Chapter Text
“Ms. Earp.” her intercom growled.
Waverly thumbed the button. “Yes, Mr. Nedley.”
“Give me fifteen and come in here.”
“Yes, sir!”
“And don’t ‘sir’ me…”
“Yes, Mr. Nedley”
Waverly smiled to herself. She saved the spreadsheet she was finalizing, stood up, and walked to the window.
The downtown traffic was snarled below her as she looked out, unseeing. Her heart beat a little faster. This was it, this was the day she would finally meet the ‘Big Boss’; the company CEO. Nicole Haught.
Waverly had been with Haught and Nedley two months, but had yet to meet the company’s dynamic founder. Yesterday in the break room, Chrissy, Ms. Haught’s PA, mentioned that she would be returning to work today, which instantly made Waverly nervous. As she was leaving with her tea, Waverly heard Chrissy whisper to Jeremy, the IT guy, “fiancee” and “bad break up.” Was that the explanation for the two month leave?
She was anxious to meet Ms. Haught. Waverly’s former employer had spoken of Haught and Nedley as “radical” “too aggressive” “speculative” and though her former boss had meant this as a slight, Waverly had secretly wanted to be part of a young company on the rise. She wanted her job to be a difference maker for small investors looking for financial advice. It had been an easy decision to leave her megacorporate job and sign on as Nedley’s PA.
Waverly glanced at her smart watch; 14 minutes had passed. She wiped her palms on her skirt and stopped outside Nedley’s door. She could hear low voices inside.
Nedley’s gruff voice said “but what about your feelings, Nicole?” followed by a low feminine response, “I don’t matter, only Odie matters now.”
Waverly’s curiosity was piqued as she tapped at the door.
___________________________
Nedley sat at his desk and leaning negligently against it was the most gorgeous woman Waverly had ever seen. She was tall, red-headed, dressed smartly in navy slacks and a silk blouse. She was stunning; she could have been a model. Waverly realized her mouth was hanging open and closed it, cheeks flushing. She wasn’t sure what she had expected, but it wasn’t this beautiful woman.
“Waverly, this is Nicole Haught. Nicole, Waverly Earp.” Nedley did the introductions. Nicole stood and walked over to Waverly, gently clasping her hand.
“Ms. Earp, it’s so great to meet you; Nedley has spoken highly of your abilities!” then with a smile that showcased attractive dimples, she leaned back against the desk again.
Waverly cleared her throat. “Ms. Haught. I’ve heard a lot about you, also.”
“Probably not all good, though.”
“Oh, my previous employer had a lot to say about you, but the things he thought of as negative characteristics, I see as positive ones.”
Nedley and Ms. Haught exchanged glances. Nicole said “I hope you still think so when you hear my proposal.”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Haught. I don’t understand?”
Nicole picked up a sheaf of papers from Nedley’s desk, looking down at them thoughtfully.
“Ms. Earp, I could use your help.” Nicole took a deep breath.
“I’m sure you’ve heard the office gossip, and you’ll know that my fiancee and I recently ended our engagement. We discovered we had different goals, different dreams; and I finally came to the realization that I wasn’t willing to compromise on mine. We tried to find common ground, but we weren’t able to, so we decided to go our separate ways. That’s all I care to say about that.”
“I’m sor—“ Waverly began.
“Don’t be. Just hear me out.” Nicole interrupted bluntly.
“Ms. Earp, I came back from this leave energized to have this company, and myself, become greater, better, bigger. I had the time to make a plan and began to carry it out, but I need assistance. Hopefully from you, but if not, I will make it happen anyway. Nedley has told me a lot about you. Your background in charitable work, your research abilities, your discretion.”
Waverly was confused, wondering where this was leading. Nicole was watching her face closely, evaluating her expression.
“I have three major charitable events coming up this fall, all of them with ‘big money’ people and all are ‘plus one’ events. I no longer have a ‘plus one’. I intended to ask Chrissy to go as my date, but she and Perry have other plans for this fall, and she won’t be available. I have no wish to date anyone new, no interest in looking for a new girlfriend, no desire to get into messy emotional situations that could be distracting. So, Ms. Earp, I am asking if you will act as my date for these events.”
