Fast.
ChapterOne
MARGOT
Eight weeks later
I lean closer to the microphone.
“Finally, what do the stars have in store for your fur baby this week? With the Moon in Taurus, don’t be surprised if your pet is looking for all those good things in life. Namely food. And treats. Now is the time when you need to put stuff on a high shelf out of reach, because they’re thinking with their stomachs.” I pause. Rain is starting to patter against the window.
“Add to that the Sun in Scorpio and desire is going to be first and foremost on their minds. There’s an intensity there that means whatever they want, they’re going to go for it. So lock up those randy pooches! I’ll be back next week, so please do email me with your queries. Until then, this is Margot Brennan signing off from the Celestial Pawz podcast. May the stars guide you and your furry friends on this cosmic journey through the animal kingdom…”
I pinch the bridge of my nose with my fingertips. I might have to redo the last few minutes. I’ve been feeling out-of-sorts, as my Aunt used to say, all day. My animal astrology podcast is really just a side hustle; it isn’t bringing in any money. But I’m determined to make it work. Once my life is back on course, that is.
I stand up, pulling on my coat. I want to take another sip of coffee but something about the smell repulses me. I have the mother of all caffeine withdrawal headaches. My phone beeps. It’s Serenity.
Serenity: Have you taken it yet???
Margot: No. I’m about to leave. It’s my first day at work, remember?
Serenity: Good luck. Call me when you have a chance.
I put the phone in my bag, then turn around and go into the bathroom, pulling the pregnancy test from the shelf above the sink. My best friend is right. I can’t keep ignoring this. I’m used to locking bad stuff away in a box so I don’t have to deal with it, but potentially being pregnant from a one-night stand isn’t something I can ignore.
Was it worth that one night of bliss? Heat spreads in my core at the memory of Duncan’s hands on my body, his head between my legs. I wonder if he even remembers who I am. If Iampregnant, I guess I’m going to have to tell him. Another fucked-up thing to add to my long list.
I close the door of the apartment the agency found me. It’s small, but clean and comfortable, located just off the main square of this little town.
Coming to a small town from the city is a big change. After I sneaked away from Duncan’s place, it took me a couple of weeks and some good luck to get a new job. I registered my resumé with a bunch of agencies and one contacted me asking if I’d be a PA if it involved a move to a small town. It was much better paid than my last role and included a place to live, so I said yes.
As I walk through the rainy streets of Snowflake Falls, I wonder if I’ve jumped from the frying pan into the fire. All I really know about my new boss is that I have to sign a non-disclosure agreement before I meet them. The company, Elite Estates Development Group, is co-owned by a number of other companies, so despite some googling I’m not sure who exactly I’m meant to be working for.
I wish I could talk to Aunt Thalia. She was the only security I knew in my life after Mom died, making sure I got to school on time, commiserating with me about boys, dancing in the kitchen to her favorite disco tunes on Friday night.
She was also my last connection to Mom and the only family I had until Dad popped up. I square my shoulders against the wind, trying to keep my umbrella from blowing inside out. Dad’s asked for my new address, promising to visit. But I’m pretty sure he just wants to come and try and talk me into this stupid arranged marriage deal he’s set up. No way am I marrying some guy I’ve never met, even if he is stinking rich with a nice house. And even if it would solve Dad’s money problems for me to marry him. It doesn’t escape my notice that Dad only appeared in my life again once he wanted something from me.
I wait outside a coffee place called Gingerbread, checking my phone. I’m exactly on time. A sleek black car draws up and an older man gets out of the driver’s seat.
“Miss Brennan?”
“That’s me. Good morning.” I slide into the plush back seat as he holds the door open.”
“I’m Bryan, the driver for this area. The company has multiple office locations, so I’ll be taking you to the one close to Bakersville today. Can I put the radio on for you?”
“That would be great, thanks.”
I listen distractedly as the announcer talks about high winds due this weekend and Snowflake’s preparations for the holiday season. I’m unsettled, conscious of the test in my bag and my lack of knowledge about what I’m going to be doing here. Usually I’d have researched and prepared for my first day. But most of my energy has gone into the move and now I’m feeling of my depth.
We park in front of a modern building. It’s set in front of pine trees with a big fountain outside. Bryan pops open a huge umbrella before I have time to open mine and escorts me inside. Smooth polished floors and expensive-looking art adorn the reception area, and I’m suddenly conscious of the creases on my skirt and how old my leather bag is.
A smiling woman meets me in the reception area, holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Sienna. You must be Margot?”
“Hi! A pleasure to meet you.” I shake her hand as she walks me to the elevator.
“Sorry for all the secrecy. We need you to sign the non-disclosure before starting all the introductions and you meet the big cheese. There are some ultra-high net-worth individuals and deals involved here, so confidentiality is a big concern. If that sounds scary, it’s really not. Just a bunch of control freaks, really.” She laughs.
I smile back at her. “I’m used to dealing with tricky characters. I guess it’s part of being a PA.”
