After that disastrous meeting this morning, I’ve planted myself in Olivia’s office, and I’m not budging until I get some answers. It doesn’t matter that she’s six months pregnant; I’m not leaving this office until I’ve made my point.
“You’re not going to refuse.” She rolls her eyes. “First of all, I know you, and you’ve never once in your life backed down from a challenge. And second, because I’m asking you to do this, Cam. As your friend.” She shrugs. “And as your boss.”
I shake my head at her. “So I’m going to be babysitting Sterling for the next six months, helping him to what—date? This is ridiculous. I don’t think I can do this.”
“Did I mention the client has promised a ten-thousand-dollar bonus if you pull this off?” she adds sweetly.
Ten thousand dollars could change everything for me. I haven’t opened up and told Olivia about the whole deal because it’s kind of awkward when your BFF is a multimillionaire, but when my last boyfriend took off, he left me with a small mountain of debt. I cringe every time my phone rings, not knowing if it will be another call from a credit-card company. And now I’ve gotten myself two months behind on rent, just trying to pay the minimum on my credit-card bills.
I never imagined I’d be living like this, my stomach in cramps when I think of my financial landscape. Even worse? I don’t have any of the shiny things to show for the money spent. My ex disappeared with my heart, and everything else. A ten-thousand-dollar bonus could pay all of it off. I could start actually sleeping at night again instead of worrying how I’ll pay off the credit-card debt he left me.
“I’m listening.” I slump down into the firm leather chair in front of her desk.
Olivia places her elbows on the desk and leans in closer. “I knew you’d come around.”
“But seriously, how am I going to do this? I have no idea what Sterling wants in a wife, and I still have my other clients and projects to manage.”
Olivia leans back and places one hand on the firm, round bump of her belly, stroking lightly. God, why does she have to be so adorable? It’s hard to stay mad at her.
“True. Well, I suppose you’ll have to spend some extra time with Sterling, figure out what he wants. And I’ll tell you what—with what the estate people are paying the firm, I think I can even cover the cost of an assistant for you. Would that help you manage?”
My very own assistant? A small smile graces my lips. “I like that idea. But the idea of hunting out candidates and interviewing . . .” I sigh.
“Problem solved. Anna’s firm is downsizing. She’d be perfect.”
Anna has been a close friend since the fourth grade. She’s someone I adore and trust. Plus, she’s super hardworking.
“I had no idea.”
Olivia nods. “She e-mailed me her résumé this morning. She just got wind of the corporate downsizing.”
“Wow. Tough luck.” I know Anna loves her job; she’s been there for years. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
I head back to my office, intent on getting some work taken care of, but first I send a quick e-mail to Anna to set up an meeting for after work tonight.
Just as I begin editing the latest media-campaign graphics, a text on my phone snatches my attention, and I grab it to check the caller ID. It’s an unknown number, and I’m about to shove it back into my purse without answering. Probably another fucking bill collector. My ex needs his balls chopped off with a rusty butter knife.
Then I remember Sterling and I exchanged numbers after the meeting this morning.
Sterling: When do we start?
No pleasantries, no hello, how are you? And on top of that, he just assumes I’m going to take the job. Which I am, but still. Before I can think up a witty reply, he sends another text.
Sterling: I’m free tonight after work.
Worse than him assuming I’m going to drop everything and work for him, he assumes I have no life and can meet at the drop of a hat. The cocky asshat.
Camryn: I have plans tonight, sorry.
Without missing a beat, my phone chimes again.
Sterling: Tomorrow night then.
I need tonight to get my act together. I know I can count on Anna to help me create a winning game plan. Then I’ll be ready to face Sterling, ready to face this fix-up assignment head-on.
Camryn: Fine.
Sterling: Seven at La Brasso.
La Brasso is a nice Italian restaurant that opened recently, and has been in the news because of some fancy chef and their long waiting list to even get a table. I have no idea how or why Sterling thinks we can get in tomorrow—Saturday night, of all nights—but I don’t argue.
• • •
The second I open the door, Anna tackle-hugs me.
“Cam! It’s so good to see you.” When she pulls back and meets my gaze, she frowns. “You look tired, sweetie.” She pats my back.
“Thanks?” I chuckle and shake my head. “No, it’s just work. But that’s why you’re here.”
Anna makes herself comfortable, flopping down onto the plush Pottery Barn sofa I saved for and finally bought last year. But now with money being so tight, I feel guilty every time I sink into the blue microfiber fabric.
“I know, and I’m so excited we’re going to be working together. You and Olivia are really saving my ass.”
I sit down beside her. “You’re saving my behind; trust me. This isn’t going to be a typical assignment, or easy.”