2. Mireille
Mireille
The bell chimes cheerfully as I push open the door to Lil's Sweet Treats. The warm aroma of freshly baked chocolate, rich coffee, and her signature hot chocolate hits me, instantly lifting my mood. Not that it needs much lifting—I'm still riding high on Evander's unexpected gesture of kindness.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite customer!" Lilian's voice rings out from behind the counter. The gorgeous, red haired woman with her ever-present cocoa-dusted apron beams at me. "Let me guess, the usual?" Lilian is the best, she's sweet and a good friend.
I grin back at her. "You know me too well, Lil. One Mocha, a black coffee, no sugar and can you add a selection of your chocolates today."
Lil's eyebrows shoot up. "A selection of chocolates? Don't tell me Mr. Grumpy Pants is finally developing a sweet tooth."
I laugh, shaking my head. "No, the black coffee is for him. The chocolate is for me because he's feeling unusually generous today and treating me to my mocha."
"Well, I'll be," Lil says, already getting to work on the drinks. "What's the occasion? Did he win the lottery or something?"
"If he did, he's keeping it very quiet," I joke. "No, I think he's just in a good mood. His friend is coming to visit."
Lil nods sagely as she pumps syrup into my mocha. "Ah, that explains it. It's good for him to have friends. That man works too hard."
I can't argue with that. In the two years I've worked for Evander, I've rarely seen him take time off or do anything purely for fun. It's all business, all the time. Which is why his friend's visit is such a welcome change.
"So," Lil says, a mischievous glint in her eye as she hands me the drinks and chocolates. "When are you going to make an honest man out of that boss of yours?"
I nearly choke on air. "Lil! It's not like that. We're just... we work together. That's all."
Lil gives me a knowing look. "Honey, I've seen the way you two look at each other. There's more spark there than in my oven on a busy day."
I feel my cheeks heating up. "You're imagining things. Evander sees me as nothing more than his clumsy assistant."
"Mhmm," Lil hums, clearly unconvinced. "And I'm the Queen of England. Mark my words, Miri. That man cares for you more than he lets on."
I roll my eyes, but I can't quite squash the little flutter of hope in my chest. "Whatever you say, Lil. Thanks for the coffee and chocolates."
I step carefully through the office, determined not to repeat this morning's disaster. The last thing I need is to spill Evander's coffee after he actually did something nice for me.
As I approach his office door, I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Despite Lil's words, I know better than to read too much into Evander's gesture. He's my boss, nothing more. No matter how much I might wish otherwise.
I knock softly before entering. Evander is hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he speaks into his headset. He glances up as I enter, his eyes softening slightly at the sight of the coffee in my hands.
I set his cup down carefully on his desk, along with a single chocolate. He raises an eyebrow at the chocolate, but I just shrug and mouth, "Thank you," before turning to leave.
As I reach the door, I hear him say, "One moment, please," to whoever he's talking to on the phone. "Mireille?"
I turn back, surprised. "Yes?"
He gestures to the chocolate that’s on his desk beside his coffee. “Just one?”
I can't help but smirk at his question. "Well, I didn't want to push my luck. Besides, I thought you might appreciate just a taste of sweetness in your otherwise bitter world."
Evander's lips twitch, almost forming a smile. "How considerate of you. Though I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I declined, and you had to eat it yourself."
"Oh, the sacrifices I make for you, Mr. Prescott," I say dramatically, placing a hand over my heart. "But if you insist, I suppose I could force myself to eat it."
He shakes his head, amusement clear in his eyes despite his attempt to look stern. "Get back to work, Mireille. And thank you for the coffee."
As I turn to leave, I can't help but add over my shoulder, "You're welcome. And don't forget to actually eat the chocolate. It might just sweeten your disposition."
I hear a soft chuckle as I close the door behind me, and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. These little moments, these glimpses of the man behind the serious businessman facade, they're what keep me coming back day after day.
Back at my desk, I sip my mocha and savor one of Lil's delicious chocolates. As I work through Evander's schedule and arrange Greyson's visit, I can't help but think about what Lil said. Does Evander really look at me differently? And more importantly, do I want him to?
I shake my head, trying to clear these dangerous thoughts. Evander is my boss, and that's all he can ever be. No matter how much I might wish otherwise, no matter how my heart races when he looks at me with those intense blue eyes, I know nothing can ever happen between us.
My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It's a text from Lilian.
Lil: So? Did Mr. Grumpy Pants enjoy his coffee? Did you give him any chocolates?
I roll my eyes, but can't help smiling as I type back.
Me: Just one. He hasn't eaten it yet. Probably saving it for a special occasion. Like the apocalypse.
Lil's response is immediate.
Lil: Or maybe he's waiting for you to hand-feed it to him.
I nearly choke on my mocha. I text back, my cheeks burning.
Me: You're ridiculous.
Lil: Maybe. But I'm also right. Trust me on this one, Miri.
Before I can formulate a suitably snarky response, Evander's voice comes through the intercom.
"Mireille, can you come in here for a moment?"
My heart skips a beat. Calm down, I tell myself. He probably just needs something work-related. Taking a deep breath, I stand and smooth down my skirt before heading to his office.
I knock softly before entering. "You needed me?"
Evander looks up from his computer, his blue eyes intense as always. "Yes, I need you to clear my schedule for next Friday afternoon."
I blink in surprise. Evander never clears his schedule. "The whole afternoon? May I ask why?"
He hesitates for a moment, then says, "I have an event that evening and you'll be coming with me."
I can't hide my shock. "You're taking time off to go to an event?"
Evander's lips twitch in what might almost be a smile. "Is that so hard to believe?"
"Honestly? Yes," I say before I can stop myself. "I mean, not that you don't deserve time off, it's just... unexpected."
He leans back in his chair, regarding me with an unreadable expression. "Well, this event is a few hours away, so we'll need to leave in order to check into the hotel, and I know you'll need time to get ready.”
My eyes widen. "Hotel? Get ready? Evander, what exactly is this event?"
He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's a charity gala for the Children's Hospital. As one of the major donors, I'm expected to attend. And as my assistant, you'll be accompanying me."
I try to process this information. A charity gala? With Evander? Staying at a hotel? My mind is reeling.
"I... I see," I manage to say. "And you need me there because...?"
"Because you're my assistant," he says matter-of-factly. "You'll help me network, keep track of important conversations, and generally make sure everything runs smoothly. Plus," he adds, a hint of something I can't quite identify in his voice, "you'll be my date."
I'm not sure what surprises me more - the fact that Evander is attending a social event or the fact that he wants my company. I try to keep my voice steady as I reply, "Of course, I'd be happy to help. I'll clear your schedule right away."
Evander nods, seemingly satisfied. "Good. And Mireille?"
"Yes?"
"Make sure you have something appropriate to wear. It's a black-tie event."
I feel my face flush. "I... I'm not sure I have anything suitable for a black-tie gala."
He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. I'll have something sent to your apartment. Just make sure you're ready to leave by two PM next Friday."
I nod, still feeling a bit dazed. "Of course. Is there anything else you need?"
"No, that's all for now. Thank you, Mireille."
As I turn to leave, I notice the chocolate I left earlier is gone. The empty wrapper sits neatly on the edge of his desk. I can't help but smile to myself as I exit his office.
Back at my desk, I slump into my chair, my mind whirling. A charity gala. With Evander. In a hotel. Wearing a dress he's going to provide. This entire thing is new to me. I’ve never been to an event with Evander before.
Being around Evander during work hours is hard enough, but being around him outside of it at a fancy event will be the death of me.