BRIANNA

“Brianna, report to my office immediately,” Mr. Adrian’s voice blared through the intercom, cutting through the silence like a sharp knife. No greetings, just an order. What else did I expect?

I stood up reluctantly, the last thing I wanted to do today was move, let alone work. But, work doesn’t stop for anyone. I dragged myself to his office and walked in without bothering to knock.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted grumpily, my voice dripping with annoyance.

“Good morning, Brianna,” he replied coolly. “Take a seat.”

He gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk. I hesitated but sat down. I wondered if I was safe for the moment. If he tried anything funny, I’d scream loud enough for the whole building to hear, even if it cost me my voice.

“So, is there something wrong, sir?” I asked when the silence stretched out uncomfortably.

“I have something to ask of you, but let’s start with this.” He reached into his drawer and pulled out an envelope.

“This is your salary.” He handed it to me. I grabbed the envelope, and a sharp gasp escaped my lips when I saw it was packed with money. Was this a mistake? Was this really mine?

“Uh, sir… are you sure this is my salary? You didn’t mix it up with someone else’s?” I asked, just to be sure.

“That’s your salary. I gave you the right envelope,” he answered flatly.

“Wow, this is a lot. It’s almost too good to be true,” I muttered, staring at the envelope, already planning what I’d buy with all this money—groceries, mom’s medication, the works.

“Alright, enough of the drooling over the money,” Mr. Adrian’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Now that you’re done gushing over something that isn’t even worth what I spend on cologne, I need your help with something.”

I straightened in my chair. “How can I help you, sir?”

“There’s a gala I’m attending, and I need a date.” He paused.

“Okay... so why are you telling me this?” My nerves tingled. What was going on?

“I need you to come with me. Be my date for the evening,” he said without hesitation.

“Wait... Sir, you’re talking to me, Brianna—your crazy personal assistant? The one who kicked you the other day?” I blurted, nervously.

“I know. And I haven’t forgiven you for that little incident. The memory is still fresh,” he added, giving me a pointed glare. I struggled to suppress my laughter.

“Don’t glare at me like that. You made me kick you! I’m usually gentle and easygoing. I don’t go around kicking people in the private parts,” I said, my face deadpan, though I was laughing on the inside.

“Whatever, witch,” he muttered.

“Witch? Really? When did you start giving me names? And why witch?” I asked, laughing louder now.

“Since today, and you act like one. Not only that, you are one,” he replied, his glare intensifying while I laughed uncontrollably.

“Alright, enough with the jokes. Let’s get back to why I called you here,” he said, finally snapping me back to the moment.

“Okay, I’m done laughing,” I said, catching my breath.

“You sure? Doesn’t seem like it,” he teased.

“I’m done. Promise.” I sat up straight, trying to regain composure.

“Good,” he said. “Now that you’re sober, let’s continue. About the date—there’s no romantic stuff involved, just business. I’ll be paying you for your services, of course.”

The idea of getting paid for it made the decision easy. More money? Yes, please. “I’ll go with you,” I said without hesitation.

“Really?” He sounded surprised.

“Of course. As long as you stick to your promise and pay me for it, I’m in,” I confirmed.

“I didn’t think you’d agree that easily,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Hey, as long as it involves money and no life-threatening stuff, count me in,” I responded, nonchalant.

“No killing people, huh? What about prostitution? Could you do that for money?” He asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Ew, no! I would never sell my body for money,” I shot back, horrified by the suggestion.

“Good for you then,” he replied, not pressing the issue.

“So, do you have a dress for the gala?” He asked suddenly.

I mentally rummaged through my wardrobe. “Uh, no,” I admitted sheepishly.

“What were you planning to wear, then?” he asked, unimpressed.

“I didn’t think that far ahead, but I’ll figure something out,” I shrugged.

“Seriously? You’re unbelievable,” he scoffed. “We’ll go shopping for a dress, shoes, and a purse. Do you have those?”

“Nope,” I said, embarrassed.

“Then we’ll get all of that. Meet me in the parking lot in two hours,” he ordered.

“Okay, sir,” I replied.

“You’re dismissed,” he said, back to his usual cold tone.

“Whatever,” I muttered under my breath as I stood up.

“Did you say something?” he asked sharply.

“Nope, didn’t say a word.”

“I could’ve sworn you did.”

“You heard wrong,” I said, rolling my eyes as I made a hasty exit before he could make a snarky comment.

I returned to my office and plopped down in my chair. I can’t believe I agreed to be Mr. Adrian’s date to a fancy gala. But hey, I was getting paid for it, so it wasn’t the worst deal.

Let me call Cherry and fill her in.

I dialed her number, waiting as the phone rang.

“Hey, girlfriend!” I shouted as soon as she answered.

“Hey, babe. How are you?”

“I’m good, you?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, but I could hear the curiosity in her voice.

“So, I’ve got something to tell you,” I began.

“Okay, what’s going on? And this better not be a joke,” she said, her tone serious.

“Chill, Cherry,” I laughed.

“Answer me, now!” she demanded, jokingly.

“Okay, okay. I’m going to a gala,” I said.

“A gala? What are you going to do there? And how did you even get invited?” she asked in disbelief.

“Well, I wasn’t invited. But Mr. Adrian asked me to be his date,” I explained.

“Your crazy boss wants you to be his date? And you said yes? What the actual—?”

“He’s paying me for it. I’m just going for the money,” I clarified.

“Hmm, fair enough,” she said thoughtfully.

“Right? So, do you have a dress for the gala?” she asked.

“No, but he’s taking me shopping in two hours,” I said.

“Nice! You have to tell me all about it, and you better take tons of pictures!” she ordered.

“Yes, mom,” I teased.

“Good girl. Gotta go—my boss is calling me,” she said before hanging up.

I set my phone down and turned on my computer to get some work done before meeting Mr. Adrian.

|TWO HOURS AND TEN MINUTES LATER|

I walked to the parking lot, scanning the rows of cars. Mr. Adrian’s car could be any of them. The man changes his cars every day. Just when I was starting to give up, a voice called out my name.

“Brianna!” I turned to see Brandon, his head peeking out from the window of one of the cars.

“Hey, Brandon. Thanks for calling me. I couldn’t figure out which car was Mr. Adrian’s,” I said, walking toward him.

“No problem. Mr. Adrian’s in the backseat. Hop in,” he said, gesturing to the backseat.

I opened the door and sat down. Mr. Adrian was already there, not looking too pleased.

“You kept me waiting,” he said in his usual monotone.

“I’m sorry. I got caught up with some work,” I explained.

“And you couldn’t check the time or set an alarm?” he snapped.

“Why make a big deal out of it? I wasn’t playing around; I was working,” I retorted, rolling my eyes.

“My time is precious, you know,” he muttered.

“Oh, please. Time is precious for everyone,” I shot back.

“I don’t think it is to you,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain.

“Can we drop it, please? Aren’t you precious about your time anymore?” I asked with a touch of rudeness.

“Oh, hush,” he muttered, turning his attention away from me. “Brandon, drive us to the mall downtown.”

Brandon nodded, and we headed off toward the mall. I had no idea what to expect, but I wasn’t about to turn down the shopping spree that awaited.