Book Bitch Read Online Free

office, we hopped a cab to meet with Preston Price for lunch. His latest mystery novel had been on the New York Times Best Seller list for seventy-two weeks. Rebecca was in charge of all seven of his novels. He came to her after his second one flopped using Donovan Richards’ agency. Rebecca took him on mostly because Donovan dropped him. She wanted to prove that Donovan’s company was incompetent. Once she catapulted Price’s career into the world spotlight, Price shifted agent control exclusively to her and vowed his loyalty to her forever. It was a decision Rebecca was very proud of, even if she thought Price was overly dramatic, both in person and in his literature.
    “Preston, how are you?” Rebecca extended her cheek for him to kiss.
    “Fine, fine. You look wonderful,” the pretentious Price remarked. His slick, black hair had enough gel in it to grease a newspaper press , and his clothing reeked of the money he made courtesy of Rebecca. A pompous attitude lingered in the air around him. Before this meeting, I liked his work somewhat. Now that I saw what was behind the name, I decided I didn’t care for him as much.
    Rebecca played the game with him. “Preston, this is my protégé, Alex Ryan.” We shook hands.
    “How exciting, Rebecca. A protégé. Does this mean you’re finally sharing your secrets to success? And he’s so delicious. Are you single, dear?” he asked.
    I wasn’t sure if I should answer that.
    Rebecca giggled. “Alex is quite a fantastic agent in his own right, Preston. But you know, there’s always more an agent can learn in order to serve his or her client best.”
    Oh, she was good. Now I know why so many of her clients fell into her lap.
    The waiter came and took our order. The lack of prices on the menu suggested that I’d need a raise if I were to treat clients in this restaurant in the future. Rebecca and Preston went back and forth with small talk about celebrity types, which I found to be boring. Still, Rebecca made it interesting for Preston and pretended to be absorbed in everything he found worth chatting about. Rebecca discussed the final phases of the latest deal she had made on his behalf. He seemed pleased with everything she was able to negotiate with Gail Cranston for him. Mid-way through our meal, Preston addressed me.
    “So Alex, what type of work do you like to read?”
    I froze. Rebecca looked up and waited to hear my answer. A carefully considered response was necessary. I didn’t want to jeopardize any future clientele by dismissing a particular genre. “Well, Mr. Price, I love to read them all. I don’t have a particular favorite. I just enjoy good writing no matter the topic, such as your fine work.” I looked at Rebecca. She sat taller and puffed out her chest. Whew! I gave the right answer.
    We were too full for dessert. Rebecca handled the check and Preston Price gave her a hug and a kiss on each cheek. He gave my hand a hearty shake before saying good-bye.
    “You did very well, Alex,” Rebecca said, as we took another cab back to the office.
    “I didn’t want to embarrass you.”
    “You could never do that,” she said and smiled at me.
    It made me happy to have pleased her.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    Managing to get through the first week of my new position as Rebecca’s protégé, she offered to take me out for a celebratory dinner.
    “Normally, I don’t mix business and my personal life, but I like to reward employees for a job well done. I’ve invited Rose to join us, since I appreciate her , too. If it weren’t for her, my daily living would be a mess.”
    At seven fifteen, I shut down my computer and waited by Rose’s desk until Rebecca was ready to go.
    “So how did you like your first week?” Rose asked, making idle chit chat.
    “Well, I’m still here, so I guess I did okay. At least I didn’t mess up, otherwise I’d be on the street with my pencil cup and Magic 8 Ball, asking strangers if I could