and do his business in my yard. I glare over the fence and I swear just as I look over I see a white head duck. Ugh. They suck. I limp over to the water hose and wash my foot off, wrinkling my nose at the awful smell. When my foot is clean, I stomp back to my table, grab my coffee and stomp back inside.
“Shake it off. Shake it off. It’s still going to be a great day.” I repeat this like a mantra to myself as I go back to my room and then to the bathroom to get in the shower. Forty minutes later, I step back from the mirror and take in my appearance. Dressed in my favorite three-piece suit, one that certainly exceeds the bank's staunch dress code, I have to admit, I look good today. My suit jacket fits my curves like it’s custom made for my body. The skirt hits at the perfect place above my knees showing off one of my best assets – my legs - but it isn’t too short to be unprofessional. I’ve left my blonde hair down today but took the time to curl it into soft waves that flow down my back. My blue eyes pop with the smoky color I’ve applied around them, and I’ve put just a touch of color on my high cheekbones. Mischa says I could easily be Kate Bosworth’s twin, and while I don’t see it, I definitely appreciate the compliment.
I add a crystal bracelet, a gift from Mischa, to my wrist. It’s supposed to bring strength and courage, two things I can use today. Before grabbing my purse and keys, I fill up my favorite travel mug full of coffee, then head out the door to my car. I start the car, connect my iPhone and start blasting “Work Bitch” by Britney Spears. I pull down the driveway but come to an immediate stop as I hear banging on the roof and back of the car. “What the hell?” I look out the window and see my travel mug on the ground. “Shit!” Throwing my car into park, I get out, grab my now dented travel mug, and get back in my car with a sigh.
M y mind quickly turns to the impending meeting this morning. We always have weekly staff meetings, but everyone knows that today, my boss Steve, is going to announce who is becoming the new officer of the bank. I interviewed for the position of personal banking officer, and given my experience, time with the company, and the fact that I’m already a backup for the position, I’m positive this job is mine. The interview was just a formality – it’s not like they can just give it to me. I understand that. This promotion will be really great for me. Not only will all of my hard work finally be acknowledged, but I’ll get an additional week’s vacation and a much needed pay raise. I’m really tired of living paycheck to paycheck and I can’t even imagine what it will feel like to have some extra money stowed away for an emergency.
Unfortunately, my fifteen -minute commute takes thirty today thanks to an accident on the freeway, but that’s okay. I left my house in plenty of time, so when I finally pull into the parking lot, I’m calm for the most part. I would be a wreck if I was running late today of all days. My stomach is fluttering with nervousness. Forget butterflies, I have freaking pterodactyls. Once inside, I set my purse at my desk and exchange “Good Morning’s” with a few staff members as I head to the back room where the vault is located. Someone else has already deactivated the alarm and opened the vault, so I just take my cash drawer out of the safe and take it to my desk, making sure all the cash inside is organized. All my wrapped cash has to go into a lower drawer, keeping the minimum above in the event of a robbery.
“Good morning, Aspen.” I look up from locking my drawer in place and see my friend, Meg.
“Hi, Meg. How was your weekend?” I ask, smiling at her and taking in her pretty purple pantsuit that compliments her dark hair and eyes.
Meg sits at my desk across from me like she’s a client . “It was great. Jay came over and we watched movies and ordered take out.” Then she adds in a whisper, “And
“Shake it off. Shake it off. It’s still going to be a great day.” I repeat this like a mantra to myself as I go back to my room and then to the bathroom to get in the shower. Forty minutes later, I step back from the mirror and take in my appearance. Dressed in my favorite three-piece suit, one that certainly exceeds the bank's staunch dress code, I have to admit, I look good today. My suit jacket fits my curves like it’s custom made for my body. The skirt hits at the perfect place above my knees showing off one of my best assets – my legs - but it isn’t too short to be unprofessional. I’ve left my blonde hair down today but took the time to curl it into soft waves that flow down my back. My blue eyes pop with the smoky color I’ve applied around them, and I’ve put just a touch of color on my high cheekbones. Mischa says I could easily be Kate Bosworth’s twin, and while I don’t see it, I definitely appreciate the compliment.
I add a crystal bracelet, a gift from Mischa, to my wrist. It’s supposed to bring strength and courage, two things I can use today. Before grabbing my purse and keys, I fill up my favorite travel mug full of coffee, then head out the door to my car. I start the car, connect my iPhone and start blasting “Work Bitch” by Britney Spears. I pull down the driveway but come to an immediate stop as I hear banging on the roof and back of the car. “What the hell?” I look out the window and see my travel mug on the ground. “Shit!” Throwing my car into park, I get out, grab my now dented travel mug, and get back in my car with a sigh.
M y mind quickly turns to the impending meeting this morning. We always have weekly staff meetings, but everyone knows that today, my boss Steve, is going to announce who is becoming the new officer of the bank. I interviewed for the position of personal banking officer, and given my experience, time with the company, and the fact that I’m already a backup for the position, I’m positive this job is mine. The interview was just a formality – it’s not like they can just give it to me. I understand that. This promotion will be really great for me. Not only will all of my hard work finally be acknowledged, but I’ll get an additional week’s vacation and a much needed pay raise. I’m really tired of living paycheck to paycheck and I can’t even imagine what it will feel like to have some extra money stowed away for an emergency.
Unfortunately, my fifteen -minute commute takes thirty today thanks to an accident on the freeway, but that’s okay. I left my house in plenty of time, so when I finally pull into the parking lot, I’m calm for the most part. I would be a wreck if I was running late today of all days. My stomach is fluttering with nervousness. Forget butterflies, I have freaking pterodactyls. Once inside, I set my purse at my desk and exchange “Good Morning’s” with a few staff members as I head to the back room where the vault is located. Someone else has already deactivated the alarm and opened the vault, so I just take my cash drawer out of the safe and take it to my desk, making sure all the cash inside is organized. All my wrapped cash has to go into a lower drawer, keeping the minimum above in the event of a robbery.
“Good morning, Aspen.” I look up from locking my drawer in place and see my friend, Meg.
“Hi, Meg. How was your weekend?” I ask, smiling at her and taking in her pretty purple pantsuit that compliments her dark hair and eyes.
Meg sits at my desk across from me like she’s a client . “It was great. Jay came over and we watched movies and ordered take out.” Then she adds in a whisper, “And