by Ava Harrison
I hate that the only reason I’m even getting a job is because of Olivia and her boyfriend. I hate that my own merits aren’t enough. But what am I going to do? Normally I’d say something, but in this case, she’s right. I know she’s right. In the marketing industry, securing a job in Manhattan is close to impossible. Coming in as a summer intern, learning the ropes and securing the connections I need would have landed me a job come September. Or at least, that’s what all my professors promised me back in school. Instead, I had to do a summer semester and missed my chance at most fall internships. When I landed Barkly it was a dream come true, but that fell through. My options are limited now, and I can’t afford to burn any bridges. Because as much as I adore my parents, I refuse to mooch off them any longer.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” I finally answer. “I’m a hard worker, but not in situations that make me uncomfortable. If I need, I’ll press charges. That’s how serious I am about never returning there.”
Karen remains stone-faced but doesn’t say a word. We embark on a staring contest. I know these rules. The first to break eye contact loses. I refuse. I won’t back down. Grant’s words from the other night replay like a mantra over and over again, acting as my anchor.
You did the right thing in leaving.
“Leave. I need to think about how to handle this situation,” Karen says, turning away and effectively breaking our contact.
My fingers press into the skin on my forearm, the sharp bite of my nails silencing me. The urge to defend my decision is all-encompassing, but I know better. And as much as it hurts my pride, I stand and exit.
I did hold firm, and she did lose the battle of wills, but does it matter?
It’s been two days since the bar, and I can’t get Bridget out of my mind. I know it’s a dangerous game I’m playing, but I can’t control it.
I pick up the phone and call the head of security for The L. “Mr. Lancaster,” he answers.
“Miles, I’m going to need you to look into someone for me.”
“Not a problem, sir.”
“Her name is Bridget. She mentioned that she was working at a marketing firm but had to walk out. The temp agency she got the job through was the Karen Michelle Agency. Get me the details.”
“On it.”
I place the phone down, anxious to hear what he has to report. This girl has made me a weak and desperate fool. It’s not the first time I’ve been a fucking idiot where a woman is concerned. You’d think I would’ve learned my lesson.
I should call back and tell him to forget it. I should, but I won’t. I need to know something, anything about her. Maybe just a kernel of information will be enough to stave off the curiosity because that’s all it was: a passionate moment outside a bar with a stranger. A stranger who was desperate just as I was.
Yes, just one more piece of her is all I need. Information will curb the hunger.
Fucking idiot.
I’m sitting at my desk a day later, and everything is grating on my nerves. Spencer keeps calling. Ever since we had our little “heart-to-heart” after his girlfriend, Olivia, overdosed, he’s been waiting for me to talk to him. When he called months ago, it was right after Chelsea convinced me to bid on a property she’d found out he was interested in purchasing. He wanted me to tell him why I outbid him. But at the time I wasn’t ready to talk about the past. Hell, months later, I’m still not ready to talk to him. For so long my objective has been to destroy the legacy my brother stole from me, but now that resolve has changed. Something changed that day on the phone. When he yelled at me, telling me his girlfriend had just struggled for her life, I’ve never felt like a bigger asshole. His words hurt. Hearing the pain in his words hurt. But when his voice dropped and he said, “I want my brother back,” any residual fuel to hurt him faded away.
I do want to talk to him, though, but so much time has passed I wouldn’t know what to say. Plus, the timing isn’t ideal right now. Between The L, having to monitor Chelsea and this damn girl I can’t get out of my mind, I’m like a live wire or a raging inferno ready to explode.
Speaking of, I still haven’t heard back from Miles, and I’m beginning to get pissed about that too. How long does it take to find out something about someone? The last few times I’ve called, he hasn’t been around, almost like he’s avoiding me. Even worse, he’s out of the office for the next few days, so I won’t be getting any answers any time soon. Which pisses me off. Shit. The need to know more about her is taking up way too much of my time. I can’t be acting like this. With the opening of The L looming, I need to get my shit together. We aren’t getting nearly as much press as I’d like, and if this isn’t successful, I’ll hear Chelsea say I told you so. She’ll make my life a living hell.
My phone starts ringing again, and it’s Spencer . . . again. It’s not normal for him to call back-to-back like this. Chelsea must have done something.
I send Spencer to voicemail, refusing to deal with this now. I’ll have to speak to Chelsea before I call Spencer.
Storming into her office, I see her typing away. She’s still as beautiful as when I first met her. She exudes sensuality with every breath she takes. At one time I was completely enthralled by her full lips, by the passion in her deep blue eyes, but now I see through her façade. I see the bitch beneath the surface.
“What the fuck did you do?”
“Well, good morning to you, too.”
“Cut the bullshit. Tell me now.”
“I went ahead and did what you were too much of a pussy to do.”
“I told you to drop it. I told you no more bidding against Lancaster Holdings.”
“You were fine with me bidding on Manchester and St. Barts, so I decided it was in the best interest of this company to not listen to you. Now, if you have nothing else to discuss with me . . .”
“You will cease all acquisitions. Do you hear me? No more bidding. No more purchases. You will leave my family alone, Chelsea.”
