Page 10 of Man of the Year

But my mood lightens when I drive up to the mansion.

Well, well.

The Splendors is a two-story modern mansion with a fountain at the front and a vast lawn manicured to a perfection I’ve only seen in lifestyle magazines. A black Maybach with tinted windows is parked out front—this must be Rosenberg’s car that Nick drives.

I’m looking forward to seeing Nick again, the memory of his handsome smile spiking my heartbeat with excitement.

More importantly, Rosenberg is on my mind right now. This is his domain. And I’m here, by some lucky circumstance, so close to meeting the man who… right, he could potentially be dangerous, so I should probably tone down my excitement.

I park just like I was told, next to several other cars on the side of the mansion, obscured from the front by arborvitae trees. A tall man stands by the side entrance, watching me. He’s dressed in a sleek dark-blue suit and crisp white shirt, despite the heat outside.

Getting out of the car, I put on a well-practiced friendly smile and walk toward him.

“Julien, is it?” I offer my hand for a shake.

He could be handsome if his expression weren’t so stone-like. His hands are cupped in front of him in a bodyguard-like stance. Granted, he’s built like one, broad-shouldered and intimidating. He’s probably in his early thirties, a head taller than me. Close-cropped black hair and intense hazel eyes that bore into me unblinkingly.

“Julien, the house manager,” he replies curtly, disregarding my outstretched hand.

Oh-kay.“I’m Natalie,” I say, mirroring his stance—feet slightly apart, hands cupped in front of me. “I’m here for a job.”

He doesn’t move, guarding the side entrance to the house. “I need your driver’s license, address, car registration, and references.”

Wait, what? “Nick didn’t say anything about that.”

“Nick might’ve offered you special treatment, but I need this info for safety reasons.”

Jesus, is everyone in this house so intense? And I haven’t even met the boss yet.

“This job is temporary, as far as I understand,” I say with a straight face. “You needed someone reliable and fast, at short notice. No paperwork was mentioned.”

I give him the same cold treatment in return, silence burning between us. I don’t mean to argue, but I’ve learned to negotiate the terms with the many employers I’ve had in the past. It’s Thursday, and if I’m supposed to work here for only three days, skipping paperwork shouldn’t be a big deal.

“When do I meet the boss?” I ask with confidence.

Not a single muscle on his face moves. “You don’t. You are here to help with the party. As far as I understand,” he adds, mimicking me.

His eyes still bore into me. I didn’t even discuss with Nick how much I’ll get paid. He said the house manager would go over it. Since this guy doesn’t argue back, I think I passed the first test. I’m sure he got the instructions about my arrival, but he’s trying to be difficult.

“I can start anytime,” I say. Preferably, right now.

“Three days, then I’m pretty sure we won’t need your services,” he says, giving in, though I don’t think it’s up to him.

“I’ll talk to Nick about that.” I cock my brow at him, and his lips tighten.

It seems like Nick is the boss’s favorite. If I butter him up, I might have this job for longer. I don’t mind, especially if it pays under the table.

And I’m definitely meeting the boss. This guy here just doesn’t know it yet. He doesn’t know I couldn’t care less about the party. My main agenda is the Man of the Year.

SIX

ANONYMOUS

Another girl. A pretty one this time.

I replay the footage of your car entering the gates, and you talking to the house manager minutes later.

You are friendly. Eager. A littletooeager.

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