Page 5 of Hooked on Dallas
I take a large swig of wine before answering. “I’m not sure. My boss is...difficult. Demanding. Impossible to please.”
“That doesn’t sound good,” Jennifer says. “Is he worse than Mr. Curran was?”
“Maybe.” I slump further into the couch. “I feel like I’m in over my head. Everyone says he cycles through assistants every few months. What if he fires me?”
“Laura, listen to me.” Jennifer’s voice is firm. “You are one of the most capable, hardworking people I know. Don’t doubt yourself—I know you can rise to the occasion.”
“You think so?” I ask.
“I know so. Now stop overthinking this and go in there tomorrow like you own the place! You’ve got this.”
I smile, feeling warmth spread through me. “Thanks, Jen. I needed to hear that.”
“Anytime. You can do this, Laura. I believe in you.”
We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up, and I go to bed with renewed determination. Jennifer is right—it is time to rise to the challenge. Mr. De La Cruz didn’t know it yet, but I am here to stay.
The next morning, I stride into the office with my head held high. Mr. De La Cruz is already barking orders at the paralegal, but he pauses when he sees me. Our eyes meet for a moment, and I give him a confident smile.
For the first time, I see a flicker of surprise in his expression. Then his lips twitch, and he gives me a curt nod before returning to his tirade.
My heart swells. I render the formidable De La Cruz momentarily speechless. This is a victory, however small, and it strengthens my resolve.
I settle in at my desk and get to work, fielding his requests and demands with efficiency and poise. By the end of the day, I prove myself invaluable, and Mr. De La Cruz gives me an approving look as we pack up to leave.
“Good work, Stevens,” he says. “Keep this up.”
“Thank you, Mr. De La Cruz,” I say. “I intend to.”
He blinks at my boldness, but says nothing else. I walk out of the office with my head high, a spring in my step. Jennifer has been right to encourage me to take a leap of faith. I am going to rise to this challenge—and maybe, just maybe, I will get the chance to glimpse the man behind the mask. The game is on.
“Stevens, in my office. Now.” His tone is brusque, but I detect a hint of curiosity behind the command.
I follow him in and take a seat across from his desk. He studies me for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. I meet his gaze, waiting.
He pauses, watching me. “I’ve got a new case that requires a deft, diligent touch. The clients are high profile and demanding. Do you think you’re up for it?”
My heart races, but I keep my expression neutral. This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. “Absolutely, Mr. De La Cruz. I won’t let you down.”
He studies me for another long moment. Then he nods, a glint of challenge entering his eyes. “Good. The files are on your desk. Get to work.”
I stand, barely able to contain my excitement. “Right away, sir.”
As I leave his office, I catch the ghost of a smile on his lips. The game is still on—but for the first time, we are playing on the same team. This is going to be an interesting partnership indeed.
Today has been a weird day. He still seems dissatisfied, quick to criticize me, and always seems irritated. It can’t be anything I have done, because I have been working my butt off.
He has been in his office pacing for the last twenty minutes, and I swear he keeps staring out here at me. What did I do?
“Laura, please come into my office.”
My shoulders tense and I take a deep breath, walking inside and taking a seat in front of his desk. He is still pacing around the room. He bites his lip.
“Why did you reschedule the meeting from today to tomorrow?” His nostrils are flaring.
“Sir, the meeting before it would take at least two hours, which would run into that meeting, so instead of rescheduling for after office hours, I moved it to tomorrow.”
“Don’t you think you should have asked?”
