"I heard the doorbell ring, signaling the arrival of my pizza - thank God, I'm starving! I quickly grabbed the food and headed back inside, eager to dig in. But first, I called Layla to let her know I was ready to devour the pizza...and the latest gossip. She said she was just five minutes away, so I decided to wait for her.
As I put out the outfit I planned to wear the next day - a form-fitting midi dress with a modest neckline and a subtle slit (office-friendly, but still sassy) - I heard the door open. Layla had arrived, looking stunning as usual. I peppered her with kisses, and she playfully pushed me away, laughing.
We dug into the pizza, and before we knew it, the box was empty, and we were both stuffed. Layla gave me the 'spill the tea' look, and I filled her in on all the juicy details - the dresser guy turning out to be my boss, the billionaire CEO of Donovan Group. Her eyes widened in shock and excitement, and she exclaimed, 'Girll, you're living the life!'
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. 'Ugh, he's so annoying! I feel like he's trying to get revenge on me for being rude to him in the hotel...or for running away after our one-night stand.' I added with a laugh, 'In my defense, I didn't know he'd turn out to be my boss, though!' I said, laughing. 'A billionaire, somebody wake me up! I must have accidentally stumbled into a rom-com.'
I turned the conversation to Layla's night with Christopher, the top model. She filled me in on the juicy details - how they made out, exchanged numbers, and how he dropped her off at her apartment. 'Christopher is really a sweet guy,' she said, her eyes looking dreamy. 'I think I might have found my own billionaire romance novel.'
We both burst out laughing. 'Girll, I feel like we had the best nights of our lives yesterday, except you didn't end up with your boss...but I did! Talk about a workplace romance gone wrong.'
Layla's face turned serious. 'Laura, have you thought about the fact that you're not a virgin anymore?' she asked, and I sighed dramatically. 'It was a beautiful experience, Layla, and I didn't even have time to think about it. I was sprinting to work the next day, trying to avoid an HR meeting.'
'Do you like Jeremiah?' she asked, raising an eyebrow. 'Me? Like Jeremiah? The billionaire CEO? I'm just a girl lucky enough to live in an apartment in LA and eat ramen noodles for dinner. I can't afford to like him, and he's making my life a bit hellish as it is.' I rolled my eyes. 'And I can't even catch feelings; I did once, and Daniel broke me. Now I'm just a shell of a person, living off coffee and Netflix.'
Layla looked at me with a sympathetic expression. 'Daniel is just a bastard and a mistake, boo. I swear, I'll kick him for you when the sun doesn't shine if we ever meet again. He's just a crazy person!' She encouraged me, but I shrugged it off.
Gosh, I can't believe we both hooked up with the most eligible bachelors in LA!' I exclaimed, sighing. 'Yh, me too,' I said, shaking my head in disbelief. We must have accidentally stumbled into a dating app for billionaires.
'I'm glad your cafe and pastry shop is doing well, Layla,' I said, changing the subject. 'Busy as always,' she replied with a laugh. 'But I can handle it. You, on the other hand, are a secretary now? That's a surprise!'
I chuckled. 'I know, right? I majored in marketing and got a first-class degree. But, I guess the secretary position was available, and Jeremiah doesn't take nonsense.' I rolled my eyes. 'And, of course, the pay is great, so I can't complain. But, I'd love to work in marketing someday.'
Layla gave me a knowing look. 'Okay, miss marketing, it's past 9. Let's get you to bed. Hopefully, work goes well tomorrow.' She grinned mischievously. 'And, maybe, you'll survive Jeremiah's wrath.'
I playfully rolled my eyes. 'Layla Davis, I don't like him. It was just a one-night stand.' Layla quickly raised her hands in defense. 'I didn't say anything, boo! Let's get to bed. We both had a long day.'
I sighed, laughing. Hopefully, my day will go very well."'Gosh, Jeremiah might be the death of me!' I exclaimed, dramaticaly. We both collapsed into bed, exhausted, and I didn't even bother setting an alarm. Layla's always the early bird, so I knew she'd wake me up in time.
But, instead of a gentle wake-up call, I was greeted with water sprinkled on my face. 'Leave me alone, Layla! I need sleep!' I groggily protested. 'No way, it's morning already!' she replied, cheerfully. I groaned, 'Ugh, you're a buzzkill!'
Layla pulled me out of bed, and I muttered curses under my breath. 'I'm a self-owned businesswoman, but you're working under the most ruthless boss in LA! You don't deserve a night's rest, darling!' she teased. I rolled my eyes, laughing.
We finished our coffee, and Layla went to take her bath first. I lounged on the couch, checking my phone - 7:50. I had to be at work by 9. I thought about my new life and all the meetings I had to attend with Jeremiah...I mean, my boss. 'Gosh, I hope everything goes well today!' I thought to myself.
Layla called me in to take my bath, and I quickly got ready. I didn't bother with makeup, but I applied my favorite vanilla and chocolate scented perfume. We both looked stunning, and I joked, 'We should consider modeling!' Layla laughed and drove me to the office in her car.
We arrived at the office around 8:50, and I bid Layla farewell as she drove off. I'm still in awe of the company's grandeur, luxury, and beauty, just like on my first day. I took a deep breath, hoping for a smooth day ahead.
With a wide smile, I greeted the receptionist, who confirmed my identity as the new secretary, Laura. She welcomed me with a bright smile, and I proceeded to the elevator, taking me to the top floor. After settling in, I set up my system, checked for new emails, and reviewed the company's rules and regulations.
As I worked, I heard a faint cough and looked up to see Jeremiah, my boss, staring at me. He's incredibly handsome, with a chiseled physique, piercing blue eyes, and dirty blonde hair. "Are you drooling, Miss Laura?" he teased. I quickly shook my head, thinking, "Narcissist!"
He greeted me with an enigmatic smile, and I replied, "Good morning, sir." Instead of responding, he continued to gaze at me as if I were a work of art. I faked a cough and asked if I could get him his coffee, which he accepted while still looking at me.
"Laura, we have many meetings today. Get my coffee, and we'll discuss them," he said, his tone serious and businesslike. I thought to myself, "This guy is all about business; I don't stand a chance!" I snapped out of my thoughts and replied, "Yes, sir." He walked into his office, and I prepared his coffee, remembering Jasmine's briefing: plenty of milk, no sugar.