do this. Her dreams were about to come true. Britney was going to make Gabe fall in love with her.
Flicking the last of her stuff into her purse, Britney walked with her head high through the outer office. She had dealt with tons of society girls who thought they were better than she was all her life. She could deal with one pesky secretary.
Jessica ignored her exit, going so far as to turn her back on her.
