1
Sydney Cassidy
Spidersmadeofpipecleaners, carved pumpkins, and fake bats were everywhere in the conference room.Purple, green, and black plastic tablecloths were layered over the main table.The smaller ones were lined up on the wall where the caterers had set up the buffet.Sydney stood in the corner, sipping from her warm apple cider with only a hint of bourbon in it.She surveyed her coworkers dressed in a variety of costumes laughing, mingling, and having a good time while “Monster Mash” played softly in the background.She congratulated herself on a job well done.This was a fantastic office Halloween party.
Nancy, the office manager, dressed as Mary Poppins, bopped into the room and scanned it.Sydney knew that look.She was a woman on a mission.Had something gone wrong in a different room?Oh no!The photo station.What had her coworkers done with the props?She knew giving them access to toys and a designated spot to take pictures was a bad idea, but Nancy insisted.They were mature adults, she had said.Except she seemed to forget what happened when people got access to alcohol and fake mustaches.
Eventually, her boss met her gaze, nodded, and practically charged toward her.
Shit.
What broke?The caterer must not have brought the vegan option.Sydney was sure she triple-checked everything.What could it be?
At her side, Nancy glanced down into the orange-and-black paper cup Sydney held.“What’s in that?”
“Cider,” Sydney said.
Nancy arched her brow and tilted her head.“That’s it?”
With a smile, Sydney lifted one shoulder.“With half a shot of bourbon.”
Nancy reached for it, took it from Sydney’s hand, and tossed it back.
What had gone awry?
“Watch out for Mitchell,” she said, offering the empty cup back to Sydney.“He’s on the warpath.”
Sydney rolled her eyes and accepted Nancy’s trash.“What else is new?”
“We aren’t supposed to be working.This is about morale.For once, I wish he’d slow down and enjoy life.”Nancy wrung her hands.
Sydney snorted.
She’d seen the yacht photos, golf trophies, and she’d ordered the flowers for the multitude of mistresses.If there was one thing Mitchell did well, it was enjoying life.He worked hard and played even harder.
“Honestly, I kind of like that he’s locked himself in his office and is leaving us alone.”
Nancy balked.“You say that now, but if he’s doing his thing, it means he’s going to come in here and start delegating.”
Would she prefer the CEO of the company attend their Halloween bash?He was kind of a cocky dickwad with the personality of a damp dishrag.If Sydney had her way, he’d stay in the office forever.
The longer they stood there, Nancy fretting and Sydney considering alternatives, the more Nancy’s intentions became abundantly clear.As Mitchell’s personal assistant or secretary, everyone thought Sydney had an in with him.They figured that as his go-to person, she could talk sense into him.Which couldn’t be further from the truth.The guy was an utter asshole.
Tight-lipped, Nancy kept her focus on Sydney.
The pressure was too much.Her people-pleasing nature busted out again, and she cracked.If the celebration went tits up, she didn’t want it to be her fault.Not that she steered Mitchell off course if he got a stupid idea about productivity.He was a big fan of corporate buzzwords.
Rolling her eyes, Sydney groaned.“Fine.I’ll talk to him.”
“Thank you.”Nancy rubbed Sydney’s arm.“You always know what to say anddoto get him in a better mood.”
When she winked, Sydney recoiled.There was far too much innuendo in that statement.
“What is that supposed to mean?”Sydney asked.
Nancy pursed her lips, stepped back, and lowered her eyes.Guilt was written all over her.
“No.Seriously.”Sydney placed her hands on her hips.She wasn’t going anywhere until Nancy came clean.
