Page 5 of Bridesmaid for Hire
There is no fucking way.
Imagine coming into work, day in and day out, having to work under the smuggest individual you’ve ever met. Having to say , “Yes, ma’am”.
Let me get you those reports.
Oh sure, I would love to work late with you.
Is this what you were thinking of with this presentation? Or should I redo the entire thing that I spent two weeks perfecting and have it done in five hours for your approval?
It can’t happen.
She would make my life a living hell.
“From the bleak look in your eyes, I’m going to guess that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
“It’s really not,” I say. “What about you, where would you go? Would you no longer be managing? Oh fuck, would you have to have Deanna report to you and me report to Deanna?”
“I don’t know the logistics, but I do know I’ve been thinking about leaving.”
“What?” I ask, sitting taller. “Why?”
“I want something remote. My wife is retired, and we want to travel. We’re thinking about vanning it across the country. I want a job I can do while we’re on the road.”
This is news to me. I’m closest with Jaleesa, and this is the first time I’m hearing this.
“What about your house?” Jaleesa and Mary Anne have a beautiful brownstone in San Francisco’s coveted Marina neighborhood.
“We would sell. Right now, it’s paid for and worth over a million.” She shrugs. “It would be all we need.”
“Jesus,” I say as I lean back in my chair and try to comprehend the last few minutes. “So…are you leaving no matter what?”
“Probably,” she says. “I hate to break the news like this to you, but I figured you should know. I’m staying on until the decision is made togive you the best chance at winning the proposal. I don’t want Reginald thinking I’m abandoning the project.”
“I appreciate that,” I say as I sigh. “Well, fuck, Jaleesa, it won’t be the same without you.”
“I know.” She smirks. “But I have faith in your proposal. Enough faith that I’m going to give you this.”
She hands me a cream envelope embossed with the Hopper crest. “What’s this?” I ask.
She taps the envelope. “Open it.”
I flip it over and slide my finger under the flap, snapping it open. The heavy paper screams luxury and as I pull out the contents, I know exactly why.
“An invitation to Haisley’s wedding?” I ask.
Jaleesa nods. “The executive managers were all invited, but between selling the house and trying to get our life in order, it’s not something I can do—but you can go in my place.”
“Why would I go?” I ask.
She gives me a look, as if I’m an idiot. “For one, it’s the event of the century. Two, it’s in Bora-Bora. Three, it will give you the perfect opportunity to get closer to Reginald. It won’t grant you access to the family, but if you can pull it off and somehow make a good impression without talking about business, he’ll remember you the second you propose your idea when they’re back. It’s the extra edge you might need. And hey, if you somehow get them to notice you crying during the beautiful, moving nuptials, that might give you even more of an edge.”
I don’t even know how to cry, let alone at a wedding that I have no interest in.
Although…if Deanna becomes my manager, I very well might figure out how to work these tear ducts.
“You don’t think they’ll get mad that I’m there in your place?”
“I’m going to tell Reginald that something came up with my family,but I’m sending my representative to help with anything they might need. Not that they already won’t have a hundred people helping, but you know, it’ll make him feel like we’re there for the family and that we care about this momentous occasion.”
