“Yes ma’am. Also, don’t you have a meeting with Sheldon?” I look at the clock, my heart flying into my throat when I realize I’m ten minutes. I’m like the wind and gone. I hope Reva’s there, covering my ass.
A quick sprint down the hall and I’m walking into our small conference room. Sheldon looks pissed, which is not a good sign for me.
“Thank you, Tessa, for taking time out of yourbusyschedule to meet with us.” Sheldon taps his watch. “Good thing we don’t have a multi-million dollar building we have to get reports on.” I notice a red-haired woman clad in a tight navy blue dress also joining us. I would know that red hair anywhere.
“Carla, finally coming out of the shadows? How’s Mr. Connors?” I ask, taking my seat next to Reva. Carla Jenkins is a snake of a woman if I’ve ever met one. She flaunts herself around the office like she owns the place, when she’s just a highly-paid assistant for the CEO, Mr. Connors.
“Mr. Connors is taking some much needed rest. That’s why I’m here. You know, to ensure his program is going well,” she says as she stares at her freshly manicured hands.
I must be making a face because Reva pinches my thigh. “I am glad to hear that. I apologize for my tardiness. Sam needed some relief with the hotline.”
“Let’s get to it then.” Sheldon waves his hands in an attempt to move the meeting along.Breathe Tessa. Some battles aren’t worth it.
“Reva and I visited last week and everything seems to be in motion. The site leader said we’re on track, with a soft opening potentially in September,” I report, eyeing Reva nodding in agreement.
“But it could be pushed back, from what I am hearing,” Sheldon announces.
“I was told our timeline is still good. Nothing has changed,” I rebut.
Carla pouts. “Mr. Connors wants to see this through and I’m sure we wouldn’t want to disappoint him. He’s worked so hard for this. I want to be able to give him good news.”It ain’t your fucking job on the line, bitch. Move along.
I plaster on the fakest smile I can muster. “No, we wouldn’t want to disappoint him. Which reminds me, I wanted to ask about the annual Masquerade silent auction. Were we trying to host the event at the new location or still at the Main Hotel?”
The Foundation holds an annual masquerade silent auction in the hopes to raise over money for our services and programs. It’s a fun event where we cozy up to donors and ask for more money. Every year, we get so close to our goal and this year, I have an ace up my sleeve. Lucie Lynn.
Lucie Lynn is a volunteer but two years ago, she went through our shelter program. Her story touched my heart and I saw passion and hope in her as she worked to turn her life around. I want her to tell her story at the event, in the hopes the donors will see success. “We’re still having it at the Main,” Carla interrupts, although she knows my question is for Sheldon.
Sheldon nods his head in agreement. “We just need to keep to the plan. No changes. I know you have ideas, Tessa, but right now is not the time when we have so much going on. I need you to take a look at next quarter’s budget and make sure there isn’t anything I’m missing.” Sheldon doesn’t look up from his phone.
“Oh Tessa, I’m sure you can handle that, right?” Carla snickers. Reva is pinching my thigh again, warning me not to choose violence.
“Of course. I’ll take a look and have them on your desk in the next couple of weeks.” I give him the slightest of smiles. I’ve done these tasks every time and he acts like I don’t know what I’m doing. Whenever Carla’s in the room, he turns into an asshole.You’ve come this far, Tessa. Don’t ruin it now. One day at a time.
“Tessa, we need to get back to the hotline. Sam said there’s been an increase in calls.” Reva pulls on my arm to escape this hell hole of a meeting.
As we walk, I start to hum to calm myself down. This day needs to end. I’m even looking forward to my date.
Chapter 7
Myalarmgoesofffor my date with Jackson. I shake my head, wondering why I agreed to this.Cause your ass hasn’t had a date in years and you could stand to get laid. Seamus looks at me with curiosity. “Don’t worry about me buddy.” He huffs at me in agreement. Jackson said to wear a jacket, which I didn’t argue about.
I toss on jeans that give a little lift in the ass area, then a push up bra that criss crosses in the front. My breasts don’t need the lift, but it adds something to the outfit. I add a long sleeve black shirt with cut offs at the shoulders. I choose my western boots, because wearing them gives me height and perhaps manage to kick down a door or two. Tossing on my red leather jacket, I take one last look in the mirror, and survey myself. My makeup is natural enough to just add color to my face, and I splash a bit of perfume on my pulse points.
Seamus looks at me with his ears perked up. “Alright, sweet boy. What do you think? Too much? Too little? Am I going crazy?” I bend down to give him scratches. He barks at me but leans into my hands. I lean my face in for our nose boops, then text Brittany to let him out in the afternoon if I am not back by noon.
Brittany:Don’t worry, I have your location if you get murdered by the viking.
I head out, giving myself enough time to warm up my car and head towards the Devil’s Whiskey. Meeting him at a bar seems awkward; are they even open at 7 am?
I pull into the parking lot, filled with bikes. Peering at the clock on my radio, it’s 7:10 am. I feel bad, but tardiness is my style, a reputation to maintain.Gonna be late to your own funeral. I smell the familiar smoke mixed with the morning scent. I take a deep breath and attempt to open the bar door. To my surprise, it flies open and I’m greeted with the dark scene of the bar.
A few men sitting at the bar look my way, another few at the pool table racking up balls.Steel Woodsplayslightly in the background.
I walk through the bar, nodding my head in an attempt to look friendly. Last thing I want is a scene because I look out of place. Thankfully, I spot a familiar safe face near the back.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in: the tiny but mighty mouse. Come for round two, sweetheart?” The bartender from my first time here smiles at me.
“Oh, you know, once you get a taste of the wild side, apparently you can’t go back,” I joke as I take a seat at the bar. I know I’m late.