Waverly nearly fell out of her chair in surprise. “Wait, what?”
“Don’t worry, I know you’re straight, Chrissy told me.” Waverly opened her mouth but no words came out. “This could work out beautifully, as I have no intention of falling for anyone, and you have no interest in me.”
Waverly was light-headed and dry-mouthed.
Nedley looked at her with concern and curiosity. “Do you have questions, Ms. Earp?”
She cleared her throat. “Um, okay, what’s in it for me? If I can be so crass? And what do you expect from me…uh…well…physically?”
Ms. Haught handed her the sheaf of papers. “This is a contract guaranteeing a bonus after all three events are concluded. You will replace Chrissy as my PA and Chrissy will become her father’s PA. My PA position pays more, but Chrissy has agreed to the switch as it will be helpful to her home situation.”
“What do you mean by ‘Chrissy’s home situation’?” Waverly wondered aloud.
“I’ll let Chrissy tell you about that herself when we’re finished here. Now for your other question: I want you to know that I have no romantic interest in you whatsoever. This paragraph states that you are not expected to kiss me or have sexual relations with me…” Waverly was shocked by her forthrightness, but relieved. “Some hand holding and touching may be necessary. It might prevent unnecessary questions about our relationship. I don’t want anything to draw attention away from why we’re there.”
“And why are we there?” Waverly wanted to know.
“I intend to make Haught and Nedley Financial Advisors a well-known entity. An iconic name that’s synonymous with success.” Nicole replied calmly, continuing:
“Now, Ms. Earp, I would like you to read over this contract; feel free to ask Mr. Nedley or I any questions. I need your decision tomorrow, because the first event is in 10 days and if you say no, I need time to make a different plan.”
Nicole lightly touched her wrist and walked Waverly to the office door. “Let’s meet tomorrow at 10am, and thank you, Ms. Earp, for considering my crazy proposal.”
___________________________
Waverly flopped down at her desk, flummoxed. After a few minutes of thought, she shakily stood up, and made her way down the hall.
“Feel like a break, Chrissy?” Waverly stuck her head into Chrissy’s (…now mine?) office.
“Sure, Waves, let me finish this and I’ll be right there.” Chrissy’s smile was understanding. She saved her work on her desktop and followed Waverly to the break room, catching up to her and throwing an arm over her shoulders.
“So I guess you have a lot to process today?” Chrissy began making tea for the both of them.
“When did you know that this was going to happen?” Waverly asked, still in disbelief.
“Dad, Nicole, Perry and I discussed the plan last night at dinner, when I told Nicole I wasn’t available to be her ‘fake date’” Chrissy replied, using air quotes.
“So, what is your home situation Nicole spoke of, Chrissy?”
“Waves, I have awesome news! I’m pregnant!” Chrissy’s smile radiated happiness.
“That’s amazeballs, Chrissy! I’m so thrilled for you! How far along are you?”
“Three months! That’s why I can’t help Nicole with this; I’ll be showing soon. And besides, Perry and I want time together to do our nesting!”
“Oh, Chris, I’m so happy for you both! Hey, I almost forgot why I wanted to talk with you. This plan Ms. Haught has proposed…Do you think I’m foolish for considering it? Do you trust her? What would you advise me to do?”
“Waves, Nicole is like a sister to me and I would trust her absolutely. She’ll treat you fairly and with respect. You’re perfect for what she needs right now, friendly personality, a background in charitable work, and you’re straight. She definitely doesn’t need emotional entanglement or drama right now. She’s still hurting from their broken engagement.”
Waverly hesitated as if she wanted to share something, then squeezed Chrissy’s hand. “Okay, Chris, I’m going to read over the contract, go home, and make a decision. See you tomorrow!”
____________________
Waverly paced the six steps back and forth across her studio apartment. Could she support a plan that, taken at face value, meant a rich person (Ms. Nicole Haught) would get richer? True, she wanted to see Haught and Nedley grow and prosper, but she didn’t trust how large amounts of money changed people. She thought of Willa, her older sister, dead because of the callousness of a rich man.
