I drag my eyes away from the spot where he just disappeared and swing my gaze back to her. “At least he balances the good looks with…” I was about to sayabad attitude. But I want to work here, so, I change tact, “A serious work ethic.”
“That was very kind. He’s had three assistants in the last three months,” she whispers. “He’s a nightmare.”
That’s an even better way to put it.
She recovers herself. “I’m Madeline. Pleased to meet you.”
“Gigi,” I answer, shaking her hand.
“Come, Gigi, I will bring you back to meet Ellen?—”
But Mr. Smith strides toward us again, an older woman trailing in his wake.
“Ellen,” Madeline bounces on the balls of her feet. “I was just about to bring Gigi back to meet you.”
Ellen has kind eyes. The sort that put me at ease even as Mr. Smith brushes past me. “It was nice to meet you, Ms. Hope.”
“And you, Mr. Smith,” I answer with a demure nod. A lie. I can honestly say that I hope never to share a room with this man again.
Even our brief interaction has shaken the bit of confidence I’d gained in the lobby.
But I do my best to pull myself together and follow Ellen into her office.
The questions she asks during the interview are easy enough. Experience. Gaps in my resume, etc. I answer them honestly.
I know, that in her eyes, I’m a risk. I had begun working at a law firm in an administrative role when I met Vigo.
He promised me the world, and I was foolish enough to believe him.
My job now is to impress upon Ellen, that I will never, ever be so stupid again.
“You’re divorced?” she asks with a frown.
“I am,” I answer honestly. Since I walked away with nothing, no child support, no alimony, I was able to move the proceedings along at lightning speed.
That didn’t stop Vigo from crashing into the small law office where I’d gotten a job two weeks ago and giving me a black eye. He trashed the office too, getting me fired. It’s how I ended up back at Erika’s apartment, and at this job interview. “But Ican assure you, that I am not interested in dating, and I will be committed to this job.”
She frowns, and I see her gaze flick to my eye, where I’ve tried to cover the dark bruise with concealer. “It’s going to take commitment, Ms. Hope, there is no doubt.”
My brow furrows as I attempt to puzzle out what she means.
She doesn’t keep me waiting long. “Mr. Smith has requested that you take the position of his administrative assistant, beginning immediately.”
My mouth drops open as I stare. “Oh. But…”
Her lips press into a firm line. “If Mr. Smith has requested you, there is no other option. Unless you do not wish to work here.”
My shoulders drop. Working here is essential. “I very much wish to work here.”
“In that case, Ms. Hope, congratulations on becoming Rushton Smith’s newest assistant, and welcome to Smith Brothers Real Estate.”
CHAPTER TWO
Gigi
Big tears fillEmma’s eyes as I kiss her cheek. Standing in front of us is her new teacher, Miss Clemons.
She’s young and pretty with a gentle smile, and I’m sure Emma will do wonderfully in her care, but right now, Emma doesn’t want me to leave.
