All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgans

to use a couple of celebs who champion the environment—Leonardo DiCaprio, for example.”
    â€œWhy would we use him? Does he hike?” Muriel asked.
    I paused. Looked at Mark again, who was suddenly engrossed in doodling. Glanced at Damien, whose eyes were very wide. “Well, if we get a well-known face, especially one associated with a cause, we brand BTR—”
    â€œBags to Riches,” she corrected.
    â€œRight.” I paused. “Okay, well…people want to be like celebrities, right? That’s why J. Crew sells out of whatever Michelle Obama’s wearing.”
    â€œJ. Crew is not our competitor, Callie,” Muriel said condescendingly. Leila winced.
    â€œI know that,” I said. “What I mean is, the First Lady has influence. Which is true in any ad campaign that uses celebrities, whether they’re hawking milk or Nikes. So if we had Leo in a BTR ad, I’m sure we’d see a bump in sales.”
    â€œHmm,” Muriel said. “Interesting.”
    No one made eye contact. This was Advertising 101. I glanced at Mark, who was looking at Muriel with a very tender expression. He leaned over and placed his hand over hers.
    â€œIt’s a lot to take in,” he said. “Well, this has been great. Thanks, Callie. We’ll get back to you and talk about next steps. Oh, and by the way, the BTR peopleare coming out later this week. We’ll be doing an event on Friday. Participation mandatory.”
    â€œWhat kind of event?” Damien asked, immediately suspicious.
    â€œA little hike so Charles can see the beauty of a Vermont sunset,” Mark said, ignoring Damien’s stricken expression. “Drinks and dinner afterward.”
    Â 
    J UST BEFORE LUNCH , Fleur slipped into my office and closed the door. “What the fuck-all was Mark thinking?” she hissed. “Yeah, he’s shagging Muriel, but did he have to hire her? She doesn’t know a bloody thing!” She flopped onto my couch.
    The thing about Fleur was that when she was truly upset, her accent slipped, something she was completely unaware of. Her accent was in full force now. I suspected she wanted gossip.
    â€œIt’s Mark’s company,” I said calmly, turning away from my computer. “And I’m sure Muriel will…” I paused. “Well, she’ll catch on. Obviously, her dad wants her on this account.”
    â€œCallie,” Fleur whispered. “I’ve got much more experience than Muriel.” Accent gone, revealing shades of New York. The truth came out. “Just because my father doesn’t own the company doesn’t mean I should have to take orders from that frigid and ignorant bitch.”
    â€œListen,” I said quietly, “don’t go there. Just do your job well and trust that Mark will work things out.”
    â€œShe’s making more than me. More than you, too, as a matter of fact. Karen told me.”
    â€œKaren shouldn’t have—”
    â€œAll right, all right, she didn’t tell me. I just happened to see some paperwork when I was in there for somethingelse.” She sighed. “Figured you should know. You and Mark were…well. Whatever.”
    The accent was back. I glanced at my watch. “I have to run, Fleur. I’m sorry. I’m meeting someone for lunch.”
    â€œOh, right!” she said. “The plan!”
    â€œWhat plan?” I asked, closing a file on my computer.
    â€œThe plan to make Mark green with envy!” she whispered gleefully.
    â€œOh, I’m not really going—”
    â€œNow, now, no need to explain! I’ll walk you out.”
    Sighing—Fleur could be a bit much—I grabbed my bag and we walked into the foyer, where Mark was signing something for Damien. “Have fun on your date!” Fleur called loudly as I pulled open the door to leave. Mark and Damien looked up.
    â€œYou’re going on a date?” Damien asked,