NINETEEN
ANDREA
Day #90 of Company Takeover
“In a matter of months, billionaire Harrison Cross has done it again!” an anchor announced on television. “He’s taken over Sweet Seasons and made sweeping policy changes that leave no doubt who’s in charge.”
“Sources say employees are praising his hands-on leadership. Live at the flagship store in Manhattan is Melanie Smith, speaking to a barista. Are you there, Melanie?”
I groaned and rummaged for the remote.
“I’m here, Rachel.” A red-haired woman beamed. “I’m on the scene with master barista, Stacy! How have things changed since Mr. Cross’s takeover?”
“It’s been utterly amazing!”
I refuse to listen to this.
I strained to reach the remote. It was only inches away. Close enough to mock me.
“We have designer uniforms, higher pay, and it feels like a place anyone would love to work at, you know?”
“Previously, Mr. Cross faced countless accusations of being a tyrant who is cruel to his employees, so?—”
“He’s been incredible to all of us here.” Stacy couldn’t have sounded more like a suck-up if she tried. “I can’t think of a single bad thing to?—”
I cut it off before she could spew any more nonsense.
Wincing as I stood, I noticed rain streaking down the windows in heavy sheets.
Ugh. Perfect.
Dave (Personal Driver )
I’m downstairs.
Be down in an hour.
LOL. Good one. You mean five minutes?
No. An hour.
Did you ask for permission from Mr. Cross?
Nope.
Feel free to drive around for a while. See you soon.
I silenced all my notifications, peeled out of my pajamas, and headed straight for the bathroom.
Turning on the hot water, I stepped beneath the spray and let the steam erase the clock. For the first time in weeks, I wasn’t rushing. I wasn’t counting minutes. I wasn’t listening for my phone.
When I finally stepped out, I tied a robe around my waist and wandered into the kitchen.
I made myself a tower of pancakes and sat at the breakfast nook like a human being. Then I picked up the romance novel I’d started months ago and finished a chapter.
Stretching, I took my time straightening up our living room before getting dressed.
Then I finally grabbed my umbrella before heading downstairs to the town car.
