“He offered you a job.” Everett steps into the elevator, and I follow, my heels clicking against the metal floor. “He won’t bethatnice. Trust me. He once went off on me about my recycling habits.”
“He was probably teaching you a life lesson.”
“He was.” Everett nods. “He may have something to teach you, too, so pay attention to whatever he babbles about.”
We step out of the elevator into a warm reception area. There’s already someone at the desk—a man about my age with gelled hair and a big smile.
A large red couch sits in the center of the room, with plenty of space—but no one on it. I guess I can sit there if I faint. The rest of the room is white and green, with a few wicker chairs about.
It may be a typical corporate office, but there’s a warmth about the space, even though the skies are still gray this early morning. This isn’t the type of place I should be working. I’m instantly out of place.
Why did he hire me? I tried my best to blend in, but I am still so underdressed. The man behind the desk was wearing… something designer. Don’t ask me which designer. My outfit is two years old, and I don’t even remember where I bought it from. Everett offered to buy me something new, and after today, I may take him up on that. I run my fingers over the scratchy skirt. I hate it. Why did I wear this stupid houndstooth skirt?
“I don’t believe you,” I mutter. “He’ll be too nice to fire me, I’ll be too nice to quit, and then I’ll be stuck at a job I hate.”
“Will it make you feel better if I say he’s secretly an asshole?”
“No!”
“Now, who are you two talking about like that?” Theo appears like a ghost, materializing into thin air, and claps a hand on Everett’s back. “You can’t be talking aboutmelike this in my office. You wouldn’t do that, would you?”
Everett grins. “I would never.”
“Uh-huh.” Theo shakes his head and steps away. “Go home, Everett. I’ll take it from here.”
I freeze, looking between the two of them.
Everett lifts his chin, nodding toward Theo. “Follow him, or you’ll get left behind.”
Left behind?My brother is probably joking, but I’m not in the mood for it.
I rush after Theo, even though he’s walking at a personally reasonable pace, and he leads me through the sleek, minimal space.
Nature photos hang on the walls, and it’s quiet—no music, no loud discussions—just the soft bubble of a fountain. Hard-working people sit in glass offices with phones pressed to their cheeks. Fresh, green plants hang around each room.
I’ve never been good with plants.
“Who waters those?” I whisper, hoping no one else can hear.
He looks at me over his shoulder. “We have someone for that. Don’t worry. If it were part of your job description, I would have let you know.”
“Oh, thank God.”
There’s a twinkle in his eye as he turns away, opening his office door.
“Speaking of a green thumb… how do you feel about planting trees?” he asks, sitting at his desk.
“I…” A puff of air passes through my lips. “With all due respect, that seems even harder than caring for your house plants.”
“It’s not.” He chuckles. “You’d be surprised to know it’s easier—especially because you won’t have to tend to it. You do the planting, and the foresters take care of everything else. I’ll teach you all about it once we’re in Finland.”
Oh, and I’m traveling. Great. Thanks for the reminder, Theo.
I’ve always wanted to travel more, but Finland isn’t exactly on my bucket list. At least I’m traveling for a good cause—and I’ll be paid for it. Well paid. He sent a job offer early this morning, and the salary is more money than I’ve ever made.
That’s not all. My pay isdoubledwhen we’re traveling. I’m still processing the email, even though I was quick to send my acceptance.
“Looking forward to it,” I mumble, scratching my cheek.
