by Faye Price

Created on: January 02, 2010

Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there lived a princess who was trapped in a high, high tower by her evil step-mother. One day, a handsome prince rode up to the tower and demanded to see the princess. The mean ogre, who guarded the tower door, refused to let him in. The prince slayed the ogre with one swing of his mighty sword. He climbed up the 451 steps of the tower and set the princess free. Together, they rode into the sunset on his white steed.

That’s supposed to be how it happens and everyone lives happily ever after. But if that were true, I wouldn’t be fighting my way through the throngs of people all trying to push their way to work at the same time. I wouldn’t be desperately trying not to spill the tray of coffees I was balancing in one hand while madly trying to answer my vibrating phone with the other.

Where is my white knight to rescue me from all this madness? I am ready for him to swoop me up and carry me off. I’ll even climb up on his horse myself if it helps!

But, alas, there is no gallant white knight. Only a high, high tower where my evil stepmother (a.k.a. boss) would keep me 24/7 if she could. As it is, I only get away for a short sleep and a change of clothes. The coffee guy on the corner sees more of me than my apartment does.

I am the personal assistant to Margaret Renard, the toughest editor in Manhattan. Everyone wants her to publish their books but no one wants to work for her. I got the dubious honour after she fired her last assistant for bringing her a blue pen instead of a black one. It was a little bit like being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

When I finally arrived at the twenty-first floor, the office was already abuzz with gossip. Something major was happening but no one knew what. Everyone had their opinion, some more colourful than others. One thing was certain though – it had something to do with Margaret Renard.

Margaret was not in her office yet when I went in to leave her morning coffee on her desk. When I leaned over to put the cup beside her phone, I noticed that today’s date had been circled many times with a thick red marker. A time – 9 am, filled the square. Two red lines under it added importance to its meaning.

My curiosity was instantly piqued. I knew about every appointment and meeting that Margaret had. I was the one who usually set them up and made sure that she was prepared. I even made her doctor and dentist appointments!

But never had I set up anything

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