Page 10 of The Bachelor Auction

“We got a job.”

I stare at her for a good few seconds as I try to read her expression. No way, she isn’t joking.

“Tyler Becks?” I can barely bring myself to speak out his name and not sink into a hole of depression.

Brenda waves her hand dismissively. “Forget him. I’m talking about a new job. This is a huge company, something about being in the travel business. They’ve requested your immediate presence to help out with some publicity opportunity. You’re flying to Las Vegas. Five-star hotel and all. I’m so jealous.”

The travel business?

“You mean, I—” My brain kicks into action, going through all the companies I’ve pitched our portfolio to. I don’t recall any of them dealing with travel arrangements. Maybe it’s an airline or a hotel chain that failed to uphold safety regulations. Or—

Who cares, Harding?

We got a fricking job. This might be the break we’ve been hoping for.

That’s when I realize Brenda threw in the words “Las Vegas” and “immediate presence.”

“They specifically requestedme?”

“Yes.” She shrugs. “I don’t know how you did it, but all our hard work’s finally paying off. They’ve just sent over all the info you’ll need. The company’s name is Travel Sun. Given that your flight’s tomorrow morning, I suggest you get packing,” Brenda says, reading my thoughts, as she shoots my work attire a dirty look.

“What?” I mouth.

“You might want to change.”

I look down at my gray pencil skirt and the white button-up shirt. Okay, I look more like a personal assistant than a business owner who’s supposed to be a creative mastermind.

Then again, who cares?

No one did…until now. Because now we got a job and I need to look the part.

“Seriously, do me a favor and don’t wear anything that resembles that,” Brenda instructs, in case her looks of disapproval don’t speak volumes. “In fact, you might want to replace most of your wardrobe. Your professional attire might not seem like a big deal to you, but you need to make a great first impression before you’ve even uttered a word—and you only have a few seconds to put your best foot forward.”

I peer from my boring attire to her sharp business suit with a narrow silhouette and low neckline. Even if I wanted to wear that, I wouldn’t have the legs and the narrow hips to make it work.

“I’ll find something.” I get up and sling my handbag over my shoulder. “You’ll be okay without me?”

“Given our busy schedule, I think I’ll manage.” She laughs at her own joke and pushes an envelope across her desk. “This was delivered for you. Please don’t mess this up,” she whispers, her voice shaking with serious magnitude.

I nod, my throat choking up.

This is a huge opportunity, I know that. It’s the only opportunity we’ve had in the two years since we graduated from college. Our future depends on it. We’ve stuck it out longer than we initially planned, but we’ve run out of money and ideas. If I fail to land us something long-term, we’ll be screwed.

We’ll join the list of yet another failed business in New York City.

“I can do this,” I whisper with more confidence than I feel.

“This is fate.” Brenda nods enthusiastically, believing every word she says. “Itwillhappen because it’s meant to. You know the saying, where the Lord guides, he provides.”

Being raised as a church girl and given her keen interest in spiritual development, I’m not surprised to find she has yet another quote that suits the occasion. I wish I had her faith and confidence and faith in this life-path thing, but as things stand I can only believe what I see, and right now all I see is a great, big wall that might be too high to surpass.

“I’ll text you from the airport.” I shoot Brenda a smile and head out, pondering whether to hit the shops or save the last couple hundred bucks for next month’s rent.

In the end, rent wins.

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