Rosalind POV - Flashback to two months prior

I sit at my office desk staring at the clock on the wall.  I am exhausted and now incredibly frustrated.  It is six forty-five in the evening on Friday, FRIDAY.  I had been rostered to finish at five today. It now appears that yet again my boss has decided I can stay behind and work because he is behind schedule.

My boss, Gian Costello.  CEO and major shareholder to Jarvis & Costello Software.  He is now 28 years old, but he was a self-made millionaire before his 25th birthday. He built this company from the ground up with co-founder Stephen Jarvis.  That's right, I am the Personal Assistant to one of America's Most Eligible, but it's not as glamorous as it sounds!  The man is a total jackass and I swear he thinks I have no life.  It's either that or he doesn't care enough to realize I do.  Don't get me wrong, he is gorgeous.  Yet great looks will not make up for his lack of people skills and personality.

I had actually committed to plans tonight. In fact, I am getting collected from my place in fifteen minutes, or at least I would be if I was home and ready to go.  Picking up my phone, I scroll through my contacts to Rebecca.  I can hear her now, "Rose has bailed us.... again!"  I wish that wasn't a fact but it's a well-known fact, I have been canceling plans often thanks to Mr Costello.

Text: Hi Becca, Mr Costello has kept me late.  Not sure what time he'll let me out this time.  Might have to miss this one, yeah?!

I wait, knowing Becca's phone would have to be in her hot little hand so a response will be quick.  My phone alerts me to a new text message, but before I can pick it up and read it my work phone starts ringing

"Jarvis & Costello, this is Rosalind speaking."

"Miss Bennett, come into the office.  We have work to do." His voice is loud, firm and makes you feel like you were up to no good even when you weren't.

"Yes, Mr Cost..." He hung up before I could finish, further adding to my poor opinion of him.  I know his brain is incredible, watching him in action is like watching a Symphony Orchestra at work.  It's quite a brilliant sight to behold.  Such a shame, his brilliance is wasted. Especially being he's a selfish prat with no personal relationship building skills.

Dropping my cell back onto my desk, I stand and make my way into his office. I only pause a brief moment to knock before entering.  He looks up from his large Mahogany desk and rolls his eyes at me.

"Finally," he mumbled returning his eyes back to the screen to the left of his desk. "Make it quick Miss Bennett, I'd rather not be here all night."

Oh my gosh, if I wasn't so intimidated by him, I'd love to put him back in his place.

"You wanted to see me, sir."

"Yes, Miss Bennett.  Tell me why I haven't received this month's finance reports.  They were due by midday.  If people aren't performing, I can't perform.  Do you want me to underperform?"' He raises his voice, his eyes throwing daggers as I stood looking at the floor

"No, Sir.  Of course, I don't." I respond, my voice quieter than a mouse as I fight back the emotions that threatened to take over.

"Well then, where is it?" He boomed again, an obvious look of anger forming in his otherwise perfect features.

"I emailed the reports to you at eight am.  I also saved a copy into your iCloud folder so you could access it if you were out of the office.  The hard copy has been published and bound, it should be in your in-tray."  I rambled my response, hoping he wouldn't hear my voice shaking.  I have been Mr Costello's Personal Assistant for four years.  Four bloody years and I am still afraid of making a mistake.  

"Get it for me." He snaps back, not even looking away from his screen.  I make my way to his in-tray and as expected, the report is sitting on the top.  I shake my head in frustration and return to his desk.  I am so pathetic, scared of my boss when I'm 26 years old.  For crying out loud, there are only two years between us in age.  His demeanor and the six-foot-three solid frame doesn't help.  He appears larger than life when he stands over me.  I appreciate that today he has remained seated.  I place the report on the desk in front of him, stepping back to wait for further instructions.  He lifts the file, flicking through it with little regard before standing up.  He drops the report along with a few other items in his briefcase and snapped it shut. 

"You'll need to start at seven on Monday morning, we have all our VIP's attending a board meeting at 10 am.  You will need to ensure everything will run as smooth as possible, and get catering organized too."

He shoves a blue folder containing a list of meeting attendees in at me, as well as a list of catering requirements.  Then without warning and no further discussion, he turns and walks out the room.  Standing at the door he gestures for me to exit also, looking eager to get a move on.

"Um, Mr Costello?" I murmur, shuffling past him towards my own desk.

"What is it, Miss Bennett?"

"I wondered if we were now done for the day?  I ah, well I had somewhere...."

He looks up from his phone to peer down his nose at me.

"Is all your work completed?"

