Page 15 of My Favorite Boss

“Have a good afternoon.”

She left, and I watched her go, observing the little clique in the corner. The one who looked like the leader made a remark, and they all laughed. I shook my head at their childish behavior, surprised they were allowed to act that way in a business environment. Then I remembered what Rylee said. Nice to her face, mean behind her back. And she wasn’t one to complain, especially since it would be her word against theirs. But I liked her, and we could be friends. Maybe somehow we could stop their wagging tongues.

I stood and headed to the door, then stopped and went to their table, deciding to catch them off guard.

“Hi,” I said with a bright, fake smile. “I’m Magnolia. I started here this week.”

I met the flat blue eyes of the one I suspected was the ringleader. “I’m Verity. This is Rhonda, Maxie, and Susan.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You’re Bane’s girl of the week?” Verity asked with a sneer.

“I’m his new assistant, yes,” I replied, ignoring the jibe.

“Don’t get too comfortable. They never stay. I doubt you’ll be much different.” She sat back, eyeing me up and down, no doubt making notes for her scathing opinion of me. “One of these days, he’ll realize the best assistant for him is already in the company.”

Ah, her dislike of me made sense. She wanted to work for Mr. Bane. Probably more than work.

She wanted to bang Bane.

Bang, bang Bane.

For some reason, that silly thought made me smile. I had to bite back a laugh.

She narrowed her eyes at me. “What are you smiling about?”

“Nothing. I’m enjoying it so far. Mr. Bane and I get along fine.”

“You should join us for lunch. We can make sure you mingle with the right crowd.”

I smiled even wider. “You mean, keep your friends close but your enemies closer? Thanks, but I know the right crowd, and it’s not this one. Have a good day, um, ladies.”

I walked out, hearing their furious whispers and knowing I had just made some enemies.

Chapter Five

MAGNOLIA

Iopened the door to the office, going to my desk. Mr. Bane’s door was partially open again, and I heard voices, indicating someone was with him. I was about to sit down when the voices became louder.

“I am not discussing this with you again, Mother. I don’t have time, and frankly, I have no interest.”

“You need to listen to reason.”

“You need to listen when I say no!” Bane roared.

“You said you were going out of town. You lied to your own mother to avoid seeing me. That is horrible behavior, even for you, Alexander.” I could hear the censure in her cold voice.

“I didn’t lie…” His voice faltered, something in it causing me to spring to my feet, grab my notebook, and hurry to the outer door, opening it, then shutting it loudly. I rushed back to Mr. Bane’s door, flinging it open.

“Mr. Bane, the car is waiting for you!” I pretended to hesitate. “Oh, I apologize. I didn’t realize you had company, but if you’re going to make that flight, you need to go now.”

He stared at me, then leaned over, slamming his laptop shut. “Right. I was on my way, and I got distracted.”

“Your bag is in the car. I’ve checked you in, and if you go now, you’ll make it. I can’t call the client and tell them you’ve been delayed again. They were already upset enough. You’ll be taking them to dinner later to apologize.”

“Of course.” He grabbed his coat. “Mother, Ms. Myers will show you out. Call next time. I’m very busy.” He looked at me. “I’ll text you from the plane.”