“Why would I do that? This is what you wanted. What was best for The L. Or don’t you remember storming into my office at The Lancaster the day you found out your father sideswiped you with Spencer, demanding revenge? Funny how short your memory is right now. One visit with your brother and you’re singing a different tune. Well, don’t worry, Grant, my memory is long enough for the both of us. And I’ll get my satisfaction.”
She’s right. Chelsea and I might not get along, but we’ve always seen eye to eye on the ruin of The Lancaster, the destruction of everything that should have been mine. But after seeing Spencer and speaking to him, that goal just doesn’t seem so important anymore.
Growing my business is one thing, but doing it at the expense of my family is another. The reasons behind my bitterness were my own doing. I see that now. Spencer isn’t to be held accountable for my actions. I’m done doing shady business deals.
“I’m not singing a different tune. I still want to grow and expand. I just changed the method we use to do it. No more underhanded dealings.”
“Only five months ago—”
“Stop it right there.” I raise my palm in the air warningly. “I said no more, and I meant it. Leave Lancaster alone.” My voice booms through her office as I turn on my heel and head to the elevator. Once alone, I let out the breath I’m holding.
She won’t give up. It’s not in her nature.
My hand bangs against the elevator door. Fuck. Until I can find a way to get her out of this company, I need to tread carefully. I take a deep inhale.
Think.
What are my options?
I can’t afford a public battle now. I can’t afford bad publicity for The L, and a public fight in or out of court will do just that. I need to keep my shit straight and figure out some other way to deal with Chelsea.
Grabbing my phone, I dial my attorney. “I want her out!”
“I’ll see what I can do,” he says, not even asking who I’m talking about. For the five years we’ve worked together—ever since I was ou
sted from Lancaster Holdings—he’s known who I want out of my life. We try not to speak her name, but we both know.
Chelsea, the Chief Operating Officer of The L, and the biggest mistake of my life.
My wife.
Knee deep in Googling ways to beef up my résumé, I don’t expect my phone to ring. There’s been no doubt in my mind that Karen wouldn’t be calling, but there’s the agency number on my phone.
“Hello,” I answer, and I know my low voice gives me away. I’m nervous and scared of what she wants. It can’t be good that she’s calling so soon. A knot starts to form in my stomach, a feeling of impending doom hovering. If she can’t find me a job, what will I do? I refuse to go to my parents for money. I refuse to admit I waited too long to get a job and now I’m desperate for work. For anything. I want to be self-sufficient. I don’t want their help. I want to prove to them I can stand on my own two feet. I want to show them I’m not my sisters. I want to be better.
I love my sisters, but it’ll be nice to have something of my own for once. Between Lynn having an affair with her high school teacher and Olivia overdosing, I’ve been vying for my parents’ attention for years. Now it’s time to focus on me—prove myself.
“Karen would like you to come to the office.”
“Uh, okay.”
“Can you be here within the hour?”
Shit. “Yes,” I squeak.
“Great, I’ll let her know.”
With not much time to spare, I change into the power suit my mom had bought me right after I graduated from college. Nothing says stylish yet professional better than a fitted black blazer with a straight A-line skirt that falls a little above my knee. In this suit, I always feel like I can take over the world. With one last glance in the mirror, I square my shoulders and head out the door, eager to have my life begin.
I tap my foot nervously as she stares at me.
“I’m telling you now, if you ever want to work in this or any other industry again, you will not leave this next assignment early. I’m doing you a huge favor placing you somewhere else. Any other person I would show the door, you understand?”
I nod. We both know she’s only doing this to avoid a legal battle, but who am I to complain. I’m getting another chance at a job. Another chance at proving I can make it in NYC on my own. To prove myself and not be compared to my sisters.
Her own head tips up in approval before she types frantically on her computer. She smiles, but the gesture is odd, not genuine at all, and I fear she’s placing me with someone even worse than Matthew Lawson. God, I hope not.
“I’ve found the perfect job. It’s not in marketing, but you aren’t going to object, are you? It’s also a longer gig.”
“How long is it?”
“Minimum of three months, maybe six.” She cocks her head at me.
“Where is it?” I ask, and a smirk lines her face.
“The L.”
“The L?” My heart pounds in my chest.
“Is that going to be a problem?” the smug bitch asks.
Is that going to be a problem? Hell to the yes with “d’uh” on top. That’s owned by one of the Lancaster brothers. The one who’s estranged from Spencer. What’s his name again? This has got to be a huge conflict of interest. From what I’ve heard—or haven’t since Olivia wouldn’t discuss—there’s a major rift between Spencer and his recluse sibling. From what I’ve heard from her, she’s never met him. He’s rarely seen around town these past five years. Something about the imminent launch of The L, and brothers battling, but there weren’t many details, not even a picture of him. He’s like an elusive ghost, and every reporter is dying to sink their teeth into him.
I shouldn’t take this job. But shit, I really don’t have a choice. It’s my last hope. “What’s the position?”
“Does it matter?” She snickers.
“No,” I admit sullenly.
“Good,” she says in victory. She won. She knows it, and I know it. “It’s a temp position in HR, assistant work.”