"Yes, Sir.  It's all up to date." I muster a smile but I am sure it looks more awkward than anything.

"So be it.  Be sure you be here on time Monday, we have much to go over."

I stood holding my breath as he makes his way to the lift.  I finally release that breath as the doors close behind him.  I double-check that his office door is secure, before packing away my own items and shutting off my PC.  Picking up my phone I see it's now 7.30 pm.  I've got several missed calls from Becca and Bill, as well as texts from Penny.  Shit, they're not too happy.  I sweep my handbag over my shoulder and head for the lift as fast as I can.  

Riding the lift down the I take the opportunity to assess my appearance.  It's not bad when you consider it's my work clothes.  I'm wearing my three-quarter length, high waisted black skirt.  I paired it with a teal chiffon blouse, tucked into the top of my skirt.  I wear my low black heels for their practicality, along with a soft black pantyhose.  I haven't accessorized with much today, opting to wear my large hoops since my hair is in a french roll.  Who am I kidding, this may have been perfect for work but there is no way I want to be out in the clubs in today's workwear.  I pull out my phone, dialing the number from memory and I exit the lifts into the now empty foyer.  I wave goodbye to the security guards at the door as I head out into the darkness.

"Where the hell are you?" Becca yelled through the phone as soon as she answered, not giving me even a moment to speak.

"Becca hun, I am so, so sorry.  I am only leaving work now.  I am not sure I will be able to make it hun."

"Bullshit Rose, get a taxi and come straight here.   We will save you a seat." Her voice was loud and demanding as per her normal speed.

"Becca, you can't be serious.  I've been wearing these clothes since six am, I wanna go home and shower.  Then I would have to find something to wear.  It is already so late, how about next time yeah?"

"No, Rose.  Not this time.  We need you here babe.  We've been planning this for ages and you haven't been out in so, so long." Becca begged from the end of the phone.

"I want to get home Becca, I don't even know what I would wear." I sighed, rubbing at my temples.  It's been a long day and I'm starting to think it's nowhere near over.  When it comes to bossy characters, Becca's up there with the best of them.  I actually admire it about her, but not when it means I lose almost any argument or disagreement we have.

"Don't you worry about that Rose, I already have it covered.  You get yourself home and in the shower.  I will take care of everything else."

"You're not giving up on this are you?" I hail a cab while I wait for her response, already knowing the answer. 

"NO!" She squealed, excitement in her voice as she soon realizes she's about to win.

"Geez Becca, oh my god.  Fine!"

"Yes, yes, yes.  Oh, baby!  You will not regret this!" She babbled.  I could hear cheering and clapping in the background so I guess the others approve.

"I better not, babe.  I better not." I sigh again.  It's not that I don't want to go, I do.  I am not as comfortable in these situations.  Rebecca, she is a total badass.  She rocks these nights like she was born to do it.

I instruct the cabbie of my address then rested my shoulders back against the cold plastic seats.  Nothing like plastic covers to make you feel like you're riding in style.  Closing my eyes, I again rub at my temples.  The thought of going out is making me feel sick.  Damn her for guilt forcing me into this.  And don't even get me started on Mr Costello.  Thanks to him, I missed the one part of the evening I was looking forward too... Dinner.  So here I am, rushing home to prepare for an evening of craziness knowing my friends.  And I will be doing it on an empty stomach.

"We're here Miss." The cabbie knocked on the partition to alert me of our arrival.  I lift my head and check my surroundings before sliding cash through the window and exiting the car.

I make my way into the building, riding the lift up to the seventh floor.  My floor.  Making my way through the corridor to the very end, wishing with every step that I could stay home tonight.  I'll have a big task ahead of me now, getting 'party' ready and keeping myself awake.  Entering the apartment, I drop my keys and purse on the side table and slip my heels off.  My feet are killing me and all I want if to have a nice long soak in a very hot bath.  Alas, it will have to be a shower though or I fear I will definitely fall asleep.  But first things first, a stiff cold drink to numb the nerves.

I make my way into the kitchen, sliding a glass tumbler from the overhead cabinet.  Pouring a more than adequate serving of scotch, I shoot it back quick.  The liquor burns a trail as I swallow, a feeling I relish while mulling over my plans.  I'm going to need more of these if I am to survive the masses of people everywhere.   I pour another, then wander through to my master suite. 

I strip back out of my work gear, leaving me standing in front of my full-length mirror.  Releasing the pins in my hair, it falls loose around my shoulders.  I scowl at my appearance, never having been a confident woman.  It's not that I don't have a nice figure, or think I am ugly.  I can't see the things I want to see.  I see thin legs, a skinny waist, and average breasts.  I see a tired face, long wavy brown hair and full lips.  There is nothing in my appearance that makes men want to worship the ground I walk on.

