by Susan Hatler
If only we knew whether or not he was hiding secrets from her.
“What’s up, Noah?” I checked my watch, hoping this wouldn’t take long.
He sat in a chair, then slouched forward with his elbows on his knees. “Something happened with Rach, and I could use some advice.”
My stomach tightened, knowing I was the last person Noah should get advice from. “Maybe you should try Ellen? The clock’s ticking on my career counseling class, remember?”
This was totally true. I needed to finish the class as a fallback in case my hunch was wrong and the human resources manager position wasn’t opening up. Or if I didn’t get it. Gasp.
He stood, immediately. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to get in your way.”
My heart clenched, so I gestured for him to sit back down. “No, this can wait. What’s going on? I’m listening.”
A look of appreciation crossed his face. “It could be nothing.”
Famous last words from many of my (former) clients. “Tell me.”
He wrung his hands together. “I stepped out of my office earlier today. When I came back, I caught Rach going through my cell phone.”
Ugh. I can’t believe she’d do that during office hours without a lookout. “What did she say when you asked her about it?”
“I didn’t.” He glanced away as if embarrassed. “Things have been tense between us the last couple days, and I didn’t want to make things worse. Do you think I should talk to her about it? We’re supposed to be able to tell each other anything.”
It felt obvious how much Noah cared about Rach, but I’d been wrong before. My lips twisted to the side. “I think you should examine your own motivations first. Once you’re sure what you want, discuss it with her.”
He squinted, then tilted his head as if confused. “Okay . . .”
“Good.” I checked the time, and started to stress. “Anything else?”
He paused, then shook his head. “Thanks, Kristen.”
“No problem.” I nodded, hoping he was on the up-and-up with my friend.
Once Noah had (finally) left for lunch, I searched Chloe’s husband’s name online and discovered he’d accepted a new job in Oregon. Jackpot.
Picking up the telephone receiver, I punched in Chloe’s extension, and got her voicemail. “Hi, Chloe. It’s Kristen. Can we talk for a few minutes when you’re available? It’s really important. Thanks.”
Sighing with frustration as I hung up the phone, I forced myself to stay calm. It’s not like Chloe had announced her resignation yet, so surely I’d be the first person to pitch for the job. With my background in psychology, and my college job as a human resources assistant, I had a good chance at getting hired.
But, I needed a back-up just in case it fell through.
Clicking the mouse onto the web browser, I typed in the address for my career counseling class, Career Crush, and read my assignment for the day:
Dear Kristen Moore,
Tired of going to a job you don’t love? Wishing you could find the perfect career? Well, you’re on track. Congratulations for signing up at Career Crush!
Your Task: When searching for the career you love, keep all possibilities open. Your task is to shadow someone in a career you wouldn’t normally choose, write down your experience in 1-2 pages, then turn it in for our evaluation. It’s essential that you include aspects that you both liked and disliked.
Ready, set, find your career crush!
Sincerely,
The Staff at Career Crush
I logged off Noah’s computer, slipped my purse strap over my shoulder, then headed for the door wondering who had a job I could shadow.
Ding! Ding!
Pulling my phone out of my handbag, I checked the screen to find a text from Ethan: Hey. You rushed out so fast last night I didn’t get the time for your party Saturday. Let me know. ~E
Hmmm. Instead of texting Ethan back, I tapped on his number, then listened as the phone rang.
“Hey, Kristen.” I heard a click in the background that sounded like a door closing. “I didn’t expect you to call.”
Ooops. He might be on a lunch date for all I knew. “Am I interrupting something?”
“No,” he said quickly. “Just eating at my desk, writing motions, the usual stuff.”
Knowing he was alone, I smiled into my phone. “Sounds scintillating.”
His low chuckle sent chills through me. I swallowed. “I’m calling for a favor.”
“Name it.”
“It’s for my career counseling program.” I pressed my cell further against my ear. “I need to observe a career that I wouldn’t normally choose. Then I thought: lawyer. What do you say?”