Willa had been barely out of her teens when she was hired as a medical assistant to a
well-known, respected, married surgeon. He was a serial cheater and she caught his roving eye. They began a torrid affair, which came to an end when Willa told him she was pregnant. The doctor denied that he was the father, using his wealth to hire a lawyer to try to block, then delay her paternity suit indefinitely. Desperate, out of a job, Willa had driven to the surgeon’s home to beg for support for their child. She did not return. Her car was found in a pond the next day, mother and unborn child were dead. Her sisters were left behind; Waverly with a distrust of power and wealth, burning with a desire to help those in need. Her sister Wynonna left home and never returned.
___________________________
9:55am. Waverly sat at her desk, chin in hands. She worried she was making the wrong decision, that she was turning her back on her principles. But she loved a challenge, and this was shaping up to be a big one.
She stepped into Chrissy’s office. She looked professional, her expression one of determination. “Good morning, Chrissy, I’m here to see Ms. Haught.”
Chrissy smile held uncertainty. “She’s waiting for you, Waverly.”
She tapped at the door, and waited for the response. “Come in Ms. Earp.”
Waverly paused at the door; again she was astounded at the sheer beauty of the woman at the desk. How did I forget overnight? Today the silk shirt was a royal blue and a black blazer was slung over the back of her desk chair. Ms. Haught waved an elegant hand towards the chair across from her desk.
“Good morning, Ms. Earp. Have a seat. Do you have an answer for me today?”
“Nothing like getting right down to business, Ms. Haught!” Waverly’s eyes sparkled. “Yes.”
“Yes you have an answer, or yes to my proposal, Ms. Earp?”
“To your proposal, Ms. Haught.”
A tiny smile had formed on Nicole’s lips during this exchange. Now it became wider and the dimple on her left cheek deepened. “Thank you, Ms. Earp. This means a great deal to the company and myself. May I take you to dinner tonight so I can learn more about you?” As Waverly hesitated, she added “For our plan, of course.”
“Yes, of course. The plan. Where do you want to meet?”
“How about City O’City? It’s vegan and within walking distance…” Nicole answered.
“How did you know I’m vegan?”
“Chrissy.”
“Oh, okay…What else has she told you?”
“Not much. I want to hear about you, from you, in your words. Shall we meet at seven?”
_________________________
Waverly was accustomed to being the first arrival at any meeting, but Nicole was waiting for her at the door of the restaurant. Waverly tried not to notice the jeans that emphasized Nicole’s long legs or the navy shirt with sleeves folded back perfectly over her forearms. Instead she perused the menu Nicole handed her, focusing on it with studious attention.
“Good evening, Ms. Earp. I’ve already put our names on the list and we should be seated shortly, or if you’d prefer, we can sit at the bar and have a glass of wine?”
“I think if we’re going to be fake dating, you should call me Waverly, Ms. Haught.”
“Outside of work I think I can allow Nicole, Ms. Earp.”
“Then let’s sit at the bar and have some wine, Nicole.”
“As you wish, Waverly.” She responded with a sly smile.
After deciding to eat at the bar, Waverly ordered the cauliflower tacos and Nicole the waffle sliders. They turned to each other and started to speak at the same time, laughing.
“You first!” insisted Waverly.
Nicole struggled to hear her over the noise in the restaurant and leaned in closer. Waverly tried not to notice her beautiful dark eyes. “So Waverly, what made you decide to join us at HANFA?”
“You amaze me, Ms. Haught!”
“You amaze me, Nicole. But why?
“Nicole, I had no idea you knew Jeremy’s nickname for Haught and Nedley!”
“Hey, I hired Jeremy. I know all his little quirks!”
“He’s so sweet and funny! He’s one of my best buds, along with Chrissy.”
“You have good taste then, because Chrissy is one of the best people I know.”
“You’ve known her a long time?”
“Yes.” Nicole did not elaborate further. “So again, my question: why us, why HANFA?”
