“We would like to have you aboard our team as well if you’re interested. Parker mentioned you were involved in marketing and graphic design at a mid-size firm back in New York when he was setting up your membership, and we've been looking to fill the marketing coordinator role for quite some time now. We understand that it wouldn’t be permanent, but we would love the opportunity to convince you. Your portfolio website was very impressive.”
I couldn’t help the smile that was stretched across my face. This definitely wasn't what I was expecting at all, especially not after the way I was treated when I arrived. Last week, I found a free portfolio website and decided to upload all my work under this alias to take a step towards getting my business off the ground. I had no idea anyone would be looking at it so soon.
Thomas continued to praise me, and it was such a validating moment.
Branching off on my own was scary, even though it had always been the dream. I had to admit, as dour as it sounded, this situation had forced me to come out of hiding and return to the land of the living.
I had come here hoping for a minimum-wage job as a hostess, maybe even a position in the kitchen, and here I was being offered a job in my field with substantial pay and an office.
I suddenly felt guilty for the way I had been avoiding Parker. We hadn’t had a real conversation since the night of the gala, and here he was taking care of me again despite my giving him the cold shoulder.
He was good, and I needed all the good that I could get in my life.
I would have to find some way to thank him for everything he’s done.
Having him as a friend couldn’t be a bad thing, as long as it stayed that way.
Chapter 25
Parker
Iwas leaving the shooting range when William called and said he was taking Evelyn to the Marquis.
While the Woods were basically Oakland Ridge royalty, there were still a lot of people who snubbed their noses at us because of who we were and what we looked like. Despite half the buildings in this town having our name on them, it didn’t make us immune to racism. I knew someone might take one look at Evelyn and turn her away, just because they could. So when I found out that was where she was headed, I hurriedly called Thomas to set up her membership.
Many of the townsfolk didn’t know that our family actually owned a portion of the Marquis. My Great Grandfather had helped the Beauharts start the club and stayed on as a silent partner. Thomas Beauhart had always been a friend of the family, so when I called, he didn’t hesitate to get the process moving to make Evelyn a member.
Every member had a profile that listed their accolades and professional accomplishments. The Marquis wasn’t just a place to dine and play golf. It was a networking haven. Everyone had to be vetted. I had no idea that when I told Thomas about Evelyn being a marketing designer, he would jump at the chance tohire her. It sounded like a great opportunity, and one that she would enjoy. I didn’t know exactly how she would feel about my interference. I didn’t want her to feel like she owed me anything or like I didn’t think she could manage things on her own.
I rushed home after my call with Thomas and texted William to let me know when they would be heading back to the estate. I had my fingers crossed that I didn’t come across as a total tool, given the fact that Evelyn has barely said a full sentence to me in the last few weeks.
Although my father treated me like his shadow, demanding that I be wherever he was, I managed to come out to the range when I could disappear for an hour or two. It’s been a while since I held a gun, so I wanted to make sure I was still a good shot.
By the time I finished showering and getting dressed, Evelyn was walking into the pool house. I couldn’t help but admire her. She was in a yellow sleeveless dress that flared at her waist, accentuating her lush curves, and her hair was somewhat neatly piled on top of her head in a bun. I consistently fought the urge to tuck one of her rebellious curls from her face.
Seeing her reminded me that I was starting to miss the companionship that had grown between us. Evelyn was easy to talk to. She had this way about looking at you as if she was peeling back your layers, seeing through the bullshit. I felt like I could open up to her in a way that I couldn’t with my sisters or friends. At this point, my desire to protect her had only intensified. I needed her to feel safe and know that she would be okay here with me in Oakland Ridge.
“I’m glad you’re here! I have the best news, though you probably already know,” she says once she notices me standing in the kitchen.
My nerves begin to subside when I realize she isn’t about to curse me out for butting into her business. Evelyn was kind, butshe had a stubborn streak. I wasn’t trying to get on her bad side anytime soon.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” I played coy. I’d rather hear her tell me how things went. After all, I didn’t tell Thomas to give her the job outright.
She laughed, and it sounded like a symphony to my ears. Happiness looked good on her. I could see some subtle changes, especially in the way she carried herself. She seemed lighter, like the weight of the world wasn’t on her shoulders. I knew from William’s daily updates that she was spending a lot of time journaling and walking the grounds. When she wasn’t with my mother or the twins, she was doing a therapy call.
The reprieve from Charles’ threats felt bittersweet. My gut told me that this peacefulness wouldn’t last. It was just a prelude to chaos.
Either way, I was cooked. I barely knew the woman, but I was coming up with silly games to hear her laugh and flirting shamelessly just to catch a glimpse of that blush on her skin. She had been avoiding me, and although I had an idea why, it didn’t make me yearn for her company less.
“Thomas offered me a job at The Marquis! I’m their new Marketing Coordinator. He looked at my portfolio and offered me a job right on the spot.”
The excited energy rolling off Evelyn was contagious. I rounded the counter and brought her into my arms for a hug.
She didn’t hesitate to return the hug and rest her head on my chest. I was reminded how right her body felt in my arms.
“I’m so happy for you, that’s great news.”
Stepping out of my arms, she continued to gush about her new position, and a smile was locked onto my face. Calling the country club was more beneficial than I had hoped. It turned out that she didn’t need a membership when she was about to get her own office.