He paused a moment. “How about tomorrow?”
“That would be amazing.” I blinked, surprised he’d worked me into his schedule so soon. “I don’t get off until five. Is that too late?”
“Not at all. Our staff leaves at five, too. But, most of the attorneys stay late. Should be plenty of paper pushing for you to observe here.”
“Excellent.” I laughed. “I really appreciate this, Ethan.”
“Glad to help.” His tone sounded like he meant it. “So, what time is your birthday bash on Saturday?”
“We’re meeting at noon. On Folsom Lake.” Since Dana wasn’t his girlfriend, I needed to make it clear this was a friendly invite so he didn’t think (er, find out) I had a crush on him. “Some people are coming with their significant others, so bring a date if you’d like.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye.” My stomach clenched as I turned my phone off.
Surely, Ethan wouldn’t have thanked me for the date suggestion unless he planned to bring someone to my birthday party. But, who? He hadn’t mentioned he was seeing anyone.
Suddenly feeling nauseated, I frowned. If the mere thought of Ethan with another woman bothered me this much, I didn’t want to know how it’d feel to see them together. I trudged down the hall, wishing I’d kept my big mouth shut on the whole date thing.
****
The door chimed as I walked into Totally Fit that evening. Since I’d joined this gym during my sabbatical, I used to attend morning classes. Luckily, my favorite Zumba instructor also taught Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
After the cool down and stretching, class ended but I remained sprawled out on the floor like limp spaghetti. “That was just what I needed, Mel.”
“Glad to hear it.” The perky instructor turned off the music, tightened her ponytail, then her long blonde mane bounced onto one shoulder. “Are you staying for the Pilates class? I’m covering it for Erica tonight since she’s out on a hot date.”
I rolled over onto my belly, and looked up at her. “I’m beat. But I think I’ll cool down on the treadmill for a few more minutes.”
“Good idea.” She dropped down next to me with the bottoms of her feet together in butterfly position, then bobbed her knees up and down.
Remembering how she’d opened up to me about her problems last time, I blurted, “How are things going? Any better?”
“Ugh. It’s been one of those days.” Her legs froze, and she leaned forward, placing her elbows on the mat. “My step-sister got laid off. She’s put in applications everywhere, but nobody’s hiring. If she doesn’t get a job by the end of the month, she’s going to have to move in with our parents. Not a fun prospect at twenty-eight.”
“No.” Moving in with my parents would’ve driven me nuts at any age. They bickered constantly, and evening dinners were always a battle of who had wronged who the most. Not times I treasured or cared to repeat on a nightly basis. Holidays were bad enough. “You still bummed it didn’t work out between you and Marcus?”
Her mouth spread into a huge grin. “Nope. This guy who’s been flirting with me here at the gym asked me out. We’re gonna see a River Cats game tomorrow night at Raley Field.”
“Good for you.” Actually, baseball bored me. I’d gone to a few games with Jake, but by the thi
rd inning, I’d pulled out my phone to read a romance novel. But, I was glad to see Mel in good spirits again. “I hope you have fun.”
“Oh, I plan to.” She winked at me, then glanced up as the new class started trickling in.
Marveling that she’d date so soon after her broken heart, I somehow gathered enough energy to pull myself off the floor. “See you Thursday.”
Melanie waved, then started greeting the women who’d filed in.
On noodle legs, I hobbled over to the treadmills, and popped on the only empty one. I set the speed for 2.5 miles per hour, hit the start button, then walked at a gingerly pace.
“Kristen?” a deep male voice beside me said.
Startled to hear my name, my head pivoted slowly until I was looking up into the smooth, mocha-brown eyes of the man in a slow jog next to me.
I tripped, then grabbed the side rails to steady myself. “Ethan.”
“Hey.” Keeping up his brisk pace, he smiled. “I didn’t know you worked out here.”
