Fiction :: A-List(ed)

CHAPTER ONE

They sometimes say that the rarest opportunities come by when you least expect them to and if you don’t seize them you’ll regret it for the rest of your life because those opportunities may never come again. How does anyone pass up such an opportunity? Honestly? I have no clue, but I will tell you now that I wished that I had.

This is one of those rare defining moments in my life that I actually wanted a reason to miss this job interview for a job that I thought I wanted but soon realized I didn’t. Unfortunately, it’s too late and I say this with the utmost respect for my interviewer who must have been crazy to hire me in the first place.

As I make my way out of the boardroom, I’m reminded yet again why I should have maybe reconsidered this option to possibly work at one of the top fashion magazines in the country.

Yes, that’s right. I just stepped foot out of an interview for an assistant job to the chief editor of A-List Magazine. And, I stepped out claiming the job as my own. I’m now officially employed as the assistant to editor in chief of A-List magazine where they set the bar of what’s in, what’s out, what’s hot and what’s not.

Little ole me landed the job that hundreds maybe thousands of hopefuls apply for every time there’s a job opening. Little ole me, straight out of Bronx, New York with absolutely no sense of style or couture. Little ole me who doesn’t know the first real thing about makeup and heels which is what my brother is for actually. He helped me get dressed this morning for my interview. Yeah, you’ll learn more about him eventually. But I digress.

The point is, I’m actually here, and starting work on Monday since today is Friday which means it’s the weekend. And while I love that I’ll be getting a great salary out of this, I can’t help but wonder just why did I get hired when I don’t fit into the norm here?

I’m sure my degree in Journalism and English has nothing to do with it. I’ve heard about the previous assistants who’ve had this position. According to sources, they weren’t all bright but did look the part of an ‘A-List’ girl.

I think it has something to do with the CEO Randall Timberlake III. It’s his company. My interviewer said that I was exactly what Mr. Timberlake was looking for, whatever that meant. Then he gave me the weirdest smile before he said and I quote “Justin is just going to love you.”

I’m not sure if he was being sarcastic or not but it’s no surprise that the editor in chief is Randall’s son Justin Timberlake who along with his half brother Robert Pattinson Timberlake are the heirs to the A-List empire.

They’re filthy rich, worth millions, women want them and guys want to be like them and me, well, I get to be surrounded by them on a daily basis for as long as I can keep this job. I can’t quite remember who they are or what they look like. I’ve only ever seen their faces in these fashion magazines, but I never really paid attention before. I guess now that’s about to change.

It’s amazing to me really. I have the distinct feeling that my life is going to change drastically starting Monday, but I’m ready for it. I’m up for the challenge. I can’t do it, I know I can.

“Get it together girl.” I mutter to myself, walking down the marbled hallway of the lobby towards the exit. This place is bustling but that’s expected since we’re in the heart of Manhattan, New York.

It’s the fast life and I’m soon going to be a part of it, all access granted. That means celebrities, parties and the glamorous life. Or does it?

Smiling to myself, I grip my cheap Gucci bag imitation to my side which matches the blue blouse and black fitted skirt I’m wearing. I can barely walk in these heels, but I’m managing.

On my way out of the large glass doors of A-List’s fifteen story building, my cell begins ringing so I slow my pace and begin digging in my bag for the item, not paying any attention to where I’m going.

Finally getting it, I flip my raven hair out of my face to place my phone next to my ear but I’m not fast enough, or maybe I was too fast?

Gasping in shock, I barely get the phrase ‘excuse me’ out of my mouth when I see a blur barreling right towards me at a rapid rate, colliding into me dead on like I was invisible or something. Stumbling back in shock, I drop my phone, hearing my brother’s voice over the line calling out to me.

Then, someone finally decides to speak and I’m mortified by the venom dripping from their voice.

“What the fuck?! Where’s your coordination?”

