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.
“You look happy.” He chuckles.
I snap out of my reverie and grin up at the stranger. “Sorry, I’m in my own world. I just got a temp job here. I start on Monday. Hence the crazy smile on my face.”
“Nice. I’m an intern here. I started a few months ago, and trust me, we need the extra staff. You’ll like it, though. It’s a cool place. I’m Jared, by the way.”
“I’m Bridget. Nice to meet you. I’ve got to get going, but I’ll see you around.”
He quirks an eyebrow as his lips part into a sexy smirk.
I can’t help but grin as I walk out. He’s cute. This is gearing up to be a rather perfect position.