“Just joined a couple months ago.” My eyes unwittingly traveled from his face down to the white running shirt that stretched against his muscular chest. His bent arms swung back and forth, showing off his well-defined biceps. Oh. My. My tongue felt like lead, but I forced myself to speak (in lieu of ogling). “I used to go to the morning classes, but now I’m at work all day . . .”
My voice trailed off when he glanced at my settings.
He upped his pacing to 5.0. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Really?” I watched his muscular legs pump up and down, his shoes pounding the track in a way that was making me flush. “Why’s that?”
His breath was coming faster now, making me hot all over. This was so not an appropriate reaction to have about my history pal. My deliciously muscular history pal. “I could use your advice,” he said.
“About what?” Even though I was supposed to be on cool-down, I increased my speed to 3.0. Maybe the pain in my legs would distract me from staring at Ethan’s fit and sweaty body exercising next to me.
He rubbed his wrist across his forehead. “How can a guy tell if a woman’s interested in him?”
Alarms sounded in my head, and my brows shot up. “Meaning interested in you, right?”
The side of his mouth tilted upward. “Nice catch, counselor.”
“I like to get down to business.” I upped my speed because the way his skin glistened made me want to slide my hands up his arms. More pain. Needed way more pain.
“I’m noticing several things.” His words came out choppy from his heavy breaths. “I’ll catch her watching me, but when she sees me notice, she glances away. Also, she’ll brush my arm sometimes when she’s talking. Stuff like that.”
So annoying for my gender. What kind of woman played those silly games?
After eyeing Ethan’s legs again, I finally tapped my arrow until I’d reached a respectable jog. “If a girl worth dating liked you, you’d know it.”
“How?”
“She’d make it clear. Trust me.” I swallowed, thinking about what I’d do if I wanted Ethan. Starting with rubbing my hands all over those glistening muscles. . . Ah, I so needed to snap out of it. “Tell me about this secret of yours.”
Glancing over, the side of his mouth curved upward. “You left so abruptly last night, you missed your chance to see it. What makes you think I’ll offer again?”
Oh, that’s how he was going to play it? “Give me a clue.”
His eyes heated. “What will you give me in return?”
Several images flashed in my mind, sending so many zings through my belly, I slammed the stop button on the treadmill. Jumping off, I landed and my legs gave out.
In a flash, a strong hand grasped my arm. “You all right?”
Thoroughly humiliated, but determined not to show it, I raised my chin. “I worked leg weights before Zumba class, so my legs might be going on strike.”
Seeming satisfied I wasn’t going to fall, Ethan straddled the treadmill, then leaned toward me. “I’ll show you the secret tomorrow night, after you come by my office.”
Very aware he was still gently holding my arm, I stared up at him, and forced a shrug. “Maybe. If I’m still interested.”
He straightened, then ran his teeth over his bottom lip. “You’ll be interested. I guarantee it.”
“We’ll see.” Waving my fingers, I slid out of his grasp, then strode toward the exit. Feeling his eyes on me, I refused to look back.
Tomorrow I’d shadow Ethan at his office, then go home to write my report. I wouldn’t ask to see the secret. Not even for a lifetime pass to historical museums.
Even though I wanted to know the secret now more than ever.
Chapter Four
The next morning, I crossed my legs where I sat in Chloe’s office, ready to sell myself on her job. She’d already seen my resume, which showed some human resources experience, but not a ton. It was up to me to ease any worry she might have that I’d learn to do her job quickly and proficiently.
I could already envision the daily lunches with the girls. . . .
Chloe appeared perfectly put together behind her massive desk. Not a wrinkle in her suit. Not a hair out of place. “Kristen, I’m having a meltdown of epic proportions.”
Okay. Not what I expected to hear. “Anything I can help you with?”
Great employees will help in a myriad of situations.
“I’m so glad you asked.” She let out a sigh of relief. “My shrink chose this week, of all weeks, to go on vacation. Then this colossal quandary drops in my lap. Can you believe it?”
