Bossy Secret

Bossy Secret Alexandra Beck Copyright Copyright 2023 by Alexandra Beck - All rights reserved. In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher. Chapter 1 ISABELLA I groaned impatiently as my phone rang for the millionth time in the course of an hour. It was my mother calling to wish me good luck on my first day on the job, but I was already in a rush to get out of my apartment as the taxi waited downstairs. I grabbed my handbag in a hurry and took one final look in the mirror. I had spent an obscene amount of money on this outfit, hoping to impress Penelope Thompson, my new boss. I had walked all over Sacramento the day before, looking for the perfect crème pencil skirt to match my beige patent leather pumps. I found what I was looking for in the end but had to purchase an off-white shirt to make a set as nothing else matched that well – or so that was my excuse. And there I was 400 dollars later. Since I had to fend for myself from an early age, interviews never intimidated me, but meeting Penelope was an entirely different experience. She knew what she wanted, how she wanted it, and by when. She even had a list of rules for anyone working under her which she took the liberty to type and print out for me to ensure I remembered it all. Under the lengthy description of my duties, Penelope had included the reasons by which she would terminate my position: Rule One: If you're late. You're fired on the spot. Rule Two: If the bride or groom is disappointed, you're canned on the spot. And the list went on. So needless to say, though my experience had offered me enough confidence, I was nervous to get it all right from the very start. I had been to Napa Valley once before, but could never afford to stay and only spent half a day on a mini wine tour I was given by a colleague as a Secret Santa gift. The landscape was wonderful and the sky was a perfect shade of baby blue and not a cloud in sight. The rolling hills of endless vineyards made me feel like I was somewhere in Tuscany, though I never had time for traveling abroad. I called my mother before reaching Thompson Estate to ensure her call wouldn't interrupt anything. "Have you eaten?" she asked as any mother would. "Yes, I have," I exclaimed with a sigh. My mother was obsessed with my eating habits. "And have you prepared for the first day? Have you slept?" I tapped my foot impatiently as I saw the sign to the Thompson Estate. "Yes, mother. But I've got to go. I'm almost there," I said and made sure I wasn't forgetting anything important in the taxi. "Okay, Bella, break a leg, mi niña," she replied quickly and I could picture her doing the sign of the cross over her phone. "Well, I hope I keep both my legs and survive this day, and I'll be alright." At the entrance of the estate, a large brass gate opened as the taxi driver approached the security guard. The driveway to the main building was easily three miles long. The interview had taken place in Sacramento at Thompson Global where Penelope insisted the interview should take place, so this was the first time I was on the grounds. The main building was surrounded by acres of land; an elaborate and luxurious garden to the east and a vineyard to the rear of the massive structure. A large statue replica of the Cupid and Psyche statue marked the end of the road, adding a baroque feel to the place. I paid the taxi driver and gave him a tip as he took the fastest route, and with one final look at the back seat, got out, straightened, and faced the main entrance to the three-story, neoclassical-styled building that had more windows than I could count. I smoothed down my skirt and patted my hair to ensure I was still presentable and took my first step into my new life. The vines over the entrance and the carved columns on each side made me feel like I was walking into a royal court. The floor was made of white polished marble and a wide staircase faced the main door. I was in awe. I was informed that Penelope wouldn't be in until late noon, which was a relief. I hated being micromanaged on the first day, although her warnings loomed in my mind regardless. Miles, my friend, who got me the interview, now promoted to manager and my superior, was already there. Miles was wearing a white and blue stripped sweater, with a swede brown cardigan. His hair was styled like he’d come from the 20s, and the look really made his pale face stand out. The promotion had given him the opportunity to upgrade his wardrobe and he glowed because of it. "How was the drive?" he asked and bend to kiss me on each cheek. "Scenic." He nodded and smiled. He opened his arms and swirled around, "Isn't this place amazing?" I inhaled slowly, trying to calm my racing heart. "It's breathtaking." He then took my hand and showed me around the ground floor. The space was 20 times the size of my apartment. Everything was clean and there was a particular perfume in the air. "Yes, it's Chanel," Miles informed me as if he read my mind. I sighed and beamed nervously, "Has Senator Reynolds arrived yet?" "No. But he's expected any minute. But listen, Penelope has