Losing my voice momentarily, my chestnut brown orbs widen in shock and awe when they land on a pair of icy, calculating blues.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” I manage to ramble out.

Sneering, the person brushes off their pant suit and straightens their posture while sizing me up in the process.

“You should be sorry, almost knocking me down like that…not that it would be hard for you if you tried.”

What an asshole. That was definitely a weight comment; not that I’m fat or anything, but I’m sure not like the skinny twigs walking around here.

Who does this guy think he is? He seems familiar but…

“Come on man let’s go, she’s not worth it.” Someone else speaks up.

I’m only now realizing that this guy, he has what seems to be an entourage of some sort with him.

“No, hang on a minute…” He silences his ‘friend’ I’d assume. “What’s your name doll?”

Doll? Oh no he didn’t.

Plastering a fake smile on my face, I pick up my discarded phone and stuff it back into my bag since my brother hung up. I’ll have to call him back.

“It’s Tai actually.” I beam and he frowns.

“Just Tai?”

“Yup.”

“Uh huh.” He huffs. “Well Tai, next time you want to get just a little piece of me, try going for a more graceful approach will you? Not the best first impression love. Oh and that cheap Gucci knock off you’re rocking, you might want to hide the tag that says $9.99 on it.”

My mouth hangs open in embarrassment as a conniving, triumphant smile graces his face. Ok, I can’t take much more of his cutting remarks.

“I…” Drifting off, I feel my face flush. Part of me wants to slap that grin off his face and another part of me wants to run away screaming and crying from humiliation. The people he’s with are snickering behind him and I cut my eyes at them angrily. “You know what?” I begin and his brows curve upward in interest.

“Actually, I don’t care much to know anything you have to say, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway.” He challenges me and I grimace at him.

“You must really have your head stuck up your ass to think I’d so much as literally bump into you just to get your attention. Sorry, I was reaching for my phone and you probably weren’t watching where you were going either. But, I’ll be the bigger person here and say I’m sorry. Now if you’ll excuse me.” I snap, feeling my heart pounding out of my chest.

His eyes widen in offence and disbelief and he seems stumped as to how to answer me. I don’t think people usually speak to him the way I just did. His persona definitely demands some form of respect and acknowledgement, but I’m not going to inflate that already huge ego of his. I can’t take it back now. I just need out before I throw up or something.

His group of followers gasp and I roll my eyes brushing past him to leave, but I don’t get far before one of them finally speaks again.

“Justin just let it go, let’s head up; you have a meeting to get to. Don’t make your dad pissed because you’re late for another meeting again man.”

Stopping mid-step, I grip the handle of the glass doors to leave as my heart sinks to my feet. Did they just say Justin? As in, as in Justin Timberlake my new boss? Oh my god…oh no.

“Can you believe her?” He continues speaking to his friend and I’m frozen solid in place wondering if I should go back over there and really apologize. I can feel his eyes on me, but I’m not going to turn around and face him to give him the pleasure of seeing how confounded I am. “I mean, no woman talks to me like that…none. I can’t even believe they let someone like her in this building. Oh man, I need to tell Rob about this, he’s going to freak and wish he was there to witness it. He probably wouldn’t even believe me.” He laughs with his friends as I hear their retreating footsteps.

Taking in a deep breath to hold back the panic that’s surging through me, I swiftly exit A-List Magazine standing on the sidewalk in a daze under the blazing sun. I give the building one last glance before I begin on my way, realizing that I maybe lost my job before I even started it.

Oh god, I knew he looked familiar. I just mouthed off to my boss. I’m so fired on Monday. I might as well kiss this opportunity goodbye. I should have known better anyway.

Someone like me from a middle class home never makes it onto the A-List. Who was I kidding?

I guess I’m doomed to be one of those ‘Z-List’ people for the rest of my life.

But oh my god? He’s going to be my boss!? He’s so young! He’s barely thirty years old. Gosh, this sure is going to be an experience…that is, if I have a job on Monday to still call my own.

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