No. I honestly couldn’t. I’d moved on from my former career, but pretty much nobody else would join me. I sighed. “What’s going on?”
She twisted her hand in the air. “My husband has been offered this huge promotion.”
No kidding. “Congratulations.”
“It’s a great opportunity for Adam, but it’s out of state.” She put her pink-painted fingernail between her teeth. “Oregon’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but it rains a lot. And all my family’s here, you know?”
I nodded, even though being far from my family wouldn’t devastate me. “Are there any pros to him taking the job?”
“The money.” She gave me a look that said it was no small number. “We wouldn’t need my income, so I could stay home with our kids, which I’d love. But, I’ve worked hard to get where I am in my career, and the girls adore their preschool.”
“Sounds like a tough dilemma.” Take the job. Take it! I shifted in my chair. “Are there any other concerns you’re having?”
She pressed her lips together as if I’d read her mind. “Adam. It’s his dream. How can I take that away from him?”
The faith she had in their longevity dumbfounded me. “What’s your dream?”
Her eyes rounded. “That’s a hard question. When do I ever have time to think about me? I’m too busy running carpools, playing board games, making dinner, and let’s not forget about work. After all is said and done, there’s no time for my needs.”
She made marriage and family sound divine. Not.
“Why don’t you make a list of your top ten things that make you happy in life. Then, rank them in order of importance.” Man, when was the last time I’d done that? College? “Once you’re done, circle the top three, then compare them to living here versus moving to Oregon.”
Chloe’s face lit up. “That sounds so easy.”
“Good.” I laughed. “Then do it. Sometimes writing it out in black and white can make a decision feel less overwhelming than when it circles around in your brain. It also puts into perspective what’s really important to you.”
“I’ll give it a go. Thanks so much.” She smiled, then pulled her cell out of her drawer. “You just simplified what had seemed like a chaotic decision. I really appreciate your help.”
Since it appeared as if she was going to call someone, I assumed our conversation was over, and rose from my chair. It’s
not like I could make my big pitch now after she’d bared her problems to me, so I just said, “If you do decide to move, I’d love to be considered for your position.”
Her brows came up as if she hadn’t thought of that. “Sure thing, Kristen. Although I’m surprised you’re not going back to counseling. You have such a calm and confident personality, which makes it very easy to open up to you.”
Although she meant well, the compliment stung. Like a remnant from my past that kept coming back to haunt me.
“Thanks,” I said, then closed her office door behind me.
I didn’t envy Chloe her tough choice ahead, and I couldn’t imagine the responsibility of having my husband’s dream rest on my shoulders. Or mine resting on his. What if they were in conflict with each other?
For some reason I thought of Ethan, and I wondered what I’d do if his dream career came along and it was my choice whether he’d take it or not. I pictured that simmering look he got when something was important to him and the slow way his lips curved upward. I’d do pretty much anything to see that look magnified.
And somewhere deep inside, I felt a spark of hope that he’d do the same thing for me.
****
It felt weird being at Ethan’s place of business. Especially when his young secretary threw me a hostile glance, after showing me to his office. Like I’d invaded her territory. I couldn’t help wondering if he’d ever hooked up with her.
Not that I cared.
“Your secretary doesn’t like me.” The words slipped out as I took a seat in front of his desk. Oops.
Ethan chose the seat next to me instead of sitting behind the desk in his regular office chair. He looked incredibly handsome in a suit and tie, his blazer hanging on a wooden coat rack just inside the door. Tall, dark, and handsome. So cliché, yet so Ethan.
His brows came together. “What did she do?”
Trying to ignore how close we were sitting, my shoulder lifted. “Cold greeting. Death glare. They didn’t exactly scream I love you.”
He put his hand over mine. “Don’t take it personally. For the first six months Carol worked here, I thought she hated me. That scowl is the cause of many nightmares around the office. But, after three years, I know that’s just how she is. She’s a great secretary, in any case.”
