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