1
SAVANNAH
Coffee dribbles down the side of my hand, but it isn’t a code red. Not even a code orange. Luckily, I’ve never spilled an entire cup all over myself, though I probably just jinxed it. I adjust the lid on my to-go cup. My usual, oat milk cappuccino, and I grab a napkin to wipe my hands.
“What’s on the docket today?” Elodie asks as we head to the elevators. We fall into step in our usual rhythm, side by side. We grew up together on Everhope Road and somehow landed at the same logistics company in Chicago.
“The usual. Meeting planning, checking slides. At least the workload is light, so no late nights,” I say, taking a sip, with the patter of my low heels in the background; I paired them with a flowy dark green dress today.
I don’t take for granted that I’m paid more than the average 25-year-old assistant. But Haven Crossroads treats its employees well.
Almostwell.
The elevator doors open, and a crying Jill quickly exits, mascara running down her face. She’s young, but I thoughtshe was responsible and handling her role as assistant to the CEO well. She glances at us, then sobs and continues to the exit, and I’m sure that’s the last we’ve seen of her.
Elodie and I wince at one another when we enter the elevator. “For fuck’s sake, that’s assistant number six in the span of six weeks,” she comments as she pulls her caramel-colored hair to the side. “My two-year-old daughter has tantrums less often than that.” That’s not a fair comparison, as her daughter, Lola, is a little angel, which is lucky, as Elodie is also a single mom handling so much on her plate.
I jab the button for the seventeenth floor. “Julian’s really been in a mood lately.”
Julian Haven is anything but a haven. His name is the biggest con, to be honest.He isn’t the easiest to work with. He’s edgy, demanding, and it’s his way only and nobody else’s. Despite being younger than your average CEO, he’s still ten years older than me.The expensive suits accompanying his scowl sometimes cause me to do a double-take and make my thoughts drift for a mere second. Maybe it’s his hair that matches his brown eyes that slice through people that completes his appeal. Some say his eyes are mesmerizing, and I say they lure you into the gates of hell—a hell of his own making.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. He goes through assistants faster than a revolving door.”
I give her a pointed look. “Very true.” My smile turns taunting. Elodie rolls her eyes. “You owe me.”
Because we put wagers on how long the new assistants last. This time, I bet four days, and I was oh-so right.
Elodie sighs. “You drive a hard bet, Savannah.”
“I know.”
Elodie smiles at me as the doors open on the floor with the finance department. One floor up is me. I’m so gratefulthat I work with Charles, our Chief of Operations. He’s older, with grandkids, and it brings out a softer side in him, making him a breeze to work with. He also respects my ideas and knows that I envision working my way up if the opportunity arises. Outside of the office, I’m working on my master’s in business, and he is a big supporter of that. I’m almost done, too. One more paper to go.
Arriving at my desk, I set my coffee down and slip off my winter coat because Chicago is giving us winter in March. The door to Charles’s office is ajar, and I hear him on a call. It gives me my usual five minutes to set up my desk for the morning and double-check the calendar and the notes I made for the upcoming day. A few minutes later, after tidying my desk and finishing my coffee, I toss the empty cup into the trash. I stand, smooth my dress, gather my laptop, and plaster a smile on as I inhale a deep, excited breath, ready for the hours ahead.
I love mornings and new days. It brings new possibilities.
Charles greets me with a cheery hello when I enter. He’s always in a good mood, and if he isn’t, then he never directs it at me. He’s in his typical polo shirt, which takes the focus off his hair, which is more gray than dark these days.
“Good morning. Have you eaten? Or do I need to get you a bagel from the break room?”
His lips twist. “Keeping me in line. Does my wife phone you at ten or something?”
I go silent and quirk my lips out because she actually does. “I mean, blood sugar levels and all. There’s research on that, should you feel inclined to read it.”
He grins to himself at my reply. “Have a seat, Savannah.” I take my usual seat across from his glass desk, the cloudy Chicago skyline behind him, and open my laptop.
“That won’t be needed today.” The way he says it is different. Serious. Firm.
Oh… Strange.
He must see the bewilderment etched on my face.
“Relax, I’m not going to fire you,” he assures me as he leans back in his chair.
My eyes widen. “Didn’t know I was on the chopping block.”
Charles chuckles under his breath. “You’re not. I’m the one with news.”
