I smile as excitement runs through me.
“Just make sure you get story details right. Nothing pisses management off more than incorrect names. You will get into huge trouble.”
“Got it.”
I’ve just gotten back from lunch when my phone rings. “Hi, Emily, this is Lindsey from human resources. I’ll be up in about five minutes to get you,” the kind voice says on the phone.
I wince. Oh, that’s right—I have that damn building tour. “Okay, thank you.” I hang up. “Oh no, I have to go on the office tour,” I whisper to my colleagues.
“That’s okay,” Aaron replies as he continues reading his emails.
“I’ve got so many leads,” I stammer. “I can’t keep up.”
“Don’t worry. It’s fine,” he comforts me.
“What if I miss a really important story?”
“You won’t—it’s fine. I’ll go through yours while you’re gone.”
“Really?”
“Of course it is. You aren’t expected to know everything on day one.”
“Oh no, you have to go to the top.” Ava grimaces.
“What’s the top?” I ask.
“Upper-management offices.”
“They’re not nice?”
“No, they’re fucking horrible, and you have a good chance of being fired on the spot.”
“What?”
“Oh, bullshit.” Aaron rolls his eyes. “They just don’t . . .” He screws up his face as he chooses his words. “They don’t fluff. If something is going to be said, they just say it how it is. They don’t take any shit from anyone.”
“Who are they?” I whisper.
“Well, Mr. Miles won’t be there. He never is. I think he’s in London.”
“Mr. Miles?” I ask as I feel my nerves dance.
“The CEO.”
“Yes, I know who he is. I think everyone does. A
lthough I’ve never seen a picture of him. It’s him and his brothers, right?”
“Yes, it’s the Miles family who owns everything. He and his three brothers.”
“And they’re all upstairs?” I whisper as I quickly take out the bright lipstick I bought at lunch and reapply. I need some courage here.
“Just don’t say anything stupid up in the management levels,” Ava says.
My eyes widen. “Like what? What do they consider stupid?” I’m really beginning to panic.
“Just keep your mouth shut, take the tour, and don’t tell HR anything.”