CHAPTER 1: Isabelle

I pulled into traffic after taking a long look at the yellow building, merging with the other commuters. I was so nervous about my first day at work and spent extra time getting ready this morning. My dark red hair was pulled into a smooth bun at the nape of my neck and my dark green eyes popped with the light liner and mascara that I picked out at the store over the weekend. I didn’t usually wear a lot of makeup but this was a new start for me and I wanted to present myself as best I could. I licked my glossed lips and sighed as I got on the freeway, singing along to the song that was playing through my speakers in the beat up Honda that I’d had for several years.

She was old and probably ugly to some people but my Grandma handed the car down to me. She died ten years ago, and the car was a way for me to remember her by. Well, if I was being honest it was also due to the fact that I was just starting a job in Seattle after moving to a cute little neighborhood just outside of the city. I did love the car though.

I exited the freeway and looked ahead for a coffee shop. If I hurried and there was one near to the building, I could sneak in for a cup. I grinned when I saw the building that housed the publishing company that I was now employed at and saw one right across the street. This day might go well after all. I parked in the designated lot and slipped my purse over my body before I walked to the crowded intersection, looking around at the tall buildings and gray sky with a rueful smile.

It was sure different from San Diego where I’d moved from.

The light changed, and I followed the crowd, separating myself along with a few others to head into the coffee shop. It was crowded, but I had enough time to grab a cup and make it to work. I stood in the fast-moving line and ordered a large cinnamon brew before stepping into the group that was waiting for their orders. I looked around, trying to fit into this business crowd as I swallowed the lump in my throat. When they called my name, I stepped forward and thanked the barista for the coffee before making my way to the counter to add some cream to the cup, inhaling the spicy scent. I loved cinnamon coffee. I finished the preparation and sealed the cup before I turned to leave and go to work.

As I was walking towards the door, someone bumped into me and I almost lost my footing as I pitched forward. I squealed as someone caught me, closing my eyes to avoid seeing the hard floor and then opening them to see arms holding me steady. “I am so sorry. Someone bumped into me…” My voice trailed off as I noticed that my precious coffee was staining his pristine white shirt and dripping from his black tie. I blushed as I looked into his face, stunned momentarily by the bright turquoise eyes gazing back darkly at me. “Oh my God. Can I get you a napkin or something?” I knew that my voice was shrill, but this was too much for my first day at work. It was too much to process, and I turned to look at the counters for a napkin dispenser.

“It’s fine. I can change at work.” The voice sounded irritated and curt as I looked back with wide eyes. He looked angry and started to brush past me as I opened my mouth to speak. The man disappeared into the crowd to stand in line as people glanced between us, making me heat up even further. I dropped my shoulders and sulked out the door, mourning the loss of my coffee as well as the horribly awkward moment.

I did think about his eyes as I stood empty handed on the curb. They reminded me of the photos I’d seen online of tropical beaches in lands far away and those could be beautiful if he wasn’t angry. I sensed that he was the kind of man to show his emotions well and I was not his favorite person right now.

Oh well. It wasn’t like I’d see him again in this city. What were the chances?

I strode to the intersection, vowing to make the rest of this day better. I still needed coffee, but I’d get some on break since the shop was so close. I walked across the wide street with a crowd, feeling important as I turned to the right and walked over to the square building that stood out with the flawless brick and windows everywhere. Stanton Publishing was one of the biggest publishing companies on the West coast and I was thrilled to be getting a job as an assistant editor to the head honcho of the department, working under some bigger names in the company. I'd always loved writing, using it to get through the harder times in my life. I didn’t expect it to take off but you never know. I’d be around books all day now and it might rub off, making me the newest billionaire author. I giggled as I walked along the sidewalk and then to the tall glass doors, thanking the man that opened the door for me. I followed a group to the car and stood back as I looked surreptitiously around the massive lobby.

The floors were a warm marble in shades of brown and orange that somehow worked. There was a big desk that had three women working behind it, helping people that had questions. I heard the ding of the door and looked forward to make sure that I could fit, stepping inside with a small smile as I saw the space available.

Looking around the inside of the elevator, it seemed like I was going to some lawyer’s office. The colors in here were dark but warm like the lobby and I smiled as reality hit me. I had a job in Seattle working for a publishing company. This was a dream job for me and I tucked my purse in front of my body as I took a slow breath. The doors opened on the floors before mine and people exited as I looked out to see what their company looked like. Stanton took of the top three floors and I exited the elevator on the fifteenth floor and looked around. It was nice in here with a hipster feel to the room, complete with a small coffee stand in the corner.

Perfect.

I approached the desk and told the smiling blonde woman behind the counter my name and that I was there for my first day at work. “Isabelle, here you are. I’m going to send you over to HR to get some paperwork done and to meet your immediate manager. Go past the desk and take the next right. You’ll see HR at the end of that hallway. I’ll let them know that you’re here.” She smiled, and I nodded at her with a soft thank you on my lips. This was happening. I followed her directions and approached the door that boasted the name Human Resources, suddenly feeling nervous.