When I'm safely inside my apartment, I tear off my tie and throw my shoes off with more force than needed, making them land at the other end of the room.
I pace the large, open-plan living area back and forth, feeling like the weight of the world is crashing down on me.
The large clock on the wall is like a countdown clock instead of a timepiece. Tick. Tock.
Thirty days, and my dream job will end.
Thirty days, and my world will be about spreadsheets, accounts, and endless boring board meetings.
I pick up my phone to ring Mia, but then I realize the time. She loves me, but no assistant should have to pick up the phone from their boss at this time of night.
I send her a message instead. If she doesn't reply, I'll speak to her in the morning.
Xander:Do you remember your interview?
Her reply comes shortly after.
Mia:Is this the time when you tell me I've not made the cut? A bit late for that, isn't it? You know, with you being totally dependent on me and all.
Xander:You said you were resourceful.
Mia:If this is one of those boss-type requests where you want me to find you a husband, or a secret hookup who's into BDSM...hold on, let me grab a notepad.
I genuinely laugh out loud.The reason I hired Mia was because she's not threatened by my position or status. She's down to earth and lets me be…just me. I don't have to pretend with her.
Xander:My dad wants me to take over the company.
Mia:Fuck
Mia:Hold on, give me a minute to think.
Mia:Got it. I have a friend who's an actor and has access to props. We can give you a makeover and help you escape the country.
Mia:If you pick a tropical island with no extradition treaty, I'll come with you, but I'm bringing my cat.
Xander:I knew I got it right when I hired you. See you in the morning.
Mia:Wait! What's your shoe size? Have you ever considered dying your hair? How about a mustache? Do we have long enough for you to grow one? The stick-on ones itch like a mother. Don't ask.
Xander:Thanks, Mia. I needed a dose of your crazy tonight.
Mia:But, like, seriously…
3
ASH
"Good morning,gorgeous. I see The Duchess is fully recovered from her little blip yesterday," Nicki says as I start unloading the boxes of vegetables from the truck into my stall at the farmer's market.
"Don't jinx it. I can't afford another visit to Bill, even with the friends and family discount."
I line up the boxes carefully, making sure the stand looks aesthetically pleasing, giving the seasonal pumpkins a place of pride in a neat pile right in front.
If there's one thing I've noticed about city people it’s that they buy with their eyes, which is why I left in our storage barn an equal amount of misshaped or smaller vegetables that the farmhands can buy at a reduced price.
They taste just as good, but I know they won't sell. Besides, it's a nice way to give something back to the people that help me keep the business going.
As usual, the early morning rush stops as people start making their way into the office, with bags full of locally sourced goods.