Hearing another text that I am more than certain will be Becca, I decide to ignore it and hop into the shower.  Allowing the steaming hot water to run down over me, I finally feel the stresses of my day seep away.  I love my job, I have been there for four years so that is saying something.  I wish I wasn't so intimated by Mr Costello.  It wouldn't hurt if he was a little nicer or more appreciative though.  I bust my ass to meet the standards he expects.  I lather my hair, paying particular attention to my roots.  I may not be confident, but I am meticulous when it comes to being clean and presented well.  Rinsing the shampoo out, I repeat the process with my Conditioner.  Running my fingers through the long locks to remove any knots.  I figure if I am to go out, I will at least do it looking and feeling my best.

Satisfied I have cleaned and primped my body as best I can, I make my way back to the bedroom.  Selecting my favorite matching black lace lingerie, I slip them on. I proceed to moisturize and makeover myself.  I'm only getting done when Becca breezes through my bedroom door.  I am kind of regretting giving her a key.

"The styling queen has arrived, never fear babe."

"Becca, the only reason I need styling is thanks to you," I state, rolling my eyes at her. In true Rebecca's style, she ignores me and carries on pulling clothing items from her bag.

"Well...?" She draws the word out as she stands staring at me.

"Well, what?" I turn my nose up at her, active in being difficult.

"Oh cut the shit and get your scrawny ass over here so I can work my magic!"

Letting out yet another sigh of defeat, I walk over to where Becca has laid out a multitude of clothes.  Most are things I'd normally never be caught dead in. They are all either extremely fitted or extremely indecent.

"Becca, you can't be serious.  You know this isn't my style."

"Would you relax and roll with it for a change, Rose.  You're fucking hot, it's time for you to acknowledge that and have some fun.  Come on, I wanna see this on you." She holds up what I can only guess is high waisted faux leather shorts, short being the operative word.  I swear it'll look more like leather underwear.  Trying my luck with an unimpressed frown in Becca's direction I send her a more quizzical look.  She shakes her head no and tosses them back at me.

"Do it, now.  Ooh, and this cute red crop tee." Giggling and throwing herself on my bed, I take the items and move back to the mirror.  I wiggle my way into the shorts, zipping them all the way up at the waist.  They fit like a glove, leading me to wonder how they look on Becca's much more shapely figure.  One can only guess that these make her tiny waist and wide hips look amazing.  Rebecca has the perfect barbie hourglass and the boisterous ego to match.  I love her dearly though.  I carefully pull the crop tee over my head and analyze the full effect.  I hadn't noticed it at first, but the tee was sleeveless so it only barely covered my breasts.  Yet again finding myself comparing how it would look on Becca, I don't even notice her sneak up behind me.  She wraps her arms around my waist and props her head on my shoulder to check out my reflection.  

"Wow babe, look at you.  You have got to stop hiding under those long skirts and preppy blouses.  You're a sex kitten." She smiled, proud of her outfit selection.

"Becca, I can't go out in public like this." Panic starts to build up in my chest, my eyes searching the room for my tumbler of scotch.  Seeing it on the side table, I make a beeline for it.  The cool burn is a welcoming distraction from my current appearance.

"Why the hell not?" She scoffs at me, exiting the walk-in wardrobe with my knee-high stilettos.

"People will see me, that's why!"

"It's kind of the idea Rose, how else do you plan to get laid again?" She slapped my ass, giggling at my squeal.  "Put these on and quit whining.  We need to get going."

"Becca..."

"Rose...?"

"I hate you."

"And I love you too.  Come on, let's get going.  The others will be drinking the town dry at this rate."  Lastly, she tosses a leather jacket my way and leaves the bedroom.  I glance over my appearance one more time, taking some overexaggerated deep breaths.  I'm really not looking forward to this.  Perhaps if I can get it over and done with tonight then they might stop asking for awhile.....maybe?

"Rosalind Amelia Bennett, move your sexy ass now bitch.  It's time to paint the town red." Becca calls from the front door, her impatience clear in her tone.

"Alright, alright.  Keep your panties on, I'm coming."

She bursts into a fit of laughter as I walk past her through the door, glaring the entire way.

"Newsflash darling, I'm not wearing panties."

"Kill me now, tonight will be a long night," I mumble under my breath.

"Oh baby, you have no idea," Rebecca answered with a large smile and a wink.  She slams my apartment door closed behind us.  "Let's do this, Rose."