Chapter 0021
That Friday, I was running around the conference room with my clipboard, checking with the caterers and decorators to make sure everything was perfect for Logan’s welcome ceremony, which was set to start in
I checked my watch. Ten minutes.
“This is in God’s hands now,” I said to myself, walking to my desk to drop my clipboard and pick up my
purse.
I walked quickly to the bathroom to check my hair and makeup. Logan’s secretary had to look just as good as the rest of the ceremony. I touched up my lipstick and decided that I looked pretty decent for someone that had spent the bulk of the day running around the office and barking orders at everyone involved in the ceremony.
I returned to the conference room, giving it one more look–over.
“Looks great,” a deep voice said behind me. I turned and couldn’t help but gasp.
Logan stood behind me. He held his tux jacket over one shoulder and had his other hand in his pocket. Why did he always look like he was in a photoshoot?
“Thank you, sir,” I said once I’d recovered. “Do you have your speech ready?”
He patted his back pocket. “I have the notes right here
“Perfect. I’ll introduce you a few minutes after seven, give everyone a chance to arrive,” I smiled.” Anything else I can do for you?”
“Help me with my jacket,” he said, handing it to me. He turned to face away from me.
I helped him into it, careful not to touch him or get too close like I had when he tried on suits. I needed to keep a level head for at least the next hour and a half.
At 7:05 I stepped onto the small, temporary stage I’d had set up at the front of the conference room and pulled the mic down so I could speak into it.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending our ceremony this evening to honor our newest CEO, Logan Hatfield. Let’s give him a warm welcome,” I said, clapping and stepping aside. The audience clapped along while Logan took the stage.
“Thank you, Hazel,” Logan pulled his notes from his back pocket and began giving the speech he prepared, outlining his vision for the company.
I stood next to the stage. Every so often I glanced around to see how the audience was responding. Several women that I recognized from the pantry were trying to inconspicuously snap photos of Logan. I even spotted Maria towards the back, turning to snap a selfie with Logan in the background. I smiled to myself. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t understand the obsession they had with him.
After his speech, Logan had requested that each candidate up for the position of his personal secretary introduce him to the guests. He asked me to go first.
Part of my research for the party had included some deep social media dives on everyone I had invited. I wanted to give Logan as much information as I could about each guest, so he could make some
Chapter 0021
+25 BONUS
meaningful small talk with them.
I picked a woman in her mid–40s close to the drink table to introduce him to first.
“This is Doreen,” I whispered as I guided Logan over. “She’s an accountant, she’s been with the company for 20 years. Her miniature schnauzer Pete recently had surgery to have one of his back legs removed.”
Logan looked at me, stunned. “Got it, thank you”
I reached Doreen first and placed a hand gently on her shoulder to get her attention. “Logan, I’d like you
to meet Doreen.”
Doreen smiled and shook Logan’s hand.
“Nice to meet you, Doreen,” Logan said. “How’s Pete holding up?”
Doreen’s face went from shock to touched. “He’s doing great, thank you for asking.”
I led Logan to a man in his 50s next, a supervisor named Noel. “Noel, supervisor. Just joined the company
last year, recently became a grandfather to his first granddaughter, Olivia.”
Noel was holding a plate of food and a fork when I came up behind him. Logan stood behind me.
“Noel?” I said gently. He jumped and dropped his fork.