Monica
Irun my fingers through my hair and slick it back behind my head, twisting it into a neat bun. This is maybe my fifth attempt this morning. Everything has to be perfect today.
I have no clue what this meeting will hold but I know it’s big. And I’m ready.
I check my phone again to scan the email; I don’t want to miss a single detail. The boss called in his top brokers and I’m finally one of them.
Fuckingfinally.
After kissing ass for the last six years of my life and eating ramen noodles on the floor of my apartment with my roommates, I have beyond earned this. Nothing against ramen noodles, but I’m ready to level up.
I slip on my blouse and eye myself in the mirror. I’ve worked hard on a lot of things, figure included.
I nod appreciatively.
You look good.I start at the buttons, smirking to myself.Even if you’re the only one that sees it.
My smirk deflates. Some pep talk.
I remind myself,you have to give up some things to get ahead.
I finish the buttons and take another look. I don’t normally worry much about my appearance, but I’m not sure who’ll be there today and you only get one first impression. It’s a little thrilling and a little terrifying.
Katie bursts into the bathroom with a primal scream and spanks my ass.
“Damn, girl!” She grins. “Looking good! What’s the occasion?”
“Work,” I say, giving her an eyebrow in the mirror.
“Never heard of it. So what’s the big meeting about? Did Zaddy call it?” Katie, after seeing his LinkedIn of all things, believes my boss is a Zaddy, and if I didn’t have any shame I’d be inclined to agree. I nod and resume my nitpicking, tucking in my shirt.
“Yes Katie, mybosscalled a meeting. All his top people. Me and…I don’t know, I think his sons might be there or whatever…”
Katie’s eyes get big.
“Don’t start.” I warn and try to shove her out of the bathroom.
“Wait, wait, wait, he has sons? Are they single? Are they on LinkedIn? What do they look like?”
“I don’t know!” I wail, trying to shove her out of the way.
I’ve heard about them, of course, and if they’re related to Mr. Breckenridge, I can only imagine they’re not too terrible to look at.
But what do I care? I didn’t slave away the past six years for some guys. Especially not some guys who’ve had their jobs handed to him on a silver platter.Iworked for what I have, and I know this city inside and out. I can sell any house, apartment, condo or cardboard fucking box to anyone.
As far as I know, his sons, especially the eldest, just sort of walked into the job. It’s sort of assumed he’ll assume the throne whenever dear old dad decides to retire. Some people have all the luck.
I lose my battle to Katie and let her into the bathroom. She sits on the edge of the bathtub with her head in her hands and looks expectantly. I click my tongue.
“I told you I’ve got nothing. I don’t even know if they’ll be there!”
“Boring! Want me to look them up—”
I fling open the door, shutting it behind me as she tries to ask more questions about the guys. I rush to my room to grab my jacket, I’m ahead of schedule but to be on time is to be late and to be late is to be dead, so better safe than sorry.
By the time I’m back, Katie is sitting next to Nadia in our little living room, looking extremely conspiratorial. Katie flicks my laptop shut, and I know damn well she was trying to hack into my LinkedIn.
“Give me that,” I groan and she hands it to me apologetically.