Waverly explained about her former employer and his complaints about Haught and Nedley, criticism which increased her desire to join this company on the rise. She related how the company’s reputation spoke to her, made her want to work her way up from a PA to something more, perhaps.
Nicole had a way of listening that made her feel she was genuinely interested in Waverly’s every word. “Tell me about your charitable work, Waverly?”
“I volunteer most weekends at the Denver Rescue Mission and am in charge of coordinating the volunteer program there. I want to do more, but time and money…I don’t have a lot of either of those.”
“Still, very impressive. So, will our agreement affect your ability to volunteer at the Mission?”
“No, according to the contract, you only need one weekend a month for the next 3 months, so I can schedule my volunteering around that.”
“Good. You know, your background in charitable work is going to be very useful for me in my plan.” She said in a calculated tone.
Waverly felt a chill down her spine. What exactly did Nicole mean by that statement?
Their meals arrived and both were silent while they tasted their food.
Waverly fumbled for something casual to say. In that moment she could sense the determination behind the friendly facade.
Their meal passed with minimal conversation. A request to the waiter for a napkin. Nicole asked for coffee. Waverly worried silently.
“Dessert?” Nicole smiled, again the attractive dimple appeared. “Shall we try the cheesecake?”
Waverly agreed and Nicole leaned toward her again. “What about pets, Waverly? Does an animal own you?”
Waverly was charmed by her phrasing, and responded, “No, I have a studio apartment and there’s just no room for a pet, and I’m rarely at home, and it just wouldn’t be fair to the animal.
What about yourself? Does a pet own you?”
“Absolutely! A huge ball of fur that rules the roost. She chose me when I visited the Denver Animal Shelter. Her name is Calamity Jane.”
“What a great name!”
“It certainly fits her. Here’s our cheesecake. Two forks please?”
________________
Waverly, in the process of moving her small box of possessions from Mr. Nedley’s outer office to Ms. Haught’s outer office, passed him in the hallway. Nedley was puffing, carrying Chrissy’s larger box of personal items to their new location in his outer office. She touched his arm, smiled at him, and whispered “I’m going to miss working with you, Mr. Nedley.”
He set the box down and gave her a cautious hug. “Aw, you’ll still be seeing me, Ms. Earp.
Best of luck with your new position.” Red-faced, he continued down the hall, still out of breath.
She watched him, smiling, then continued to her new office.
___________________
“Ms. Earp.” her intercom hummed.
Waverly thumbed the button. “Yes, Ms. Haught?”
“When you have a minute, come in?”
“Yes, Ms. Haught.”
“Okay, Ms. Earp.”
Today Ms. Haught’s outfit was more casual, khakis and a black button up, which was not buttoned-up all the way. The top two buttons left undone hinted at ivory skin; the khakis shouldn’t have been flattering, yet were.
Waverly sighed and sat down in what was now her usual chair, pad in hand, ready to take notes.
“Next weekend is our first event, as you may remember. You’ll need more details so you can prepare. We’re going to Los Angeles to attend a cocktail party for charity, sponsored by the Clooney Foundation.”
Waverly choked a little, and Ms. Haught raised an eyebrow in concern. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I —“
“Should I get you some water?”
“No, I’m fine, go ahead.”
“We will be there to meet and greet, to get our company name circulated among people with money, people with power. You’ll need a cocktail dress that is expensive, that turns heads, that grabs attention. I have an account at Le Prestige Boutique; please go there and have them help you find the perfect dress. Charge it to my account. They know you will be coming in, I’ve called them.”
“Ms. Haught, I can’t allow—“
“This is for the company, for me, Ms. Earp. I can tell you to go, but I’d rather ask.” There was something almost like pleading in Nicole’s expression.
Waverly relented. “Okay then. Anything else?”
“Please call Mr. Clooney’s PA, here’s the number for you. See if you they will give you the guest list, and If they do, then research the attendee’s favorite charities. I need to be knowledgeable about the projects they are most passionate about.”
Waverly was surprised by her request, but said “Anything else?”
