Less Than Nothing

CHAPTER 1

”Hold it…hold it! ” I gasp, my heels clinking against the hard, ceramic floor as I barrel towards my destiny.

My hands desperately shuffle through my bag, as I lock eyes with the person whos in charge of my fate. Today, its an older woman whose hair is starting to turn gray in the front. Her face is molded into a stern expression, a complete contrast from her vibrant, floral print shirt.

And despite my pleas, both verbal and telepathic, she simply faces the ground, and pretends she doesn see me, allowing the subway doors to close.

”Oh ** me. ” I curse under my breath, finally finding my metro card through the sea of random items in my purse.

The time is now noon, and Im officially late.

Late for my first day as Adrienne Walkers assistant.

As I swipe my metrocard, and walk through the stations turnstiles, I take a second to process what my life has become. A year ago, I was living at my parents house in Florida, taking college classes and essentially dreaming of the day where I would be in the position that I am now. A college graduate, doing the job I love, in a city that I love even more.

When I got hired to work at Adrienne Walker Designs I was in complete shock. I mean…shes Adrienne **ing Walker. Her company is world renowned. An absolute staple in the fashion industry.

And Im her assistant.

I moved to New York City about two weeks ago, and Ive just been over the moon. For the first time in a long time, I can confidently say that Im satisfied with where I am. I don feel like Im in that ambiguous place of waiting for my life to become what I need it to be before I can start being happy.

I am happy. The impenetrable kind of happiness that not even the wrath of the New York City subway can destroy.

Lucky enough, another train approaches the platform shortly after, and Im able to board.

About thirty minutes later, I made it to Adriennes office.

”Woah… ” I whisper, entering the large lobby. To say its beautiful would be an understatement. Theres a sense of crisp elegance that invades the large area. Even the noise of my heels clicking on the floor sounds expensive.

Before I even get to the front desk, a man in a fancy suit who I assume is security approaches me.

”Miss Alexandra Monet? ”

”Yup, thats me. ” I smile.

”Welcome to Adrienne Walker Designs, ” he greets me as if my arrival was anticipated for some time.

”Mrs. Walker is waiting for you in her office. Third floor to the right. Its the door in the middle. ”

”Thank you so much. ”

On the elevator ride up, I get a quick glance of myself in the large mirror. In spite of the **ing hassle it took to get here, my usually curly brown hair maintained the skilled work of my flat iron, and sits perfectly down my back. Prior to me arriving in New York, Adrienne sent me some pieces from her new line, which I currently have on. My matching, office friendly skirt and top are hidden by a cute blazer. I kept my makeup light, as usual but I still looked nice. Professional.

Once the elevator reaches my floor, I follow the security guards instructions, and make my way to Adriennes office. As I walk down the hallway, my eyes latch onto the decor, completely astonished. On the precisely painted beige walls are large, framed photos of models from Adriennes fashion shows throughout the years. I can believe that Im actually here.

A mixture of excitement and anxiety starts to consume me, as I approach Adriennes office. The door is slightly cracked, but I knock anyway.

”Come in, ” she replies, and I enter the spacious room.

Ive never actually seen Adrienne in person before. The interview process for this job all took place online. She doesn look too different though.

Her light brown curls are held up in a messy bun, while the same round glasses close around her face. It takes a moment, but she finally looks up at me.

”Alexandra! ” She smiles, closing her laptop. ”Its so great to finally meet you in person. ”

”Likewise, Mrs. Walker. Thanks again for choosing me for this position. ”

”Please…call me Adrienne! ”

She gets up from her seat, and makes her way over to where Im standing.

”Im so sorry for being late. The subway was taking forever and I- ”

”Its okay! ” Adrienne interrupts me. ”What matters is that you
e here. ”

Ive heard mixed reviews about Adrienne. Some say that shes an absolute diva, while others call her a saint. I came into this job not knowing what I was getting myself into, but so far she doesn seem so bad.

”Your office is the room across the hall, ” she hands me a key. ”Go get yourself settled, and then we can discuss the plan for this week. ”

”Awesome, thank you so much. ”

Life is good.

Im in New York City.

I work for one of the biggest names in fashion and…

What the **?

As I twist my key through the door, and open it, I am shocked to see somebody else sitting at my desk.