I glance down, tugging at the hem of my dress again. The thing crawls closer to my panties with each step I take. “No. Thank you.”
“Of course. Just this way.”
We cross the room, our heels clicking with each step, and reach a wide, winding stairwell. She leads the way, her hand brushing over the railing. We don’t stop until we’re standing inside a small office with a single desk at one corner and a lounging area with a glass coffee table in the center. She gestures toward the cream-colored sofa.
“Have a seat, Emmy.”
She waits until I’m sitting before taking a seat beside me and retrieving a glossy briefcase from beneath the table.
“So,” she says without looking up, her slender fingers skimming over the files, “the contract I have here almost replicates the one we reviewed last week via our long-distance correspondences. There is one minor difference you’ll notice. Where we had blacked out any suggestions as to who your new employers are for confidentiality purposes, this contract will reveal their company’s identity. All right?”
My fingers grip the hem of my dress tighter, but I quickly release the fabric and nod. If I’m going to be convincing enough to pull this off, I can’t let my unease show.
“Very well. Now, assuming you’ve had enough time to consider all aspects of what this position entails and that you’re ready to begin—seeing as you boarded the plane—we’ll move forward with the signatures, with me as your witness.”
The pounding against my ribcage evolves into a flutter, light and fast. My dress is suddenly too tight and itchy against my skin. Yes, I did consider all the aspects, but not in the ways she’s suggesting; more along the lines of what will happen if my new employers figure out what I’m really doing here.Whenthey figure it out.
Because, eventually, they will.
Honestly, I can’t believe I’ve made it this far. Even though Frankie and I are only half-sisters and don’t resemble each other at all, there are obvious things that would reveal our ties if they ever find a reason to dig for them.
“Ah, here it is.” Stella withdraws a stapled packet and a pen, then sets the briefcase aside. Finally, she meets my gaze with a reassuring smile. “I realize how uptight and formal this all seems now, but I promise you’ll feel more comfortable once the basics are out of the way. Just a few more t’s to cross and i’s to dot, and you’ll officially be on our payroll.”
Payroll.
Money.
Ridiculous sums of money. Figures too large for me to admit, even to myself, without feeling like a criminal. There’s no way a secretary would ever be paid this much, and it’s the very reason I assume Frankie signed up. One flickering thought of all the things money like this could mean for her, and I get it. I really do. We always talked of big dreams and getting ourselves away from Mama. Away from Mississippi altogether.
“Yeah ...” I let out a breath, hoping Stella can’t see the questions and nerves in my eyes. “Of course.”
“Excellent.” Her grin broadens, and she extends the thin packet and pen toward me. “Just your initials here”—she points to the small line beside each paragraph, flipping through the pages as she does—“here, and here, and then your primary information at the bottom there. Leave the witness section for me to fill out. Then we’ll be all set.”
A thin layer of sweat makes my grip on the pen slippery, but I do as instructed, initialing as I go. Though my eyes skim through each familiar paragraph, I try not to pay too much attention to their words for fear I’ll back out. I’m not usually a nervous person, but then again, I don’t usually find myself in a position like this one.
Some paragraphs stand out more than others, specifically the ones revealing my new employer’s identity:
Section 13, Clause 4:
“I understand that my duty as a Matthews Secretary is to serve in any and all ways asked of me. I am here as a servant and as a servant only. Signature of this contract indicates that I, Emmy May Highland, agree to my role as a servant and will strive to ensure everything asked of me is seen through to completion and full satisfaction.”
I’ve read my variation of this document so many times I no longer bat an eye atfull satisfaction,butMatthews? Still vague as hell.
I look up and raise an eyebrow. Stella just smiles and nods for me to continue.
Section 13, Clause 5:
“I understand that certain tasks may be highly demanding and cause physical and/or mental duress, and I do not hold Matthews House, Inc. or any of its staff or affiliates responsible for any such occurrences or damages in any shape or form.”
Section 23, Clause 1:
“I understand that being selected by one of the Matthews as his loyal servant will bind me to him in more ways than one. I will become and remain his willing and loyal servant throughout the duration of my year-long contract, and he will become my master. As such, I will only address him as Master.”
Section 24, Clause 1:
“I have had a full physical as required, including a health check for any sexually transmitted diseases. These records have been provided to Matthews House, Inc. and reviewed prior to arrival. In addition, I agree to adhere to the mandated regulation of birth control during my entire term of employment.”
Section 29, Clause 2:
