Would Matched by Lowell survive?
If not, how long could she live off her savings?
That, Hadley realized, was her biggest fear—to find herself unable to support her family. She wouldn’t put her sister and the kids into another situation where they lost their home. Which was why last night, after everyone had gone to bed, Hadley had searched for a second job where she could work while trying to salvage her company. She hadn’t applied, but that was on her to-do list. She needed to update her resume first—something she hadn’t done since she started her business.
Her eyes were gritty, but touching them would make it worse. She’d cried so much, not even cold compresses and cucumber slices could help the swelling and redness.
That didn’t stop her from forcing a smile now. She didn’t want Ella to worry. Hadley had been doing enough of that for the both of them.
She went to her assistant’s desk. “Any calls or messages?”
The worry in Ella’s dark gaze didn’t bode well. “Yes.”
Hadley’s insides twisted. She didn’t have to be a mind reader to know the news wouldn’t be good. “More clients want out.”
Ella nodded. “I’m pulling their contracts for you.”
Hadley’s stomach hardened, but she wouldn’t lose hope. Not yet. “How many are left?”
“Three.”
She didn’t think her heart could break more. She was wrong. A tsunami of turmoil tore her up inside, but she needed to be strong. Ella counted on this job.
Hadley raised her chin, attempting to appear in control when her world was imploding around her. “Those three will have our undivided attention.”
Finding clients through word of mouth might not be enough any longer. She’d never had to advertise, but she would if it meant her business survived.
The corners of Ella’s mouth curved. “Until new clients sign up.”
Follow Ella’s lead.
Think positively.
“All three left messages of support, saying they are fully committed to you,” Ella continued as if knowing Hadley needed to hear good news. “Jonathon is excited about his date tomorrow night and wants you to call him. Sounds like he might need a pep talk.”
Jonathon was a sweet, bookish intellectual from New York. He’d made his money off patents. He hated living alone in what he jokingly called the ivory tower, a high-rise apartment building in the heart of Manhattan. He wanted to share his life with a woman who adored books and cats. “I’ll call him.”
“He wanted to know if you’ll be in New York next week in case he needs more dating practice.”
The smart move would be to say no, but Hadley still had a client on the East Coast, which meant she would travel there as planned. “I will.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Ella sat taller. “Business as usual.”
Hadley nodded, afraid of how her voice might sound if she spoke.
“Leila called to say Travis is the one.” Ella beamed. “They’re going out again this weekend.”
“Wonderful.” Leila was the CEO of a retail chain based in the Midwest. In her late thirties, she’d taken over the company for her father. Now that she’d expanded and doubled revenue, she didn’t want her priority in life to be work. She wanted to find love. “I’ll call her for an update.”
“Geoff wants to know how he can help.”
Of course he did. Warmth centered above Hadley’s heart. Geoff lived two blocks away from her in the Marina District. He worked at an investment firm that was a rival of Clint’s former one, but unlike her ex-brother-in-law, Geoff was the definition of a nice guy. He would be perfect for Fallon, if she was ready to date. But she wasn’t, so Hadley would keep looking for his love match. “I’ll call him, too.”
“You’ll find new clients.”
“I intend to.” Hadley was straddling the line between remaining positive and being in denial. “But put together a resume. I will see this through to the bitter end if need be, but I don’t want you to find yourself jobless.”
The day dragged.
