Prologue
~HOLLY~
“𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬.” I defend myself while taking a sip of my coffee, shivering a little.
There were around thirty-five days till December, fifty-nine till Christmas and the weather was already getting colder. Terrible idea to dress up without a jacket today.
I must organize my outfits with jackets and coats from now on.
My sister, Veronica or better known as Vee, scoffs. “Quite? You mean sky high.”
I can only roll my eyes at her typical response.
“Yeah, maybe if you lower them a little it wouldn’t be so hard finding a suitor.” Taylor, my best friend since practical childbirth, agrees with my sister. Totally does not help my case, but that’s fine.
I know how to defend myself. “Why would I lower my standards? Men should try harder into fitting them. I’m not downgrading when I should be upgrading.”
Am I wrong for wanting someone who I know will be my long-lasting love? I’m not against falling in love, actually, I’m hoping to one day get married and have a small family of my own, but there’s no rush for that.
I’m only twenty-two. Heck, I have a lot to do before settling down.
“Says the assistant of a man.” Vee mumbles while also avoiding my intense glare.
Why did I even agree to come on this little coffee date with them? They seem extra judgy today.
“That’s just plan A, plan B is in the progress. I’m learning everything so one day I can be CEO of my very own coffee company.” I drink my iced coffee, loving the extra caramel taste in it.
How ironic, me choosing a sweet drink while having a sour conversation. Sadly, it’s not sweetening my day.
“Is it long-term or short?” Taylor acknowledged. “Cause you’ve been stuck as Raymond Janson’s personal assistant for about three years. Not to mention the internship year. So four.”
I once again rolled my eyes. “As I said, it’s a work in progress. Don’t rush it, good things come at the right time. I’m patient.” there’s a plan and I know it’ll come true if I wait for it.
Both women laugh, loud enough to call the attention of some bystanders. I shush them down not liking the stares we got. Yet, I couldn’t help the small glare I sent to those who gave us weird looks.
“Says the one who was about to Karen out for her coffee ten minutes after ordering it.” says my sister who keeps bringing up my little desperation from earlier.
I cross my arms. “It takes five to make an iced caramel coffee!” I come to my own rescue. “I need my coffee, it’s the only way I can get through hectic days and I’m feeling like today will be one of those days.”
Sometimes I feel like in a supernatural life I was a Banshee, but instead of predicting deaths, I’d predict chaos. Cause today I woke up with my left foot, nothing sits right and that’s a sign.
Put it this way, like a fire censor, I sense that it’s my boss’s irritating personality that will be my fire. When I wake up like this, I predict he will be in a particularly bad mood.
“Whatever. Just think about those standards, take some things off that ‘perfect man’ list you’ve got,” Vee squishes my shoulder. “I don’t want you to be old, wrinkly, and lonely.”
”I wouldn’t be lonely. That’s what family’s for. I’ve got you two to visit me every day.” I smile knowing how they’ll just dramatically shake their heads.
”I’m moving to Greece!” Vee says.
”I love you, but come on, I’ll be occupied with my own family.” Taylor flips her hair back.
They’re joking, sort of. “Aren’t you two lovely.”
”We know.” I shiver at the unison response.
Suddenly, my phone rings, I check it. My eyes widen when I see it’s my boss texting me in all caps to get to the office urgently.
“Oh no, it’s him?” Vee huffs. She hates my boss. Says he’s inconsiderate of my personal life. Her matching green eyes roll with annoyance.
I nod. “I’m leaving, he’s in a mood.”
“Fine, but remember dinner today.” Taylor passes my black portfolio and gives me a kiss on the cheek with her bright red lips. I groan because of the mouth mark.
“Yeah, I’ll try to make it.” I say getting up. I must be quick or he’ll get worse.
“No, you won’t try, you will! We demand it!” Vee exclaims.
I just laugh and rush out of the coffee shop. Let’s see if I’ll even make it to eat lunch. My job is the definition of love and hate. I love what I do, but damn is it hard to keep up with such a bossy man.
The things I do for the dream of owning my own coffee industry.
