Her Billionaire Boss by Gena Snow
Chapter 3
Harper
I google online for mall promotion ideas. There seem to be many exciting options other than a simple storewide sale: a fashion show, sing-along or dance, food or wine festival, inviting artists to set up tattoo stations and caricature booths. But then, some of these require a lot of planning. And Nick wants it in two weeks, hardly enough time for me to make arrangements.
True, I enjoyed planning Avery’s wedding, and I did a pretty good job, but then, I was also motivated by the thrill of seeing Avery settling down with Tristan. And I didn’t do it alone. Avery and Tristan helped. They set the budget, decided the venue, and sent invitations. All I did was contact vendors and have them do the rest. I didn’t even have to set up the ceremony décor.
One thing good about this new job is I don’t need to work evening shifts. Nick isn’t in the office when Brea says goodbye to me at five. I wrap up what I’m doing and leave the office with her.
When I get to Avery’s house, Tristan isn’t home yet and she’s busying cooking in the kitchen, her pregnant belly bulging under the apron.
“Hmm, smells good,” I say while hugging her. “What’re you cooking?”
She lifts the lid of the skillet and shows me the yummy-looking shrimp scampi hidden beneath. My mouth waters and my tummy rumbles.
Avery has always been a good cook, but her cooking skills have improved even more after she married Tristan and she constantly impresses us with exotic recipes that she learns online.
When I help her with the salad, I tell her about my day.
“Guess what?” I say. “I’m working for Nick now.”
“Who?”
“Nick Alton, your brother-in-law!”
“How did it happen?”
“He bought up Style, and I’m now his employee.”
“No way!” Avery says with a big grin. “What a small world!”
I shrug. “Alton is a small town.” I haven’t told Avery about Nick making a pass at me at her wedding, and I don’t want to do it now.
“That’s good, right? You got a promotion.” Avery looks at me with a puzzled look. “How come you don’t look enthusiastic?”
“Well, I am excited about the new job,” I say. “But he assigned me a big project and I’m afraid I’m not up to it.”
“What is it?”
“He wants me to organize a promotion event for the mall and the goal is to bring people from other places to our shopping mall.”
“Wow, it is big,” Avery says with a nod. “It means he trusts your ability.”
Or he’s spiteful. I still can’t help but think Nick has some other motives. “Whatever,” I say. “I have no idea what to do about it.”
I tell Avery about my options, and she listens intently.
“A food festival sounds good,” she says after I finish talking.
I roll my eyes. “I knew you’d say that. But I don’t have enough time to plan for that. He wants it on July fourth weekend.”
“Two weeks? That’s tough.” Avery nods with a frown. And then she smiles. “We could have Triple Shot hold a concert at the mall.”
I gasp. “That’s a fantastic idea! But are you sure Tristan will okay it? They’re busy working on their next album.”
“I’ll ask him.”
