The Little Black Dress (Love in Las Vegas)

15. But First, Tacos

Sophie

Is there anything that feels as good as taking off your bra after a long day at the office? I breathe a sigh of relief as I toss the torture device to the floor. Grabbing my favorite shirt, a well-worn, soft green t-shirt with a horseshoe on the front with the words “Feeling lucky?” underneath, I pull it on and tug the hem down to my waist. I pick up the shorts I’d tossed beside it and pull them on. They’re bright pink and don’t even come close to matching, but who gives a shit? I’m not leaving my apartment tonight.

Tucking my feet into my slippers, I pull my long red hair up into a messy bun on top of my head as I shuffle out into the kitchen for some dinner. Pulling open the freezer door, I peruse my choices––an unopened bag of frozen mixed vegetables I bought when I decided I was going to eat healthier six months ago, two beef and bean burritos, and a pint of peanut butter cup ice cream that probably has two bites’ worth in it.

“I really need to go grocery shopping,” I mutter, grabbing one of the burritos and popping open one end of the plastic wrapper before tossing it into the microwave and turning it on.

Bending over, I search the interior of the refrigerator for a minute before coming out with some shredded cheese, hot sauce, and sour cream to make the dinner more palatable. Piling the items on the counter, I open the laptop I’d left sitting there when I got home to check my bank account before I make a grocery list.

A notification pops up on the screen, telling me I have an email from my new boss.

“Great,” I mumble, opening the bag of cheese, digging some shreds out, and tossing them into my mouth before opening the email.

From: Jared Hart, Owner and Operator, The Black Hart Casino & Hotel

To: Sophie Jameson

Subject: Job expectations

Miss Jameson,

Please read this email in its entirety and respond in a timely manner to acknowledge you’ve received, understand, and will adhere to the expectations set below.

All executive suite staff members must behave in a professional manner, wear appropriate business attire, and be clean and well-groomed while conducting Black Hart business.

“What the fuck is this?”I mumble, reading the first bullet point again.

Does he think I’m going to show up at work in a fucking bikini, or something? Shaking my head, I keep reading, even though my burrito has finished cooking and is waiting for me in the microwave.

The executive assistant to the owner is required to complete all tasks in a timely manner, be flexible and open-minded as new tasks and challenges arise, and always put in a maximum effort to keep the business running smoothly.

The executive assistant to the owner is expected to treat said owner with the respect and deference owed to him as the highest level of command.

Okay,now I know he’s fucking with me. There is no way he sends this bullshit to every new employee and demands respect and deference.

What game is he playing here? Is he trying to make me quit? That would make zero sense. Scotty is leaving in four days and if I quit––which I totally plan to do as soon as I find a decent alternative…sorryScotty––Jared will be left in the lurch with no assistant. Or he’ll have to settle for one of those flashy women with zero assistant skills who just want to get close to him because he’s rich and powerful.

Hell, maybe that’s what he wants. A little eye-candy to make his day brighter. Ugh.

The executive assistant to the owner will be on-call and available at all times, should said owner have need for assistance.

The executive assistant to the owner shall be available to travel, when needed, and expenses will be paid by the company, except when said expenses are accrued for personal reasons––i.e. excursions not required by the job, personal items needed to be purchased, dining costs that exceed the pre-determined allowance, etc.

I reservethe right to amend or add to this list when I see fit, as your new boss and owner of the company in which you are now employed. Please respond to this email asap so the records show you have received and understand the terms laid out within.

Sincerely,

Jared Hart, Owner and Operator, The Black Hart Casino & Hotel

“Asshole,” I murmur, clicking the reply button.

I type out a short message that says I understand and agree, click send, then immediately open a web browser to search for a new job. The quicker I get away from Jared Hart, the better.

Before I can even type two words into the search bar, my computer chimes with another email from Jared. I roll my eyes as I click the notification to open it.

From: Jared Hart, Owner and Operator, The Black Hart Casino & Hotel