“You don’t need to apologize for Jaxon’s bad behavior.”
“I should apologize for my own behavior. My judgment seems to have been compromised, and I took bad advice from him.” She smooths her hands on her desk. “I should have not let my own past cloud my decisions.”
I don’t respond.
“Since I understand you’re still likely trying to clean up the mess, I won’t waste any more of your time.” Linda clasps her hands. “I’d like to offer you a job.”
“Why me?”
“With this upcoming port-authority project, I could use someone to assist me. You’re knowledgeable about the project, qualified, and familiar with working with Rainier Equity.” She slides a folder across the desk to me. “It’s a very generous offer.”
My heart breaks all over again. This means Salinger took Scarlett up on her deal.
“You’re really giving Salinger the contract?” I ask quietly.
“You don’t approve?” Linda raises an eyebrow. “Speak now.”
“Salinger’s an asshole, but he’s a good investor.”
“So you’ll take the job.”
Do I want to deal with Salinger day in and day out and have to listen to people talk about his upcoming wedding? Watch him one day come to the office with a ring on his finger? The port build-out is going to take years. He’ll be a father by then, and I’ll be… childless and alone.
“I can’t.” I slide the folder back to Linda.
“Whyever not? You’re not seriously going to stay that man’s assistant, are you? You’re much too qualified. Besides, you don’t want to keep working for him if you’re sleeping with him.”
“We broke up,” I admit, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. I’m an adult, dammit.
“Probably for the best. Don’t want to shit where you eat, isn’t that the saying?”
“Something like that.” I hug my purse.
“I can understand not wanting to watch him parade every young thing through the office.” Linda’s eyes narrow, and she glares past me. “For god’s sake, Benji, another one? Really? And our daughter’s friend?”
I turn around to see Isaacs with Scarlett and a brown-haired young woman.
Linda rolls up her sleeves, stands, and opens the door to her office. “And you wonder why the board has no confidence in you, Benji. That girl is the same age as our Kate.”
“Mom!” the young woman with Scarlett shrieks. “That is so gross. Dad’s not like that.”
“She’s had a rough day, poor thing.” Isaacs pats Scarlett’s hand.
Scarlett makes a face and shoves his hand off her. “That will never happen. I have some standards.”
“She’s dating a lawyer at Hill & Collins, Mom,” Kate says. “Rainier Equity fired her. Can you believe it?”
“I thought you were going to marry Salinger?” I ask, confused.
“You’re marrying Salinger Svensson?” Kate’s eyes bug out.
“Gross, no, he’s old,” Scarlett snaps. “Stop spreading rumors.”
“Then why did you give him the contract?” I ask Linda slowly.
“I told you, my old roommate called me and informed me that Jaxon is a stalker and a liar. She told me I’d beenunfair to Rainier Equity and asked if I might reconsider.” Linda sits back down at her desk.
“Can we give Scarlett a job?” Kate begs her mom. “Weren’t you looking to hire someone?”
