Page 32 of My Favorite Boss

“It’s fine,” she replied.

“Is Magnolia all right?”

She met my gaze, hers frank. “Do you care?”

“Yes.”

“She isn’t having a good time, no.”

I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Myers had her back turned to the two women and was in conversation with someone else at the table.

“Are they on her a lot?” I asked quietly.

She picked up the wine and met my eyes again. “They’re horrible. Total bitches. Usually, it’s behind her back, but I guess tonight they’re enjoying themselves.” She sighed. “Everything is said with a smile or a laugh, but the meaning is clear.”

“Why hasn’t she come to me?”

She blinked. “You’d have to ask her.” She took a sip. “Would you do something?”

That was the million-dollar question. I never got involved in office politics. Relationships.

Ever. Everyone knew that.

“Yes,” I repeated.

She nodded. “Good.”

I sat, fuming, unsure what to do. I had pulled Rylee to the side in a quiet spot, and she’d confessed to what had happened the other day. The horrid things Myers had heard them say about her. Me as well, but I didn’t care about that part. I recalled Myers’s hidden distress. How she carried on, working, refusing to quit, to give in to the hurt I knew she felt.

She was incredibly brave and strong.

All through the awards, I stewed, jolting in surprise when my name was announced as the winner for a project I had worked on for over a year. My partners clapped me on the shoulder, and I went to the dais to accept my award. I kept my remarks brief, never enjoying the spotlight. But as I stood there, my gaze flitted to Magnolia again. She was smiling at me, for the first time this evening looking like herself. She was so pleased for me that it made me smile. And I suddenly decided I had a few words to add.

“So, my gratitude to everyone involved, especially those at Balanced Designs. And one last thank-you, if you’ll permit me. Although you weren’t with me at the time, a special mention to my assistant, Magnolia Myers. You have done exactly what you promised to do at your interview. My office has never run so seamlessly. I would, indeed, be lost without you. Your work is above excellent.” With a quick nod, I left the stage amid the polite applause. Walking to the table, I looked over. Myers was in shock, Rylee winked at me, and the two bitches were speechless. I’d go so far as to say furious.

Deciding my job was done, I shook a few hands, tossed back the last of my drink, and left.

But I wasn’t done.

Not by a long shot.

Chapter Eight

BANE

Iwas busy the next morning when a throat clearing at my door made me look up. Myers stood in the doorway, coffee and a bag clutched in her hand.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

She came in, sliding the coffee my way and opening the bag, presenting me with a muffin. It was huge, studded with blueberries, and the aroma of it was sweet and lemony.

“I thought you might need some help.” She pushed the muffin closer to me. “And sustenance.”

“I don’t eat store-bought muffins as a rule.”

“Good. This is homemade.” Another small push my way. “And still warm.”

I stared at it, then her. Her hair was in a ponytail, and she was dressed casually again in leggings and a T-shirt. Another too-big flannel shirt topped her outfit.