Page 41 of The Sexy Part
My face gets hot.
“She’s single,” Tara says. “Look at her finger.”
“I can see why,” he says under his breath.
She giggles.
I’m halfway between shame and fury. Shame wins out, nausea roiling in my stomach. I leap from my seat and dash to the bathroom.
I splash cold water on my face, and the nausea passes. Grabbing a paper towel, I dab my face dry and stare at myself in the mirror. I don’t think I can do this job. It’s too much to see the lovey-dovey couples, the squabbling over details. None of that matters. It’s supposed to be about love.
A tear escapes. I let Hailey down again after all she’s done for me. I can’t afford to lose this job. First of all, I owe her for my own wedding. Second, no one’s going to give me the flexibility Hailey promised so I can get my own life back together. And I sincerely want to help. She’s a really nice person; her whole family is too. Not singling any one out in particular. Just saying. Good people.
I shift and rest my forehead against the cool wall, trying to think. Can I go back in there? Is Hailey going to fire me?
Maybe I’ll just stay in this bathroom forever. I sink to the floor, bending my knees and wrapping my arms around them. I rest my head against my arm, exhausted by emotional turmoil.
I’m not sure how much time has passed when there’s a knock at the door. I lift my head.
“Rowan?” Hailey says. “Can I come in?”
I stand and open the door. She gives me a sympathetic look, takes my hand, and pulls me out to the hallway.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
She gives my arm a squeeze. “Nothing to be sorry about. It’s too soon for you to meet with clients.I’msorry I put you through that. I’m sure it’s bringing back lots of unpleasant memories.”
I nod, my eyes stinging.
She puts an arm around my shoulders and guides me to her office. “You’ll be my back office support, okay? Let’s get you started on the accounting software.”
“Did Tara and Tom leave?”
“Yes, we finished. You were in the bathroom for a long time.”
“I wasn’t sure if I could face them again, and I was afraid you’d fire me.”
She stops, putting her hands on my shoulders and meeting my eyes. “You had a bumpy first day, but I have complete confidence you can be a great help in many other areas.”
“Thanks for a second chance.”
She hugs me, and I relax, enveloped by her motherly care. “No problem at all.”
I settle at my desk and log on to the accounting software, happily learning how to help in a way I’m good at.
Love’s not in my future, but at least I can focus on work.
8
I get to Ludbury House bright and early the next day. Today I’ll be the ultimate assistant.
“Good morning!” Hailey says with a sunny smile as she walks up the front path. “Looks like you’re as much of an early bird as I am. I’m up at dawn and already got my workout in.”
“Morning! Looking forward to whatever you need me to do.” I debate throwing in another apology for my meltdown yesterday, but decide it’s better not to remind her.
She does the security code on a keypad near the door to disable the alarm system, unlocks the door with a key, and walks in.
I follow her.
