Page 3 of Mr. Almost

I loved the classes I was taking, though. They spoke to me. So I kept with it.

It took me twice as long to finish my degree while caring for my little girl at home, but it was worth it.

The only problem is my housing allowance from school dried up two months ago, and I’ve yet to find a good enough job to keep up with the rent. If I don’t find something soon, I’m going to end up evicted. I can’t have that.

So while Chloe watched Arianna, I caved and came to the best temp agency in the city. They are known for hiring out to high-class clients.

I just didn’t expect them to place me there.

“Listen, we need people who take this seriously. You can turn this down if you want, but it would be a mark on your record. You won’t be considered for any of our top clients again. You seem like a nice girl. I think you will really excel in the right setting.”

I want to groan at the man. He has no idea what this means to me. What going back to work, not just for the company, but for that particular hotel, will do to me.

The memories. Most of them are now painful.

My heart hurts just thinking about it.

I have to think of Arianna, though. I can do this.

“I’ll take it. I just want to make a good impression,” I lie.

The man smiles, nodding. He accepts the lie easily. Why wouldn’t he? Why else would someone not want to work at the best hotel in the city?

I probably won’t see Mason, anyway. He runs the entire empire. They don’t work out of one location. He’s probably traveling all the time.

I almost have myself convinced when the man passes over a packet of paperwork.

“Read through this and then sign.”

I glance through the paper, snorting to myself at the no-fraternization policy. A little late for that, but I doubt it matters.

Mason wants to forget Arianna and I exist. So I doubt it will be an issue.

I sign my name at the bottom before looking back at the man in front of me.

“Good. Now they will want you to start right away. You are dressed well enough to go get your paperwork with them done. Head on over and see Madison. She will get you set up and tell you where to report tomorrow. I’ll give her a ring and let her know you are on the way.”

“Thank you.” I give him a small smile before leaving.

I’m going to be sick. My arms are shaking, and I can hear my heartbeat in my ears as I walk out of the building.

With cold fingers, I dig my phone out of my purse and call Chloe.

“Hey girl. How did it go?”

“Um, I have a job,” I say hesitantly.

“Okay. What’s the catch? You sound like you’re dying.”

“It’s at The Williamson.”

Silence. Pure silence on the other end. Then she starts cussing.

Chloe was ready to find Mason and castrate him after I told her what happened at the hotel that day. I held her back, though.

He’s not worth it.

I rub my temple with my free hand. “Chloe, chill. It’s only temporary. I need something or I’m going to lose the house. It’s a foot in the door, and if I do well, hopefully they will give me a recommendation for a job with another hotel.”

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