Page 10 of Every Broken Piece
Amelia is one of those extroverted people who friended me, the introvert, and makes sure I get out into humanity occasionally. I love her. She gets me. But she also doesn’t allow me to wallow in my seclusion like I’m wont to do.
Amelia: Oh, yay! You’ll have to tell me all about it. I’m glad he finally came around
For some reason I have butterflies in my stomach when I think about this meeting. I’m not normally nervous to meet a client. I have a list of questions I ask, but typically we go off script and this is when we really get to know each other. My clients can inadvertently reveal little quirks that help me figure out how best to work with them and help them.
I click back to the ad I was working on and before I know it, it’s time for my call. Now my stomach is really kicking with nerves. I press a hand to it while I run to the bathroom and check my hair and makeup. Yes, I put makeup on to work from home bymyself. It makes me feel professional and like I’m not too much of a slob.
I’m sitting in front of my monitor when Gabriel Strong joins the chat.
Except it’s not Gabriel Strong.
I know what Mr. Strong looks like from my internet snooping and this man with the twinkling eyes, slight smile, and Gordon Ramsey messy hair is not the silver fox I looked up.
“Mr. Sterling,” I say. “This is a surprise.”
He grins and I can’t help but grin back because his smile is contagious. He’s dressed in a gray t-shirt that stretches across well-defined biceps. He’s leaned back, hands crossed in front of him.
“Ms. James, it’s good to see you in person.”
What the heck is going on here? Why am I conferencing with Jack Sterling instead of Gabriel Strong?
“It’s nice to meet you.” My voice rises on a question and he laughs.
“I know you’re expecting Gabe and I’m sorry he couldn’t make the meeting. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.”
My brows crease because I’m still confused. I’m Mr. Strong’s PA, not Jack Sterling’s, so I’m unsure why I’m meeting with him.
Jack leans forward and crosses him arms on top of his desk, drawing my attention to a chunky gold watch that probably costs more than three months’ rent for me. His eyes are dancing with contagious mirth. “I know you’re confused, but honestly, I wanted to meet you. I’m the one who hired you. Your manager said you were the best and that’s what Gabe wanted.”
“I hope I’m living up to his, or rather your, expectations.”
“I’m sure you are.” He tilts his head and studies me through the camera lens. I try not to fidget but it’s hard not to. This isn’t going at all how I thought it would.
“Will Mr. Strong be joining us today?” I ask.
He takes a moment to answer as if he’s memorizing what I look like. “I’m afraid not.”
Unless something was added to his calendar at the last minute, I know he doesn’t have a meeting. I’m so confused and a little irritated that he’s wasting my time like this. I have other clients I could be working on right now.
“Tell me about yourself, Ms. James.”
“Call me Tess. Please.”
“Tess. I like that. It’s a pretty name.”
“Thank you.”
“So tell me about Tess James.”
I push my page of questions to the side because clearly, he won't be able to answer any of them. “I’ve been a virtual assistant for five years now. I have a stable of clients and I can provide references if needed. While Mr. Strong has only asked me to manage his calendar and inbox, there are many other duties I’m capable—”
Jack waves his hand in the air, silencing me. I draw back, startled.
“You already have the job, Tess. No need to sell me on you. I want to know aboutyou. What do you do outside of work?”
My eyes narrow because this is venturing into forbidden territory. At least forbidden for me. I don’t discuss my private life with my clients. Ever. I don’t discuss my private life with the few friends I have. Ever.
“I read, Mr. Sterling—”
