The Boss's Pampered Secretary

Eva

My summer vacation officially started today, but I don't have the luxury of sleeping late or going to the beach with my pals since I have a dictator for an uncle.

I've been made to work at Uncle Eric's business for two weeks in order to prevent me from growing up "spoiled" rather than relaxing as any fifteen-year-old girl has the right to.

Ha! As if it were even conceivable.

As soon as the elevator doors open, I flinch off, and smiling faces from my past welcome me. I joyfully greet them and return the greeting, but I abruptly come to a halt when I see a strange person seated behind Mr. Johnson's desk.

I would never in a million years have predicted that the new secretary at M&M, who is on probation, is a woman, according to what my mother informed me. What changed if Stone Verhoff, Uncle Eric's closest friend and business partner, is adamantly opposed to employing a female secretary?

I'm more intrigued as I watch the other female. She may be in her early twenties, but given her clothing choices, she seems to be closer to thirty. They're completely respectable, but they're also monotonous and shapeless.

Hmm.

Could this be the reason Uncle Eric is willing to hire her?

There is only one way to learn, therefore...

Hello there.

I'm the kind of person that nobody can resist because I'm so, so brilliant at winning people over. In only five minutes, we're already conversing over coffee at the trial secretary's desk for M&M.

I just learned her name is Sara Lauren, and I think it fits her. If you know what I mean, she has a Madonna-like face that is somewhat similar to Natalie Portman's. She can be stunning enough to turn attention if she wants to, and with her hair a stunning copper color and her eyes a sexy-smoky gray behind her spectacles, I'm prepared to bet she can.

But judging by her current fashion sense-and those heels, holy cow-she certainly doesn't!

Can I ask you a question?

Even if I answer no, Mary continues with a small grin, "I think you'll ask it anyway."

"Aww." I squint my eyes at her. You are already so familiar with me.

When Mary snorts, I can't help but laugh. You can understand why I need a few additional seconds before I can control my laughter; it's like watching the Blessed Virgin Mary burp.

I pause before saying, "So..." Uncle Eric is opposed to employing a female secretary, I don't know whether anybody has told you this.

I gasp. "How did you learn? "

Mary says, "Mr. Johnson is an acquaintance of my aunt. I'm chuckling once again at the way Mary air-quotes the final two words: "He told me that this job could be ideal for me, but if I want to be hired, I'd need to be certain things--if I want to win Mr. Jonson's approval."

How is Uncle Eric doing? I jokingly enquire. Don't you also have to get his approval?

Mary responds in an unexpectedly dry tone, "I don't think so.

The question "Why not?"

Mary seems instantly regretful as I chuckle, "Your Uncle Eric approves of all women--" "I shouldn't have mentioned your uncle in that way,"

You don't have to apologize when you're stating the truth, I chuckle as I shake my head. Uncle Eric has always been, and likely always will be, a playboy.

What's up with Mr. Jonson? Mary queries. Has he always been anti-women?

He does not despise women.

"I see."

I restrain a grin. You clearly don't think I'm telling the truth, but it is. Since I'm a female, he adores me. Of course, on his sister Zee as well.

So, Mary says, "He cares about female relatives and almost relatives, but what about the rest of the female population?"

Did Mr. Johnson not explain to you the reasons for Uncle Eric's emotions?

The only thing he said to me was that Mr. Jonson and Mr. Verhaege had good reasons not to hire a woman.

"It's true," I reply. The first secretary of the firm they founded right out of college spent more time flirting with the founders than working. The situation deteriorated to the point that they need the assistance of their legal team.

Mary is astonished. "Are you claiming that there was sexual harassment involved?"

I lean forward and whisper, "Don't quote me on this, but the last straw for Uncle Eric was coming back to the office and finding Ms. Fuller lying naked on his desk."

"Oh."

Isn't it nearly like something from a movie?

Jane nods. All the "certain things" I was ordered to perform, though, make a lot more sense now that I know what transpired.

Unintentionally focusing on her shoes, I find myself cringing. Are they among the "certain things" Mr. Johnson requested from you?

Mary laughs and says, "They're not that horrible.

They certainly are, I shiveringly reply. "Those shoes appear to be nothing more than leather Crocs."

If Mary thinks I was kidding, I'm so not. She snorts, laughs, and almost chokes on her coffee. It hurts me to look at her shoes since they are such an awful sight.

What concerning those? I indicate her eyeglasses. The question is, "Are they even real?"

The elder woman beams. "Don't you think wearing fake glasses to work is a little excessive?"

I slap my forehead. "The more nerdy you are, the better. Make Uncle Eric forget you're a lady if you want to maintain your job. I stop. Actually, it would be preferable if you also forgot that you are a female.

"Noted."

Mary agrees to this so swiftly, which astounds me. Is it really that simple? No of their age, every woman I know has a thing for Uncle Eric and Uncle Eric.

They are not my kind, I said.

My brows furrow in response. What is there not to like? They are both beautiful and wealthy, and unlike other billionaires, they are also Erice people.

Mary reassures me, "I realize that, but I simply have a type, and they can never be it.

My curiosity is now beyond limits. Please let me know what kind you are.

I'm surprised by how much Mary's lips slant reminds me of the grin on the Mona Lisa.