Jude’s fingers flew over the keyboard. “I’m informing our IT person to set you up with a computer, cell phone, and the security clearance you’ll need.” He squinted at the screen. “Okay. Next is Personnel. Tomorrow you’ll have to get all your paperwork filled out and have your picture taken for an ID card.”
“At least you think I’ll be staying if you’re going to all this trouble.”
“We’ll see.” Jude’s smile held little warmth. “It’s standard procedure. We’d do it for someone here a week, a month, or forever.”
Mason thought longingly of his time on the superyacht, when he would work with the sun on his face, listening to the waves, a margarita at the ready. “What time do you open for business?”
“Staff is here at nine.”
Mason stretched out his legs. “And what time do you get here? Eight? Seven?”
Jude’s eyes gleamed. “Glad you understand. I get here between seven thirty and eight.”
“I’ll be here then too.”
Jude shot him an unreadable look but said nothing and continued tapping on the keyboard. “All right. IT will also give you access to my calendar and the client lists. We have a lookbook of all our accounts. At the moment there are sixty active campaigns. You don’t need to know all of them, only the ones I’m dealing with, and right now, the main one we’re pitching for is Mojo, a lifestyle company that includes fitness, grooming, and food.”
“Oh yeah, I’ve heard of them. Warren used their stuff, but it was too rich for my blood.”
Jude reached into a drawer, rummaged around, and pulled out a few tubes and a jar. “Here. They sent over samples. Take what you want.”
“Seriously? Thanks.”
Mason opened the jar and sniffed the hair pomade. “Nice. I know a lot of guys use their stuff and follow their routines.”
“Yes. We’re hoping they hire us for all their media, and we can run their print as well as social-media campaigns.”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll go over their files tonight.”
“Good. We have a meeting with them coming up. I hope you can be brought up to speed by then.”
Mason didn’t miss the challenge leveled at him and met Jude’s direct gaze unflinchingly. “Count on it. Look, Jude. I’m not here to fuck around. I need the job, and I promise to give you everything I have and more. It’s been almost ten years. Can’t you forget the past? I’m not that troublemaking kid anymore.”
Jude blinked. “I guess you’ll need to show me. I’m willing to hire you.” He shrugged. “It’s all up to you.”
“Well, then, I’d better get to work. I’m going to make sure you eat those words before the month is up.” He stood. “Can you show me to my office? I’d like to start going through everything now.” He waited by the door for Jude, who left his desk.
“You didn’t have to go buy a suit and get dressed up to come sit here on a Sunday afternoon.” Jude’s gaze swept over him again, and Mason almost flinched at the disdain.
“Knowing how you’re ready to call me out for any issues, perceived or otherwise, I’d never show up here in anything less than appropriate attire,” Mason said frostily.
Jude’s face tightened, but he strode away without answering, and Mason followed him down the hallway. Jude stopped in front of an office with no window. The desk was bare save for a computer, phone, and a few paper clips scattered on top.
“Here’s home for the time being.” Jude stepped aside. “Florian, our IT person, said you’ll be able to access the files shortly, but you should have an email in your inbox already.”
“Great.” Mason set his backpack on the desk. “Will I be able to work on this from home?”
“Yeah, there’s a network.” Jude leaned against the doorway. “I hope you understand, Mason, I’m not looking for you to fail. Because if you fail, that means I do as well.” His smile was grim. “And I don’t fail.” He walked away without another word, and Mason shook his head.
Jeez. Someone needs to unclench.He sat behind the desk and turned on the computer. Within an hour, he’d logged in, created his profile, and linked his calendar with Jude’s. He also found the lookbook Jude had mentioned and started to read through the clients’ portfolios.
“Pretty damn impressive”—he scrolled through the campaigns—“but I don’t see the influencers. Where are they?” He made some notes.
Next he perused the employee list, concentrating on the associates who worked with Jude. Pryce Lipton kept popping up, and Mason clicked on his bio. Good-looking, with a sharp jawline and confident, haughty eyes, Pryce had risen quickly through the ranks. He’d worked at one start-up before joining The Company and was now the second on most of Jude’s accounts.
Mason yawned and ran his hands through his hair, surprised to see it was almost six o’clock. His stomach rumbled. Those eggs Benedict he’d eaten at the wedding breakfast seemed ages ago.
Needing to pee, he realized he didn’t remember where the restrooms were located, so he decided to wander around the office space. He passed by Jude’s office and saw him sitting at his desk, transfixed to the screen.
