Page 3 of Resisting the Temptation
I thought I wanted to go into architecture design at first but then realized I don’t want to come up with the idea and hand it to someone else, I want to execute the project. Plus, I’m shit at drawing. Daniel suggested I look into construction management, and everything clicked into place.
There’s also not a lot of women in the construction world, and I want to change that.
“It’ssonice. I find I have a lot more free time now, though it’s weird not having to account for homework time in my weekly schedule.”
Daniel nods. “I remember not knowing what to do with my free time when I didn’t have homework to do anymore.”
Josh nods too. “And are you still looking for jobs in the construction field?”
“Yes, I’ve applied to a few jobs, but no one’s responded. I think they see a woman’s name and automatically assume I don’t know what I’m doing. Which, to be frank, Idon’t.Not really, but I can’t learn unless I’m taught, you know?”
I dip the crispy mandu in the tangy dipping sauce while Josh and Daniel share a look. I hate not being privy to their fraternal mental conversions sometimes.
“Well,” Daniel starts, “as much as we don’t want to lose you, we know you’d make an amazing PM.”
“So,” Josh continues, “I talked to Enzo Rossi, Ben’s dad. They’re expanding and looking to add another project manager to the team. I told him about you..”
From what I’ve gathered, Ben is Josh’s friend from high school. They were both on the tennis team and—knowing Josh—he forced Ben into being his friend. Josh talks about their friendship fondly, like Ben’s another brother to him, even if Josh also describes him as a grumpy asshole. Even though I’ve worked here for four years and have been invited to parties where Ben might be present, I’ve never met him.
Anticipation skitters down my spine as I wait for Josh to continue, but he doesn’t, always one for dramatics.
Finally, after what feels like hours, Josh starts talking again. “I ranted and raved about you, Em. I told Enzo what a hard worker you are, how quickly you learn newthings, and how passionate you are about the projects we’ve had you work on.”
“Joshua Allen Kirkham if you don’t get to the point I’m going to take all the tteokbokki for myself,” I threaten, pointing my chopsticks at him.
Josh gasps. “You wouldn’tdare. You don’t even like tteokbokki!”
“Don’t underestimate me. I’ve done a lot of things out of spite.”
Josh laughs, unaffected by my threats. “Enzo Rossi would be more than happy to have you on his team.”
I gape at him. “Are you serious? He doesn’t want to interview me first?”
Josh shakes his head. “Nah, not a formal one. He’ll give you a call when we’re done with lunch to go over the position, though. Enzo likes to go with his gut. Me vouching for you, and the fact you have a degree and passion for the job is enough for him. Everything else you need to know can be learned. ”
“I—” Emotion clogs my throat, and I push down the urge to start sobbing. “I can’t express how grateful I am, Josh. Truly. Thank you so much.” I get up and round the table, wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug.
As I sit back down, Daniel gives me a sad smile. “We’re going to miss you a lot, Em. But we’re excited to watch you succeed.”
“Thanks, Daniel.” I just hope I don’t let them down.
Chapter 2
Ben
“Is thereanythingelse I can get for you,Ben?” the barista at the coffee shop asks, practically purring my name. She’s been batting her lashes at me this whole time, but instead of looking flirtatious, she looks like there’s something in her eye.
“Just the coffee,” I grunt.
Her shoulders slump a little bit. “Your total is three-fifty.”
I hand over a ten-dollar bill. “Keep the change.” I pull out my phone and move away from the counter while I check emails.
My dad’s company—and my place of employment—Rossi Construction, is looking for a new project manager so we can take on more jobs, but so far, my dad hasn’t approved of anyone we’ve interviewed.
It’s not like the candidates weren’t qualified or experienced, some of them even had my dad laughing in the interviews, but he didn’t want to hire any of them.He was hoping my brother Mateo would want to come work for us, but he’s happy with his accounting firm.
“Ben!” someone calls from the counter, signaling my coffee is ready. I walk to the counter, pick up the cup with my name, and notice the string of numbers scribbled below it.
