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Lark
Finish Christmas shopping early so I don’t get stuck with the sad, leftover wrapping paper.
—From Lark’s Christmas to-do list
"Happy thirty days to Christmas.” My voice is so upbeat, the words seem to chirp back at me. I wince.
I’ve officially turned into one of those irritating people who treats the holiday countdown like a national emergency wrapped in tinsel.
But how can Inotbe cheerful? It’s almost Christmas.Ch-r-iiii-stmas.My fave time ofthe year.
I’m in the front office of Davenport Capital on the executive floor, which is also the top floor of the building they own.
The receptionist lifts her gaze. The expression on her face implies my intrusion is unwelcome.
Undeterred, I flash my brightest smile. “Don’t you love this season?”
She grimaces. Some of the color fades from her features.
“Are you okay?” I scan her face, concerned.
“Yes. Of course. Thanks for asking.” She winces, then presses a hand to her stomach.
I lean forward. “Are you sure you’re alright? You don’t look well.”
“I’m fine. Period pains.” She pinches her lips. “Nothing some ibuprofen won’t cure. Only I seem to have run out.”
“Oh, I have some.” I dig through my bag and pull out the mini bottle I always carry.
Her face brightens. “You sure?”
“Of course. Go ahead, take it.”
“Thank you, so much.” She takes the bottle from me, shakes out two in her palm, then swallows them down with water. “Thanks again. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.” I slip the bottle back in my handbag. “I’m Lark. Lark Monroe.” I hold out my hand.
“Evelyn Rainer.” She shakes my hand and smiles.
“I’m here to interview with Mr. Brody Davenport.”
The smile vanishes. There’s a flicker of—pity?—in her eyes.
She recovers quickly, smoothing her expression into a practiced neutral one. Her eyes, however, stay soft.
“You’re here to interview for the assistant role?”
“Executiveassistant.”
Because that’s what it is. On paper, sure, it’s EA. But in reality? This job is the equivalent of the Chief of Staff to the CEO.
It’s access. Power. Money. Enough to pay off my student loans, help support my sister’s tuition, and provide a more comfortable life for my parents.
Not to mention, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime break. A monster item tocheck off my list. It’s right up there with getting married. Which, for the record, Iam. Engaged that is.
