Page 107 of Office Intrigue (Office Intrigue Duet 1)
Definitely thoughtful.
•
Dinner went better than I thought it would.
Considering it was at the end of the day and I knew everyone was exhausted from the meetings and discussions, I thought it would be a little less…festive.
However, the managers proved me wrong, the majority of them talking about how well things had been run and how Jordan and I deserved a raise for all our efforts. I had to admit, Jordan’s help had been critical. The man knew how to schmooze like nobody’s business. Granted, the two of us probably sounded like a couple of ass kissers when we constantly gave each other praise. But it was true. Things wouldn’t have gone as smoothly without his help and I had made sure to let my bosses know.
At Master’s request, I ended up sitting between him and Landon for the meal. It was the first time I’d truly seen all four of my bosses completely in their element. The way they spoke so eloquently about their business proved that they were all very proud of their successes. As they should’ve been.
It was after dinner when everyone decided to go back to the hotel bar for a little while that the first hiccup occurred. I had attempted to leave, telling my bosses that it would be best for me to go home so I could be rested for tomorrow. They had proceeded to talk me into staying, insisting that everyone wanted me there.
Well, it didn’t take me long to figure out that not everyone was on board with that plan.
There was one manager on Landon’s team who had been giving me the stink eye from the beginning. Sure, she was syrupy sweet anytime Landon or Langston was around, but when they weren’t, her tone said she believed me to be beneath her.
It hadn’t bothered me for the most part because she was just one person in a sea of many and I wasn’t there to make friends. And honestly, I hadn’t expected everyone to like me. Had they, I probably would’ve been suspicious.
Still, I did my best to ignore Misty Ballard. I steered clear as best I could, but she somehow managed to corner me at the bar. I could tell she’d had more than a few drinks because she couldn’t keep her voice lowered to a reasonable level when she spoke.
“So, how well do you know Landon and Langston?” the older woman asked. I pegged her to be somewhere in her late thirties, but she looked older than that.
I tried to keep my expression masked when I spoke. “I’ve worked for them for a little over eight weeks now.”
“I get that,” she huffed. “We all know how long you’ve been around. The question is, how well do you know them?”
Yes, she sounded hostile.
“I’m not sure I understand the question.” It was the truth. I wasn’t sure what she was getting at.
Misty rolled her eyes. “God, where did they even find you? What? Were they scouting high schools looking for help?”
Shaking my head, I tried to turn away from her, knowing that this was going nowhere fast. She was acting like an asshole and I didn’t deserve her wrath. I had no idea what she had against me, but I was sure she would eventually tell me, and since I didn’t particularly care to hear it, I was hoping to make a graceful exit.
Thankfully, Jordan chose that moment to walk up. I could tell his smile was forced, but I played along.
“Hey,” I greeted. “Have you met Misty? She’s one of Landon’s managers.”
“Landon and Langston,” she clarified with a snap in her tone. “I’m the only one who works for both of them.”
I wasn’t aware they had managers who overlapped, but I wasn’t going to argue with her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jordan said, holding out his hand.
Misty picked up her drink, pretending not to notice his hand. It was a dick move.
I turned to Jordan. “You doing okay?”
“I was actually coming to find you. I’m about to head out.”
Damn. That wasn’t good news. I didn’t want to be left alone. However, I completely understood. As it was, I was exhausted and ready to sleep for a solid day.
“Well, I’ll see you bright and early in the morning then,” I said sweetly, wishing I could slip out with him. Unfortunately, Misty was staring us down.
“Bright and early,” he agreed, then nodded to Misty before leaving me there with the wicked witch.
“You probably should head out,” she said, tilting her glass to her lips. “It’s past your bedtime and your parents are likely worried. Don’t want to miss curfew.”
Okay, now she just sounded like an idiot.
“You know, we can all see how interested you are in your bosses,” Misty said, glaring at me.
I frowned. She was starting to piss me off.
“The way you stare at them.”
