Page 10 of Office Intrigue (Office Intrigue Duet 1)
“The one at the PR firm.”
“What will you be doing?”
“Receptionist.” Or secretary, as they’d called it. Whatever.
I could only hope she didn’t ask for details, because I didn’t know what it entailed. I assumed I’d be doing the standard receptionist/secretarial duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, making coffee. That sort of thing. I didn’t think they’d have me sweeping floors, which was a plus.
“Well, good for you,” she said, the inflection of her voice never changing, which pretty much translated to, If that’s the best you can do, then I hope you’re happy.
Considering I’d gone to college on their dime but had yet to do anything with the accounting degree I’d earned, I sort of understood my mother’s disappointment. Then again, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d done something that truly pleased the woman.
And now I know what you’re thinking. An accounting degree and you’re taking a job as a secretary? I know, I know. But to be honest, I freaking hated accounting. My mother encouraged me to do it and…well, let’s just say I tended to do what my mother wanted because arguing with her was a big waste of time. No matter what, she always got the last word in, which generally left me feeling about as tall as the four-inch heels on my shoes.
Nonetheless, she wasn’t happy that I wasn’t crunching numbers somewhere, but I wouldn’t be happy crunching numbers, so it was a double-edged sword and I was the type to err on the side of my own happiness. Maybe it made me selfish, but so what.
“Would it be possible to borrow some money?” I threw the question out there because that was the reason I had called and my mother knew I wasn’t one to beat around the bush. “I need to get some new clothes. It’s a business-professional environment. I’m a little short on funds at the moment.”
My mother sighed.
“Please. I’ll pay you back, I promise.” Trust me, at my age, it was really hard for me to beg my parents for money, but when it was necessary, I could suck it up.
Another dramatic sigh.
I waited.
I could hear her brain working over the phone. She was probably trying to figure out when the last time I paid her back was. Hopefully she wouldn’t think on that too hard, because I couldn’t even remember.
“Use the credit card,” she finally said. “But keep it to a respectable amount, Luciana.”
“Of course.” I loved when she said that, because her definition of respectable and mine were entirely different. I couldn’t be faulted for that. “Thank you, Mommy. Love you!”
My mother’s sharp inhale reflected the shock my declaration gave her. “Good-bye, Luci.”
If I had to guess, I would say she had said she loved me fewer times than I’d paid her back in the past five years. But whatever. I was grateful she was loaning me money.
Sometimes it paid to be an only child.
I disconnected the call, shut off the engine, then climbed out of my car, straightening my skirt once again.
I was already at the mall, but I did have the decency to call her before I went inside. It wasn’t like I didn’t know what the answer would be, but in the event my mother wanted to hassle me about it, I wasn’t going to fight with her. Granted, I hadn’t come up with a plan B, so it was a damn good thing she was so predictable.
“Business professional,” I told myself as I stepped into one of my favorite places in the entire world.
What you’re wearing is certainly appropriate.
Yep, I could still recall Landon’s words.
Personally, I took that to mean they didn’t have an issue with short skirts, provided they weren’t shorter than the tips of my fingers. Granted, I had short arms, so I didn’t think that would be a problem.
And since I tended to favor skirts, I figured that was the best way to go. After all, they accentuated my best asset. My legs.
I would admit, I had great legs. Sure, I was short, but thanks to yoga, I managed to keep my body toned. And skirts accentuated my legs while also concealing my larger-than-it-should-be rump. Hence the reason I had decided short skirts were the key to a functional yet professional wardrobe.
Three hours later, as I was walking out to my car, I wished I had worn more sensible shoes. Nevertheless, I still considered it a successful trip despite the fact that my toes were screaming at me.
I managed to select sexy yet professional items that could be mixed and matched to come up with multiple outfits and I didn’t go ridiculously overboard. I think my mother would be proud, if, you know, that was her thing. Of course, I’d also picked out some sexy new kitten heels plus a pair of boots that I couldn’t resist, but she wouldn’t see the charge for a little while, which gave me time to get my first paycheck.
