CHAPTER 1
INA
The elevator zoomed me up to the fortieth floor of the skyscraper in downtown Manhattan, and I couldn’t stop fidgeting with the gift I was holding. The box was too big to hold with one hand but not really big enough for two hands, so I kept juggling it back and forth like it was a hot potato, feeling awkward no matter how I carried it.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm my nerves. It had taken me forty-five minutes to wrap the damn thing and I didn’t want my sweaty palms ruining the pretty paper.
Not to mention handing someone a sweaty gift for the Secret Santa exchange was not a great way for the new girl at the office to make a first impression.
Get it together, Ina.
I had never been so stressed out on my way to a party, but this was the company Christmas party, and I had only been working for Cupid’s Arrow for a week. Most of that was learning the ins and outs of how the dating company functioned. I’d barely met any of my coworkers, aside from Norma, the woman who’d hired me and had been training me. I hadn’t even met the man I would be working for.
Cupid’s Arrow was a matchmaking service that catered to high end clientele, so things needed to be perfect, as well as discreet. The company had lots of procedures in place to help protect privacy and prevent anyone learning about their clients’ personal business. It had been a lot to absorb.
According to Norma, I needed to know how everything worked before I could start my actual job, which was executive assistant to the CEO of the company. Apparently, the man demanded perfection, but Norma assured me I would do great. She seemed a lot more confident in my abilities than I was.
The elevator doors opened to reveal the fancy restaurant where the company Christmas party was being held, Orpheus. It was in the same building as the Cupid offices, just fifteen floors below. I’d never been down on this level. After looking up the place online, it had quickly become clear I would never be able to afford dining here.
Dramatic lighting made the walls look like they were on fire and harp music filled the air. The well-dressed hostess at the podium eyed me like I was an ant in the potato salad. “Sorry, ma’am, we’re closed tonight for a private party.”
I bristled at the audacity of this bitch, my shoulders drawing back and my jaw clenching. Was she suggesting I didn’t look like the kind of person who could be attending Cupid’s Arrow’s Christmas party?
Sure, I’d only been in New York for two weeks, but I’d taken great pains to shake the Wyoming dust off me in that time. My outfit was on point and I was even wearing my cute jacket. New York winter was nothing compared to the brutal Midwest weather, so I had left my bulky parka at home.
Despite all the effort I’d put in, little miss judgy here thought I wasn’t good enough. I slammed the gift on the podium, immediately worried I’d broken it. I didn’t let that concern showon my face. “I’m here for the party. Is that alright with you? I’m sorry if I’m not well dressed enough for your lofty standards.”
The hostess held up her palms and looked apologetic. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. It’s just you’re supposed to show me your lanyard.”
“Oh.”
She nodded. “I’ve been turning people away all night. I swear it had nothing to do with you.”
My anger evaporated and I dug my lanyard out of my clutch, thankful I had thought to bring it. “Here you go.”
The girl nodded again. “Thank you, and I’m sorry for the confusion. For the record, I think you look great. I love that jacket.”
She seemed genuine and I nodded back. “Thanks.”
“Follow me.” The hostess led me back into the restaurant’s dining room, which was a lot brighter than the entrance area. It had been decorated for the party. Christmas trees decked in Cupid’s Arrow’s signature bright pink color filled the restaurant high above the New York City streets.
The salt that still clung to the soles of my heels began melting on the glossy marble floors as I blinked at all the splendid décor. Aside from the neon pink trees, the ceiling had been draped in twinkling garland. Red and gold ornaments caught the light pouring through the windows.
I unwrapped the scarf from my neck and opened the buttons of my jacket as we wove through the restaurant. The green dress beneath would make a better impression, and this week was all about leading with the right foot for me.
“Ina!” Norma hollered at me.
Norma Frank was a godsend. The HR director had hired me on the spot after our Zoom interview, claiming I was “exactly what Dane and the company needed.” She was in her mid-forties, always impeccably dressed, and had the warmest smile I’d seen so far since setting foot in the city.
I hurried over to her, my heels clicking against the polished floor. Walking in heels was a challenge enough. Any semblance of hurrying in them was precarious at best, but I was already late, and I was relieved to see a friendly face.
“There you are! I was starting to worry you’d gotten lost.” Norma’s eyes crinkled with genuine warmth as she pulled me into a quick hug. “You look beautiful. That color is perfect on you.”
“Thanks,” I managed, feeling my cheeks heat. “I wasn’t sure if it was too much.”
“You’re perfect,” she interrupted firmly, then hooked her arm through mine. “Come on, let me introduce you to everyone. Most people have been out this week since we’re so close to Christmas, but everyone made it tonight. Lucas throws a great party.”
Lucas? Ugh.There were so many new names and faces to memorize.
