Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 40969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
“That’s dangerous,” she responds.
“Isn’t it? How much of a pain in the ass would it be if I took Pierre a little bit until I found a personal assistant?”
“Are you saying that you, Wylder Hayes, are in need of my assistant, or that you need your own, or is it both?” A question answered with a question. Classic Monica.
“I’d take Pierre off your hands easily if you’d let him go. He already knows the ropes. Be careful what you ask.” I think she knows what I’d like in the end, but I’m not a dick to just take without asking.
“Fine, let’s talk with Pierre about it. If he has no problem transferring, you can have him. You better give him one hell of a pay raise, though. He deserves it.”
“That goes without saying. He’ll also get more vacation time and a better benefits package.” At this point, I’d give Pierre my Bugatti.
“Good, he’s upstairs. We can talk to him this morning before your morning meeting.” Maybe I will get to see Celeste before she’s passed out asleep in her bed tonight after all.
TWENTY-SIX
Celeste
It wasn’t easy to let go and let Wylde take charge when it came to the whole world knowing we’re together. Was it easier than I expected? Yes. Did people look closer at us? Yes. Did I give two shits like I thought I would? No. The only two who were remotely less talkative than normal were Layla and Melanie, which was fine judging by the side eye I received when I walked up to the door as they waited for me to open the spa for the day. You can judge me if you want; giving them the code to what is essentially my baby is something that isn’t happening. They’re still new. Respect and trust have to be built, and with the looks and side eyes being shot my way, who knows if they’ll even last.
“Good morning,” I greet them, unlocking the door with the app on my phone. I love the upgraded feature Wylde had a hand in taking care of.
“Morning, Celeste,” Melanie says chipperly.
“Hey,” Layla states. Yep, I can see we may just have problems coming. I open the door, allowing them to make their way inside first, following after them. It won’t be but a few minutes before Journey will be here, and I’d like to at least be settled in for the day.
“Have a good day, ladies. I’m fully booked. Time for us to make some bank.” Melanie is in a chipper mood.
“You too. I only have a few clients today. I am going to be placing an order, so if you need anything, shoot me a text. At lunch, I’m going to check on Tyra,” I tell them, so they know what my plans are for the day.
“Sounds good,” Layla replies. She’s stand-offish, which isn’t my problem, and I’m not going to allow it to be either. At the end of the day, I’m their boss. Being fair and equal is what I always try to be, so I’ll continue on until the time comes when it’s not possible.
I head to my room to set everything out that I’ll need for Journey’s facial. The steamer is next, along with the diffuser that I set up with essential oils. Once that’s done, I grab a new sheet for the table, a few towels, and wrap up everything I need. The music is soft and ambient, better than elevator music yet still relaxing. We can’t have dance music playing while providing a relaxing atmosphere.
I’m just returning up front when the chime on the door goes. A smile comes over my face. Seeing her this time around, I notice the similarities between her and Wylder—jawline, eye shape, even their smile. The hair is probably what threw me off the most—red to his dark brown—until Wylder told me Journey takes after their dad’s mom with the hair and eye color.
“Hey, Journey, how are you?” I ask, making my way to her. She’s in a black peplum top, loose beige linen pants, and black slides. Her hair is in a ponytail, and she’s bare faced, looking like she didn’t try at all to look so put together. Journey truly is a classic beauty. The smattering of freckles that I notice she doesn’t like to cover up even when she is wearing makeup, the foundation is light, rather going heavier around her eyes, the green irises popping.
“Hi, future sister-in-law. I’m good, about to be great. How are you?” I blink at her response. Clearly, Wylde talks when he’s at work, and to more than just his employees. I’m pretty sure that he’d give me some kind of clue about getting married.
“Oh my gosh, you’re a mess. Did Wylder tell you I wouldn’t talk to him because I thought you were his wife then? My best friend and I were up half the night talking so much smack it wasn’t even funny. And still, when he told me, I didn’t really believe his story.” Journey laughs while also gagging at the same time. I’m sure that’s giving her all kinds of ick.