Page 10 of Cherry's Jubilee

“Not to mention,” she says, ignoring what I just said about her breasts, “you run a company that’s too dumb to hire me. Your loss, by the way. You should see my employee evaluation. I got the highest raise possible. My boss said he wishes he could give me more. And not to mention, I’m in line for a big promotion. I’ll probably be running the place in a few years.” Then she leans over the counter and gets close to my face. “Oh my God. I get it now. I know why you didn’t hire me.” She smiles and nods firmly. It’s a beautiful smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

“WhyIdidn’t hire you? Me specifically?” When she gives me another nod, I say, “I’ve never met you before today.”

“You obviously felt threatened. You’re worried that Daddy will see how amazing I am, get rid of his no-good son, and give me your position. I’m definitely not going out with someone who sabotaged me. That’s a thing, you know.”

“What is?”

“Men sabotaging women. I read all about it on Reddit.”

She pours a glass of white wine and sips it.

I nod somberly. “Well, if it’s on Reddit,” I say, nodding in agreement. “You figured it out, Cherry.”

“Of course, I did. That’s what my evaluation said. I’m excellent at problem-solving. Did you hear that?Excellent. That’s just one example of what I could have brought to your company. And you may call me Cherette or Ms. Cross.”

“Well, the least I can do is buy you dinner to make up for it. Maybe I can even pull some strings and get you—”

“Get mewhat?” shechallenges.

“Another interview?” Even to me it sounds pathetic, and when I see the look of horror on her face, I can’t help but laugh.

“A pity interview? Oh, no,” she says, shaking her head almost violently. “I’m happy where I am. Jubilee can never have me,” she practically whispers.

“I guarantee you that Jubileecanandwillhave you,” I say back. I grasp her chin and force her eyes on me so she can get my meaning.

“It would never work.” She moves away, and I drop my hand.

“So, you’ve said. I’ve heard your list. All I’m asking is for one dinner.”

“Our names. I’m Cherry, and you’re Jubilee.”

“Or you can just call me Daniel,” I toss out.

“Whenever I hear your name, I’ll want to belt out O Danny Boy.”

“Don’t youevercall me Danny,” I warn.

“Ugh. You’re bossy. First, you’re telling me what to say; next, you’re telling me where to go and what to do. What about my body? Can I have full autonomy there, Mr. Jubilee?”

“Fine. Call me DJ. That’s what my friends and family call me.”

“DJ? What are you? Five years old?”

“If you don’t pick a day, I will have to.”

“You’re proving my point.”

“I’m a take-charge type of guy,” I toss out.

She smiles again, but it soon drops. She goes from happy and smiling to hostile in a matter of seconds. The reason is revealed when Ashley joins us at the bar.

“A white wine, please,” she says with her nose in the air. Cherry pours it and slides it over to Ashley with her finger. “Daniel, chatting with my cousin is so sweet of you. No need, even though I know how charitable your family can be. The Jubilee family is so kind and generous with their time and energy, but Cherry is being paid to do this.”

“It’s no hardship at all,” I say. “You should know what a beautiful cousin you have.” Cherry stands straighter at my words.

“Generous and charitable with your words too,” Ashley says with a fake smile.

I decide to ignore her and look back at Cherry. “So, tomorrow?” I ask. I purposely lower my voice to make it sound more flirtatious than before.

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