Space heaters, blankets, and hot-water bottles were verboten in the office. Maybe on the lower floors people could sneak them in, but here on the executive floor? Don’t even think about it.
I balanced my laptop on my knees.
At least I could sit down. Anthym forced us to wear heels, skirts, and pantyhose. She said this was a conservative office and we represented Mr. Richmond, and therefore we needed to do the company proud.
My hose were from the dollar store and held together by prayers and clear nail polish. My feet were pinched in the knockoff heels.
My inbox pinged with an incoming message. It was one of those mass emails that goes out—you know the ones where they’re like, “Please make sure that all employees use a lidded microwave bowl when heating eggs,” but everyone knows it’s about microwave-abuser Albert.
Yeah, that’s this email.
And it’s about me.
From:Brittany Dawn, HR Director
To:Ladies of Richmond Electric
It has come to our attention that some people have been seen catcalling men around town.
I just want to remind everyone at the Richmond Electric family that even during nonwork hours, you still represent the company and its values. Let’s keep it classy, ladies!
Brittany Dawn
“Oh my god!”McKenna was snickering behind her hand. “You catcalled him?”
“I told you on the phone, it wasn’t a catcall,” I hissed. “I was paying him a compliment. He’s just too much of an antisocial grump to appreciate it.”
“Did you tell him he had a nice ass?”
“No.” I took a swig from my coffee mug.
“Because Mr. Richmond does have a nice ass, doesn’t he?” My friend waggled her eyebrows.
“Anthym never keeps me here long enough to get more than a glimpse,” I reminded her.
We both looked across the floor of the minimalist office space to Grayson Richmond’s office.
He paced behind the glass, like a big jungle cat. Or the Beast.
McKenna sighed longingly. “He’s so hot.”
“He is not.” I cleared my throat. My voice was starting to squeak.
“Yes, he is.” McKenna poked me.
“Just because he has money, everyone thinks he’s attractive. I know the real Mr. Richmond.” I glowered.
Mr. Richmond was staring out one of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, striking and imposing. His strong chiseled jaw and straight nose made him look like a Disney hero.
Or villain. Belle’s nemesis Gaston had a strong jaw, I reminded myself as I sorted through the day’s emails, twenty ofwhich were from Anthym with various demands. I think it made her mad that I’d never failed to meet a request of securing an item.
The fancy aged Portuguese cheese almost did me in, but the doorman remembered me from when I’d spotted him two dollars at a bodega and let me up to the French cheese importer’s apartment.
My inbox pinged with an email. It was from Brittany Dawn.
Hi Lexi!
Please come see me in my office for a chat.
