Page 63 of Beauty and the Assassin
“Thank you,” I say, still processing what this means. I hope my alarm clock doesn’t go off because I’m going to cry if this turns out to be a dream. “Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. Just let Rhonda know when you can start.”
I want to tell Elizabeth I can start right now, but I should tell Maggie at the café first. The risk-averse part of me says I shouldn’t quit my barista job since the position at the Pryce Family Foundation is only for three months, even if it is renewable. But at the same time, Tolyan said it’d be difficult for him to keep me safe if I’m not where he is, and being at the café doesn’t qualify.
Making things easier for Tolyan comes first. I can always get another barista job.
“Okay. And thanks again,” I say.
“Welcome to the foundation.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Angelika
When I come out of Elizabeth’s office, Tolyan’s not at his desk.
I go over to Rhonda and tell her I’m going to be the new intern.
“Oh, great! We can always use the extra help,” she says. “When are you starting? Maybe tomorrow, hint hint?” She gives me a friendly wink.
I smile, enchanted with this super-nice lady. It would’ve been a disappointment if she turned out to be a female version of Eric. “I think so. But let me check with my other boss first and adjust my schedule.”
“Awesome. Just text me when you know.” She gives me her number.
I put it into my contact list, then look back at Tolyan’s desk. He’s still not back. I borrow a Post-it from Rhonda and leave him a short note.
I got the internship! :) Going to the café now for my shift. I’ll see you at 5:30.
Then, just in case, I leave him my number. I don’t think I gave it to him. Actually, now that I think about it, I don’t have his number, either. Have to remember to ask him for it later.
I walk the two blocks from the foundation to the café. There are enough pedestrians that I don’t feel too nervous. Maybe it’s a bit naïve, but I feel like having people around makes it less likely for Roy’s guys to come after me. Leaving too many witnesses and all. Actually, my worry is Roy sending another package to the café. He doesn’t normally send one so soon after another, but he’s already broken pattern by sending me a package on Saturday. Usually he waits a little longer before letting me know he’s found me and he’s watching.
Let’s hope he doesn’t break it again and make another move against me.
But even if he does, I doubt he can really hurt me, not when Tolyan’s on my side. My gut feeling is that not many things can get past the man. My first impression of him was right: he’s like an angel of retribution and justice.
Thinking of him suffuses me with more confidence and knowledge that I’m not alone anymore. That I have somebody in my corner. It’s been so long since I felt this way, and it’s such a blessing. The universe or whatever amazing force up there sent him to me, like fate.
The walk to the café is spectacularly uneventful. I open the door and step inside, feeling like I’m walking on clouds. But I could be walking on broken glass and still feel like everything’s awesome.
“Hey, you look nice,” Sean says.
“Thanks.” I smile, then add, “So do you.”
He clears his throat, nods and starts tapping on his phone.
Eric comes out from the back. He gives me a once-over, then frowns. “You’re late.”
I glance at the clock. I’m one minute late. But based on his tone, it might as well be hours.
“Sorry,” I say, since he’s right that I’m late.
“You gotta take your job seriously,” he says, staring down at me.
“Like I said. Sorry.” I don’t want to argue with him. I’m in too good a mood.
“It’s not like you had a good reason to be late.”
