Still, using some shorthand because the meeting is a lot of legal jargon, I catch up. “Are you getting this, Ms. Hope?” Mr. Smith asks so suddenly, the entire room stops, turning to me.
“Yes, Mr. Smith,” I answer quickly. “We’re filing a motion for a variance with the zoning board of appeals in order to expedite the sale.”
A few men tuck their chins, hiding smiles. Did I pass the test or fail?
“Not bad, Rush,” one of the men murmurs. “Certainly better than your last.”
“Prettier too,” another mumbles, but I hear it. I dip my chin to hide my frown. I don’t want to be seen like that. I don’t want to be seen at all.
When I lift it again, I meet my boss’s stare, his gaze intent upon me. It’s probably only a few seconds, but it feels like an eternity until he looks away.
Drawing a jagged breath, I go back to taking notes.
Next to me, Erika quietly clears her throat. I can’t even look at her, I might cry.
This is going to be the longest first day ever.
CHAPTER THREE
Gigi
“The offices of Rushton Smith,”I say into the phone, my breath holding once the greeting is out.
It’s been a day of not knowing anyone or how to help them. Every time the phone rings, it feels like I’m walking a gauntlet.
At least Rush is in a meeting that did not require my attendance, so I don’t need to worry about him overhearing me if I get it wrong.
“Is this Gigi?” the female voice on the other end asks.
My brow furrows, as I tune into the background noise at the other end of the line. Is someone singing? “Yes.”
“This is Miss Clemons. Emma’s teacher. She did well this morning, but she’s struggling this afternoon. There have been a lot of tears.”
I nip at my lip, my heart jumping into my throat, as my eyes meet Rachel’s. “Tears?”
“I know you’re just starting, but a visit from you might make the afternoon more bearable.” I can hear Miss Clemons wince as she makes the request.
I’d hoped to head down to the daycare at lunchtime, but I’d ended up eating at my desk as I’d attempted to piece together various documents for the variance. “If you could hold for just one moment,” I say, trying to keep my voice professional, so as not to arouse suspicion.
Rachel’s brows lift as I push back from the desk. “Any chance I get a fifteen-minute break in the afternoons?” I whisper as I reach her.
She shakes her head. “Not formally.”
My shoulders wilt as I close my eyes. I don’t want Emma to hate daycare, but I have to make a good impression at this job. “Darn. My daughter is at her first day of daycare and she?—"
“Just go,” she makes a shooing noise. “If Big Bad comes out, I’ll tell him you’re in the bathroom.”
“Thank you,” I gush, spinning. Picking up the phone I tell Miss Clemons that I’ll be right down.
Then, I practically sprint toward the elevator. Did I think it would take weeks to learn to run in the three-inch stilettos? I’ve managed the skill in hours. I guess I can count that as a first day win.
I press the button, the elevator doors sliding open.
Behind me, Rachel runs up. “Don’t forget your elevator key.”
“You are a lifesaver,” I gasp, as she tosses the key to me. I catch it in my right hand and then step into the elevator, the doors sliding closed behind me.
I tap my toe the entire way down to the second floor. I’m fortunate that this is an express elevator and I arrive at the daycare in less than thirty seconds.