“Yes, please book the airfare to LA, first-class, leaving next Friday evening and returning Sunday morning. And book Friday and Saturday nights at the London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. Two rooms. Here’s my credit card; keep me updated.”
“Yes, Ms. Haught.”
“Thank you, Ms. Earp.”
__________________________
The next week passed by in a blur of activity. Ms. Haught had been away from the office for most of that time on an unexplained business trip. She emailed sporadically instead. Waverly found herself inundated: between her usual work on investment portfolios, volunteer coordination at the Mission, buying a dress, booking for LA, and researching Hollywood’s A-list’s favorite charities.
Her phone rang and she recognized the number as Mr. Clooney’s assistant. “Hey, Tamara, what’s new and exciting today?” she smiled into the screen at the woman’s friendly face, receiving an equally beautiful smile in return.
“Good morning, Waves! Just wanted to let you know I have your transportation for the weekend all set…and also to share some exciting news! There’s a very good chance that Ellen and Portia are coming to the party!” Tamara's eyes sparkled with excitement.
“NO, really? I never dreamed I might meet them! But why is it ‘just a chance’, Tamara?”
“They have another event to attend and depending on the timing, and our horrendous traffic, it’s all still very much up in the air. But I just had to let you know!” Both women laughed.
“Well, I gotta go now, Waves, I have so many arrangements still to make for this weekend’s event. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person tomorrow!”
“Me too, Tamara! See you tomorrow!”
Exciting news, but now Waverly needed to research Ellen and Portia’s favorite charities.
She sighed and opened her laptop.
_________________________
“So why fly first-class, Ms. Haught? Seems extravagant to me.” There was a tiny hint of judgment in Waverly’s tone.
“Well, Waverly, I am tall enough that wedging myself into coach seating makes every trip seem an eternity. I need the extra leg room!”
“So, Nicole, it’s not some sort of status thing?”
Nicole looked at her oddly, replying “No, Ms. Earp, it’s not, and do I sense some sort of bias against having disposable income? If so, why are you in finance in the first place?”
Waverly looked down at her hands, not meeting Nicole’s eyes.
“There was an incident in my childhood…it’s very personal…I got into finance so I could help the little guy fight back.”
Nicole’s expression was severe. “Ms. Earp, if you learn one thing during the coming months, I hope you learn that all wealthy people are not bad people. Many of the people you will meet at these events feel grateful to be in a position to help others. Please don’t judge everyone by whatever happened in your past.” Looking away from Waverly, she opened her laptop and started reading.
Waverly blushed at the harsh tone of Nicole’s voice. The flight had barely started and already she had angered her boss. Her boss…that brought up another thought…She waited until the flight attendant brought them each a glass of wine, letting Nicole finish hers. Then she hesitantly spoke.
“Ms. Haught, how do I explain our relationship if I’m asked?”
“Well, Waverly…”
She knew from the teasing tone she had been at least partially forgiven. Nicole’s body language was again relaxed. Thank Bacchus for wine!
“Most people will not be curious enough to ask, but if pressed, you could just be truthful and say you are my PA. It’s the oldest cliche in the book, boss in love with her assistant, assistant in love with the boss. Just like the plot of half the films you see on your screen. It’s Hollywood, they’ll love it!”
“Now let’s review your research. Show me what you have on Matt Damon and his charity, ONEXONE.”
______________________
If she had thought Ms. Haught beautiful before, now Waverly was in awe of her whip-smart intelligence also. Nicole rattled off A-list names, spouse names, charity names… without an error, as their driver navigated LA traffic. The long commute from the airport flew by as Waverly quizzed Nicole on the probable attendees for the next day’s event.
Waverly was astounded at the understated opulence of their hotel, admiring the smooth handling of the check-in and their bags. Nicole walked her to her room, stopping at the door to apologize. “Waverly, I am sorry, but I have a meeting to attend this evening. Please feel free to order room service or eat downstairs, and charge it to your room. I can meet you in the morning for breakfast, if you would like?”
