Chapter 2

Sadie

My phone rang as I cleared the dishes from our morning breakfast. My mother had always cooked breakfast every morning except for Sundays since I was a child. It had been my job to clear the table ever since I could reach it.

“It’s awful early to be calling. I hope it’s a man.” My mother was never going to let me rest when it came to me finding another man. “Let’s hope he’s a decent one this time.” The last one had left me at the altar and ran off with his ex at his bachelor party. My mother hadn’t liked him anyway, not since he talked me into quitting my job to shack up with him.

I walked to the counter and checked my phone. “I think it’s about the job.” I hurried to answer as my nerves went into overdrive. I’d quit my job as a medical assistant to move away for my marriage, and when that fell through, not only was I jobless, but I’d been forced to move back home with my mother. “Good morning, this is Sadie.”

“Hello, I’m calling about the assistant position.” The man’s voice was clear and strong, and he sounded like he could have a career in broadcasting if he wanted. “I was hoping you’d be able to come in for an interview. I need to hire someone immediately.”

“Sure, what time would you like me to come by?” I was suddenly nervous by the haste, but with this being an assistant with medical assistant experience, I knew the situation might be time sensitive.

“How about ten a.m.?”

“That’s just an hour. Where am I going?”

“Fifth Avenue, The Avalon, sixtieth floor.”

“Okay, I’ll be cutting it close, but I’ll be there.” The more I listened, there was something about his voice that sounded familiar. I wondered if he was a celebrity or just another one of those rich pricks living at The Avalon. Regardless, the man might be able to help me make some great connections.

I said my farewells and hung up the phone on the way to my room. I didn’t have time for a shower, so I dressed in my nicest pair of scrubs and pulled my long brown hair up into a sleek ponytail. The man wanted a personal assistant with medical assistant training, so I wouldn’t need to fancy up too much, and besides, there wasn’t much time.

I called for a car and hurried out to meet it knowing I didn’t have a lot of time for my commute but turned out, the car showed up quickly and I got to the Avalon in enough time to slow down on the way inside, which was a good thing, since the doorman stopped me. “I’m Sadie Simpson; I’m here to see—

I realized I didn’t know who I was seeing, and my mind went blank as I tried to remember the floor.

“The sixtieth.” The older man smiled, and I let loose a sigh of relief realizing whoever the man was, he’d called down. I should have known he would. This was the famous Avalon.

My palms grew sweaty as I walked inside and went to the elevator. The heavy doors opened, and a gorgeous man in a tailored suit stepped out. He had a gorgeous woman on his arm, and she was draped in silk and jewels. They offered me a smile, but I felt grossly underdressed to be in the plush building.

The doors closed and I chose the sixtieth floor and held onto the rail as the elevator took off. I was thankful it didn’t make any other stops along the way, and when the door opened, I was surprised to find a small lobby with one bench and a door. The man must own the entire floor.

I walked up to the door, and it opened before my fist could make contact.

A handsome man greeted me, and before he could speak, I recognized him. “Hello, you must be Sadie Simpson?” He offered his hand.

“And you’re Darek Dillon.” I looked down to see that his leg was in a brace. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I wasn’t expecting to see someone I knew.”

“But we’ve never met.” He waved me in and hobbled across the floor.

“Sir, please. Let me help you.” I stepped up and took his arm. “You shouldn’t be up like this. What’s the nature of your injury?”

“Golf swing. Backswing to be more specific.”

“I beg your pardon?” His cologne hit my nose, and the scent was so fresh and clean with a hint of leather and fresh, crisp apples dipped in spice; I didn’t know whether I should eat him or ride him. My cheeks flared. Perhaps both.

“Sorry. I had knee surgery two weeks ago, and then a few complications after that. The doctor, who is a friend of mine, wanted me to do the whole rehab center thing, but the place was awful.” The doctor had probably hoped by him staying there and seeing how awful it was, that he’d make a contribution to improving the facility.

“You should have a walker or a cane for support, but I have to discourage you hopping around like that.”

“Wow, you go right to work, don’t you? It’s impressive, especially considering I haven’t officially hired you yet.” He let loose of a soft chuckle as I helped him into his chair.

“You’re right; I guess it just comes naturally.”

“Have a seat, and we’ll get this interview started, although, you’re already making a damned good impression.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“First, let’s get the formalities out of the way. Please, call me Darek, Sadie. I prefer to be on a first-name basis. What I need is someone who can keep up with things for me like laundry, cleaning, and even a bit of light cooking. There’s also this machine for my rehabilitation; I have another week on it. Then, of course, I’ll need help getting around a bit and taking my medications.”

“You’re still on medications? You must have had some bad complications.”

“Yes, I had an infection. I’m all better and healing wonderfully, but things were messy for a while.”

“I can imagine. It all sounds perfectly doable. What time would I need to come in and leave?”

He winced. “I thought I explained it would be a twenty-four-seven type of deal. I mean, you’ll still have time to take care of any of your business in your downtime, and I don’t mind you leaving for short periods of time if you need to, but this would be round the clock. I’ve needed a new assistant for some time and thanks to this injury; I’ve had to bite the bullet. Here’s the list with your level of pay.”

I would get to work and live in The Avalon. I tried not to react too desperately from the amount, but with that kind of pay, I might not need my degree. I snapped my fingers remembering.

“I have a couple of online business courses I take during the week, and so I’d mostly be studying in my downtime. I also have several tests I need to take.” I hoped that wouldn’t be a deal breaker.

“That’s wonderful. You’re more than welcome to use my home computer and tablet, whatever you need. Is there anything else?”

I hated to ask but knew my mother would give me hell if I didn’t. “I’d need Sunday mornings off, if at all possible; just until around two.”

“Do you go to church?”

“No, I don’t. But my mother makes Sunday dinner and she’d rather me miss a sermon than a meal.”

He got a faraway look for a moment, and then he smiled. “Sounds like you’re a lucky lady, and it’s your lucky day. I’d like for you to start immediately unless you have a problem with any of the terms.”

“I feel like I already have.” I shrugged, giving him a warm smile as he chuckled.

“That you have. I’ll arrange a car to take you back home and get a few things.”

“That sounds good. Thank you for the opportunity, Sir. I appreciate it. I’ve been trying to get back out on my own to be away from my mother’s house, so this works.”

“Do you mind me asking why you had to move back home?” He leaned forward in his chair.

“I was working for a home health provider and doing quite well, but I met a man, and we were going to get married. He had a bachelor party, ran into an old girlfriend, and didn’t show up the next day at the altar.”

“Damn, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry. So, you’re not seeing anyone?”

“No, I’m focused on my career and work. No time for men.” I wanted to add unless you’re available to that sentence, but I knew I had to keep things professional. This was a dream job, and I knew I’d never get another opportunity like it.

I thanked him again and brought him his walker, which he grimaced at. I promised I wouldn’t be gone more than two hours to get my things, but he said there was no rush. My mother was going to freak out. Me shacking up with another man. I’d have to break the news to her gently and assure her it was strictly professional.