When Richard arrives, I oh-so-casually send a document to the printer and get up, removing the pin from my hair. The path from my desk to the print station and the one from the entrance door to Richard’s office are on two parallel lines in opposite directions. The boss hasn’t spotted me yet as he’s reading a text. When he finally looks up and we lock eyes, I silently count… one… two…

On three, Richard’s gaze flicks down to my shoes.

A second before we meet in the middle I say, “Morning, boss.”

Let’s pretend nothing ever happened.

Richard’s eyes—somewhat wide—snap back to my face.

“Morning.” The boss gives me a curt nod and continues on his way.

I get to the printer, retrieve my copy, and walk back. From behind his desk, Richard watches me like a hawk the entire time. He’s not the only one. Indira scrutinizes me with the slyness of a fox.

In fact, as soon as I sit back at my desk, a chat window pops up on the computer screen.

Mon, May 22 at 8:56 AM @PinkPanther has logged in

Do you have a thing for the boss?

Don’t lie

Mon, May 22 at 8:59 AM @PoshSpice you are now logged in

Okay, I do

It’s easier to tell the truth via instant messaging. Full disclosure: I didn’t pick my chat nickname.

I knew it!

O.o

Something happened in LA?

Boss slept with my nemesis

And the shoes are revenge?

He seems to have a thing for footwear

Yeah, he does

At least for yours

:)

Think I’m hopeless?

If someone can straighten up the boss…

That’s you, girl

Just be careful

Will do

Gotta get back to work

Me too

Mon, May 22 at 9:06 AM @PinkPanther has logged off

Mon, May 22 at 9:07 AM @PoshSpice you are now logged off

We exchange a got-your-back stare and resume our respective tasks.

I spend the rest of the morning threading interviews with pieces of gossip and shuffling professional shots of the gala. At lunch, I take my break alone to call the ex-colleague, Melanie, who had the story on Maison Vanderbilt. She’s very skittish at first but then agrees to meet me tonight to tell me what she knows. After the call, I cut the break short, and my butt doesn’t leave its chair for the rest of the day.

“Walker.” Richard’s voice startles me. “What are you still doing here?”

I lift my gaze from the screen. Outside, it’s already dark, and the office is empty.

“Adding the finishing touches to my LA posts. Christian will be happy with the piece on his charity.”

Richard’s expression shifts oh-so-slightly from friendly to an enigmatic frown. The same one he had at Disney Hall when he took Christian’s place on the dance floor.

“Sure he will,” the boss comments.

“Want to see it?”

“Maybe tomorrow. Why don’t you call it a night?”

I look at the time. “Oh, it doesn’t matter. I have an appointment at nine-thirty.”