Page 4 of Tis The Season for Secrets
“Thank you for looking out for me,” Juliet said. “If you hadn’t, I’d be at home, blindsided.” She wasn’t surprised Ms Baum had passed the buck to her. She would’ve welcomed the challenge, had she been given the task in time, but the last-minute text confirmed that her mentor didn’t want her to succeed.
“You’re welcome,” Margot sighed.
“But please don’t break the law for my sake. I can’t afford our apartment by myself if you get arrested – again!” Juliet teased.
Margot nudged her off. “I was only arrested once, and you don’t have to worry. My brothers will always bail me out.” She clinked their glasses, never afraid of getting into trouble.
“And I didn’t do it entirely for you. I figured if I could get us into one of the most exclusive Christmas parties of the year, then you could secure your promotion and I could sign a client or two. A win-win for both of us.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a hulking man in a too-tight suit, who turned out to be the client Juliet owed a thanks to for inviting Margot. Leaving Juliet, they disappeared to the balcony to discuss private business.
“Here so soon?” The speaker was shrouded in a puff of vapour.
Juliet frowned, fanning strawberry-scented clouds away from her face. Hugo’s excessively white smile greeted her through the mist. She’d only met him once at the office, when he’d first signed on with Harley & Rowe. She was surprised he recognised her.
“I should’ve known Baum would send someone to do her dirty work, but I won’t allow any business tonight.” He placed a sickly warm hand on her shoulder.
Juliet shrugged away, never wanting to get too close to clients, especially not when there were so many eyes on them. “I won’t say a word about business.” She smiled, finishing her champagne. “If you simply hand over your pages, you won’t have to think any more of it, and you can spend the rest of the holidays without being hounded by us.”
Hugo considered her words for a moment, and she hoped his desire to be left alone would win her some points.
“The manuscript is in my office upstairs. I insisted on having a suite with an office since I’ve always found New York so inspiring. I’ve been working on the final pages religiously since I got into town but to leave such a party even for a moment would be a travesty,” he told her, rocking back and forth on the short heels of his crocodile-skin boots. She didn’t need to guess where he was headed next. “Unless you came up with me.” His hazy, bloodshot eyes leered at her through his long, greasy hair, and he reeked of alcohol.
So much for sobriety,she thought as his face lit up at the possibility of her being his next conquest. She glanced around the room and spotted Margot standing with two women she recognised from their ads; they ran the largest non-profit shelters for women and children in the city. She didn’t want to interrupt her friend, but she needed some back-up.
“I don’t think leaving together would be very appropriate,” she hedged, not wanting to go anywhere alone with him. “I wouldn’t want to take you away from your guests.”
“I’m sure we wouldn’t be missed.” Hugo rested his hand on her lower back. Juliet made a mental note to burn the dress once she got home.
“Lead the way,” she sighed, managing to catch Margot’s concerned gaze as she followed the slimy man up the glass staircase to the second floor of the suite. “Watch your step!” she added as Hugo stumbled on the carpet and caught her arm. She steadied him before separating herself. He wasn’t the first letch she’d ever dealt with.
“Can’t I have your arm for support?” He mocked a sad frown.
“I’m afraid I’m not as strong as I look. In heels I can barely support myself,” she joked, but that only seemed to brighten his eyes.
“Afraid I might take you down with me?”
“Why risk it?” Juliet said, clenching her jaw as she tried to put her repulsion aside. Thankfully, he walked ahead, taking the not-so-subtle hint.
They reached the office and Hugo unlocked the door, Juliet wishing she wasn’t so far from the party. She felt some relief when she saw there was no way to lock the door from the inside. Hugo’s satisfied groan as he collapsed into the desk chair brought her attention back to him.
“What a great space to write in,” she said politely, admiring the small office. “Ms Baum is very excited to read your new pages.”
“All work,” Hugo sighed. “How about we have a drink and talk about the book? I’d love to hear your thoughts before I hand it over.” He licked his lips, making it clear that talking was the last thing on his mind.
“Oh, my opinion hardly matters. I’m only an assistant, and I think an editor would be much more equipped to offer a man with your success and reputation any suggestions,” she told him, remaining on the far side of the desk and out of his reach.
“You shouldn’t put yourself down.” His eyes wandered over her body, and she wished her dress wasn’t so short. “Baum wouldn’t send a nobody to my door. I’ve got an eye for talent, and I think you’re far too beautiful to be some assistant.” Hugo opened a drawer and produced a bound stack of papers. “With those legs and waist, those big brown eyes –my God, it’s a waste to have you stuck behind a desk.”
Juliet resisted the urge to roll her eyes; what did her body or her appearance have to do with her work? She was beginning to question what she wanted more – her promotion, or to slap this pathetic excuse of a man. But when his manuscript landed with a thud on the desk, she could almost taste the promotion.
“I’m happy at Harley & Rowe.” She reached for the manuscript, but he placed his hand over hers on the front page.
“How happy?” Hugo got up to walk around the desk, putting himself between her and the manuscript. “What if you left that stuffy office and wrote for me? I’ve got several ideas to put on paper, and I don’t think one book is enough to tell the story of my life. I’d double your current salary… it never hurts to have a pretty face around to spark my creativity.”
Juliet gritted her teeth, but forced a small smile. “I’m flattered, but Harley & Rowe have a number of ghost writers with far more experience who would happily work with you.”
He hesitated for a moment, and she didn’t dare guess what he was contemplating.
