Page 9 of Faking It With My New Boss

“These are just a few of the projects I've done in the last couple of years.” She pointed at one of the pictures in particular. “This was one of the more challenging projects I handled. But I also really enjoyed it. The client was specifically going for a medieval theme, but I didn't want it to seem kitschy or like a bad stage production. So I looked for elements that could bring in that ambiance people associate with the medieval period. There's another one in there with a carnival theme.”

I sifted through the pictures until I found that one. The theme was obvious, but she had managed to create a space that somehow incorporated the fun of a carnival while still maintaining a sense of elegance and elevated taste. I pointed to a feature that specifically caught my eye.

“Is this a seating area?” I asked.

Courtney nodded. “I felt there needed to be a lounge area that enabled people to separate themselves from the main focus and energy of the space and relax. But I didn't want it to just look like the collection of couches or stand out awkwardly against the theme. So I worked with a local prop designer and custom furniture maker to create ottomans and chairs that resemble kernels of popcorn.”

“And the red and white carpet is supposed to be the popcorn box,” I said.

She nodded again. “Yes.”

I looked through the pictures for a few more seconds then returned the nod. “I'm impressed.”

It was putting my reaction to her skill mildly. She was clearly an extremely creative and talented person. I didn't know why she would end up wanting to be a corporate assistant with all that talent, but that wasn't for me to judge. I was just glad I had the opportunity to make use of this skill set.

It didn't hurt that I also couldn't help but notice Courtney was beautiful. Difficult and rude, perhaps. But beautiful. I could definitely get used to looking at her.

“Alright. Then I accept,” she said.

It had taken us long enough to get to the point of her acknowledging the position she had already been hired for I decided not to push back against it. Instead, I stood and extended my hand to shake hers. She didn't seem thrilled at the idea of shaking my hand, but she did.

“We need to get started immediately. I have some pictures of events from the past several years. I want you to look over them and start coming up with ideas,” I told her.

“I can do that,” she said.

I gave a single nod and went back to work. Several seconds later, I realized she hadn't moved. She was still just sitting there across the desk from me, waiting.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“You didn't tell me where I'm supposed to be working.”

I realized she was right and was surprised she'd managed to distract me like that.

“Go talk to the receptionist. She'll show you where you're working.”

I went back to work, but heard her walk across the office and close the door behind her as she left.

Chapter Seven

Courtney

I was nothing short of dumbstruck. I wasn't sure exactly what had just happened as I stood up from Mr. Callahan’s desk and walked out of the office.

Did I seriously just agree to be that man's assistant?

Not only to be his assistant, but to plan some big company event for him?

I was still fuzzy on the details of what I had actually agreed to. Every time I got to that place in my head, all that came to mind was the money. He quoted me an absolutely ridiculous salary for the position, then topped it off with a bonus that was almost as much as the flat rate for the one-off interior design project I thought I was interviewing for.

And then there was that uncomfortable detail I didn't particularly want to dwell on. He was going on and on about the former secretary hiring me. Which actually meant she had hired somebody else. I had not only agreed to be the assistant to the most arrogant, obnoxious, and aggravatingly gorgeous man I'd ever encountered, but I had stolen the position from somebody else.

And when I stepped out of the office back into the open reception area, I came face to face with exactly who I'd stolen it from. A woman was standing at the receptionist's desk, her eyebrows furrowed and a displeased expression on her face. Both women looked at me as I stepped out of the office. There was only one thing to do.

I lifted my chin and strode right over to them.

“Mr. Callahan told me you would show me to my office,” I said.

I didn't let anything show on my face, not a single hint or indication that there was something off. There was no way I was going to let myself get found out or give up the fantastic salary and promise of an ongoing position rather than just a temporary gig. I was going to do exactly what was recommended to anyone going into something they weren't totally confident about. I was going to fake it till I made it.

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