“I’m not really trained to be an assistant.” I regret the words before they’ve even come out of my mouth. “I mean, it’s perfect. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
“They expect you within the hour for the interview. Although you have the job, they can still say no. So be on your best behavior. Don’t embarrass me and whatever you do don’t be late,” she chastises.
Within the hour? I’m not ready to be interviewed. I’m not ready to try to convince them I’m right for the job. But as I look at Karen from across the desk, I just nod.
When I leave her office, I expel in relief. I hate the idea of working at The L, and I hate that I might upset Olivia. But if I can’t afford my apartment, I’ll have to move home with my parents. Yes, I’m sure they’d help with my rent, but I need to show them I can do this. That there’s more to Bridget Miller.
Standing on the corner of Hudson Street, my mouth drops as I take in where I’ll be working for the next few months. It’s got to be one of the hippest and most cutting-edge hotels in the city. I know I shouldn’t be this excited, but I am. This place is amazing.
I reel myself in. As much as Karen got me in the door, there’s still a chance they’ll tell me I’m not right for the job. I quickly get out my phone and type in the name of the hotel, then start scrolling.
I already know the hotel is owned by the brother of my sister’s boyfriend. But other than the fact they have a turbulent relationship—to say the least—I know nothing at all about the family. Hell, I hardly know Spencer. The boys are supposed to be renowned for their looks and money, but there ends my knowledge. I only met Spencer the one time, and Lord, was I drunk. Story of my life apparently.
I locate The L in my search. Seeing the name Grant Lancaster and the words More Information has me furrowing my brow. Grant. That name has the effect of a tsunami on my system. The guy who left me in the goddamn alley was also a Grant. My cheeks start to flush with embarrassment. Being left hot and bothered has to go down as one of the most mortifying moments of my life. Not much can top that. Hopefully, my boss won’t be as hot as the man from the other night because that would be torture. Worse than waterboarding. That man was way too hot. His lips as they branded my skin, too much . . .
I shake off thoughts of him having already spent too much time wasted on that man. I only have a few more minutes until they call me back into my interview. I need to find out more about The L. I’m just about to click the button to learn something useful when I hear my name being called out. I put the phone away. Hopefully, my bullshit meter is on high, or I’m pretty much fucked. With a giant smile on my face, albeit false, I wipe my sweaty hands on my jacket and make my way to the office. I haven’t even made it through the door before the young pretty woman inside begins speaking.
“Thanks for coming on such short notice. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it. We’re so happy to have you here.” She smiles warmly. “I’m Paige.”
I beam up at her. I can’t believe she’s thanking me. “Thank you. I’m thrilled to be here.”
“Great. So, as a temp, you’ll be working alongside one of us in this department,” she says while typing fiercely on her computer. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure who you’ll be assigned to, but they’ll get it figured out over the weekend.” She looks up. “Monday morning you can come straight here, and then someone will get you all situated. Do you have any questions?”
“Do you have any idea what I’ll be doing? I’d love to prepare if at all possible.”
“I have a feeling you might be working alongside me, which would consist of running errands, making copies, typical HR stuff. But we’ll only know for certain on Monday. Are you fine with that?”
I wonder for a brief second what Paige would say if I responded with a no. That I’m way too overqualified to be someone’s bitch, but honestly, I’d do anything she told me to at this point just to not have to swallow my pride and ask for help. “Of course. That sounds great.
I’m happy to work anywhere within the hotel. So I’m officially starting on Monday?”
“Yes, Monday, eight o’clock. Straight to HR. Things are still a bit all over the place, so please bear with us. You’ll need to fill out these forms today so I can process your ID card for Monday.” She rummages through her desk and hands me a few stacks of papers and then grabs a pen. “And here is a packet of paperwork you’ll need to read and sign by Monday. We’ll need all of that back before you can begin work. If you don’t have any questions, you’re good to go.”
A minute later, I’ve filled out the forms and hand them to Paige while I stand.
“I’ll see you Monday morning.” I smile widely.
“Looking forward to it,” Paige remarks before turning her focus back to her computer.
As I leave The L, I marvel at how easy the whole thing has been. Well, everything after the whole Axis debacle. Maybe Karen will soften to me yet. Doubtful. Surprisingly, I’m starting to feel better about this despite my earlier reservations. The L might not be a nightmare after all, as long as Olivia doesn’t have a fit. I can’t give my sister enough thanks for setting this up, although I’m sure she wouldn’t be thrilled to know she placed me right in the path of her man’s estranged family.
I spend the next hour walking around the hotel, trying to gather my bearings. I need to know that when I start on Monday, I’ll feel confident and comfortable in my surroundings. The place is so big, but it has a nice flow to the layout, making it easy to navigate. I’m confident I’ll be much better off here than at Axis. The hotel is beautiful, and it seems to be the perfect place for me to build my résumé. Hopefully, by the end of my position, I’ll have made connections to take away with me.
I’m still smiling when I make my way outside. Turning around for one more look before I pass through the wide glass doors back into the hallway, I notice a handsome young man smiling back at me.
