“Perfect for you? Madly in love with you? Stupid over you?”
Giggling, I told her, “Stop. That sounds all well and good when it’s all new and shiny. And we agreed to let go of the past, and I’m trying, but it’s hard to let go of that hurt.”
“If you’re worried about him taking off, I wouldn’t. The one thing about these guys is this is their place, their whole existence.” She flourished her fork through the air. “Theirdestiny.”
We both giggled, but she continued. “He thought what he did before was noble. He wanted what was best for you. But now you’re here, and like you said, you both agreed to put that behind you. I’m not telling you what to do because I only boss around the men but if you’re worried he’ll hurt you again, I can easily tell you that won’t happen.” She took a bite, and after she swallowed it down followed by some tea, she said, “And like Mama Hen said, they won’t let him. Now, finish your breakfast or we’ll be late.”
Looking at my cell, I realized we were pushing the time Red said to be ready to go. Rooster told me he’d asked him to take me to the interview, and Shiv would ride with us even though she’d be staying. Apparently, none of the ladies were driving themselves anywhere right now.
After one more bite and downing my coffee, we stood and hustled to the SUV waiting outside.
The long ride was filled with small talk between Shiv and I and Red focusing on his task of getting us there. We eventually made it off the highway and turned into the driveway where a large sign stood at the entrance of the Centers for Disease Control.
“The traffic here is insane,” I said as we pulled in. The building was sprawling with floor after floor of windows from top to bottom. My old job was in a large building but it was taller like a high-rise and didn’t have floor to ceiling windows.
“Oh, the worst. But when you have a chauffeur, it’s not bad. I scroll or check emails, read.”
Red looked in the mirror with a cocked brow as he pulled into the parking deck.
“I appreciate the ride,” I said, squeezing his shoulder.
“Yeah, it’s not every day I get an officer to carry me around,” Shiv said.
“You mean when Jackal’s not around.” Red parked the blue SUV we rode in, then unbuckled. “Let’s go.”
We all piled out, but I asked, “Wait, what are you doing?”
Red waved me in front of him.
Shiv shrugged. “They walk us to the door. Don’t try to fight it. It’s a waste of time and you have to stop at security to check in, so you need to hustle.”
Rolling my eyes but going ahead, I followed Shiv. When we finally made it to the doors, Shiv turned and told Red, “Endof the line for you. Thanks for the lift. I assume Coop will be picking me up later?”
Red gave a nod. “I believe so. Kristie, shoot me a text when you’re done. I’ll meet you here.”
“Okay, I will.” I turned and started following Shiv.
“Hey Kristie,” Red called out.
Stopping, I turned.
“Good luck.”
Smiling, I replied, “Thanks. See you in a bit.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. James,” I said as he stood.
Mr. James was likely in his fifties with cropped brown hair and a tailored navy blue suit. “Likewise.” He walked around the desk, so I followed him to the door. He pulled it open and stuck his hand out, so I gave it a firm shake. “We haven’t met with everyone yet, but hope to have an answer no later than two weeks and you’ll hear from us either way. You have an impressive history, Miss Hillard. I wouldn’t worry too much.”
He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. I smiled back and said, “Thank you so much. Good luck with your search.” I wasn’t sure what else to say to that. Was he saying I nailed it or not to worry, I’d find work eventually?
Heading down the hall, I replayed the interview. He’d seemed engaged, asked detailed questions, but I gave succinct but detailed answers. He’d had a professional demeanor butappeared to give a slight hint of a grin, like he was impressed with what I said. He was open with answers to my own questions and gave info that wouldn’t be relevant unless he planned to hire me.
Maybe he meant not to worry because I got the job… maybe.
Shit.
Looking around, I realized I didn’t recognize where I was. You would think they’d have more signs or security wandering around, but I didn’t see anyone and was down a hall with closed doors as far as the eye could see.