Waverly felt a tinge of disappointment, but nodded in assent. “Is 9am okay for you? I like to practice yoga first thing in the morning.”
Nicole nodded, smiling. “Works for me. Good-night, Waverly.” She turned away, striding down the hallway. Waverly tried not to notice the rear view as she walked away.
__________________________
“Good morning, Ms. Haught!”
“Good morning, Waverly. How was your evening? I hope you slept well?”
“I did, Nicole. How could I not, in such a beautiful room? And yourself?”
Gods above, those dimples! “Very well, thank you, and now I’m ready for some of those pastries I see!”
Waverly wanted to ask about Nicole’s meeting last night, but remembered she had been chosen for her discretion. Darn. As they finished their meal, Nicole leaned back and sighed with pleasure. “Did you remember to pack your swimsuit? We could check out the rooftop pool if you’d like?”
Waverly had overheard a patron rave about the view from the pool, so she fought away nervousness to agree. “Sure. Give me fifteen minutes? Could you stop by my room and get me?” then tried not to overthink.
The knock came as Waverly pulled on her coverup and toed into her sandals. She opened the door to Nicole leaning confidently against the wall in an extremely short coverup, and suddenly needed a drink. Her legs…someone save me.
She cleared her throat and her voice came out at least an octave higher than usual. “There’s a pool bar, right? I think I read that?”
Nicole gazed at her in concern. “Yes, but there will be plenty of drinking tonight at the event, Waverly. I guess one drink wouldn’t hurt, though? Let’s go see.”
The view was amazing as advertised. Nicole stepped up behind Waverly as she looked out over the city from the hotel rooftop. “Unbelievable, right? So many people living in one area! When you’re ready, I got us a couple of loungers over there.” Waverly turned around and her mind shut down. Completely. Rebooting. Critical failure. Nicole had shed her coverup and stood in front of her in only a sky blue bikini. When she regained awareness, Waverly stammered “Thank you, I’ll have a strawberry daiquiri, double rum, please?” Nicole quirked an eyebrow, but sauntered over to the bar. Waverly eyes again followed against her will.
Nicole returned shortly and sat at the end of Waverly’s lounger, reporting, “Drinks are on their way, someone’s bringing them over. While we wait, could you put some sunscreen on my back? You know, redheads and sun, and all that? I think I might take a small nap for energy, and I don’t want to fry if I fall asleep.”
Waverly felt slightly drunk although her drink hadn’t arrived yet. She very carefully poured sunscreen into her hand and gingerly spread it over the gorgeous alabaster skin in front of her. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she was handing the tube back to Nicole, who then moved to her own lounger and continued the application to the rest of her body.
Thankfully, the drinks arrived and Waverly was able to drag her eyes away. She wanted to gulp half of the drink in one massive swallow, but forced herself to sip slowly instead.
Nicole tasted her drink, then settled back in her lounger and closed her eyes, sighing. For the first time, Waverly could see the tiredness on her face. She wondered again about the business meetings Nicole had been attending and why she was pushing herself so hard. Discretion sucks balls! she thought to herself.
_______________________
They parted at Waverly’s door to get changed for the charity cocktail party, agreeing to meet in the lobby at 5pm. Waverly took her time showering and applying light makeup, waiting to dress until the last second. She took the elevator downstairs a few minutes early and stepped out. Of course, Nicole was already in the lobby waiting. Breathe, Waverly. She was spectacularly beautiful.
Her bright hair was oh-so-casually tousled. She wore flowing slacks that could have been mistaken for a long skirt. A matching halter top, coupled with a blazer thrown over it, showed a tiny amount of waistline; and hinted at the abs that caused Waverly’s fingers to twitch.
Nicole stared back at Waverly, dark eyes washing over Waverly like the tide.
“You are a vision, Ms. Earp! Waverly. You look gorgeous…so does your dress! Are you ready to go?”
She held out her hand to Waverly, who blushed and put her hand in Nicole’s. Her skin tingled at the contact. Nicole’s touch was warm and reassuring. They smiled at each other a little shyly and Nicole declared, “Now our adventure begins!”