Page 7 of Book Club Confidential

The elevator doors parted, and she raised her chin by a fraction, pushing her shoulders back and fixing a smile on her lips. Today was a new day, and this was not a novel.

Hello, Marketing, the boutique advertising firm where she’d worked since college, filled the third floor of the historic mercantile building downtown. In generations past, river access made this a prime location for transport and trade. These days, majestic waterway views made the spot perfect for inspiration and creativity, a.k.a. the crux of her job.

Millie, the forty-something receptionist and company co-owner, nearly vibrated with enthusiasm as she watched Tessa approach. “Good morning,” she sang. Her bright-blue eyes glowed against the contrast of her short platinum hair.

“Hi, Millie,” Tessa said. “You look fantastic.”

The large glass desk between them did nothing to hide Millie’s hot-pink designer heels and bubble skirt, or her megasize personality.

“Tonight’s the night,” Millie said. “Are you dying? Because I’m dying.”

Tessa set a tray of iced coffees and a bag of assorted rolls on the desk, then passed a shaken oat milk espresso to Millie. “I love event nights,” she said, deftly avoiding the implication Millie had made. “Try the latte. Hallie added brown sugar and a pump of vanilla syrup.”

Millie sipped, then took a seat behind her desk. “She’s a genius with these drinks.”

“You should see what she can do with some fruit and twenty minutes.”

Millie grinned. “I know you’re avoiding the subject of the gala, probably because you don’t want to jinx anything, but can I just say I feel like a proud mama? Not that I’m old enough to be your mother,” she clarified. “But I can remember the day you first stepped off that elevator, like it was yesterday.” Tessa had come in completely unannounced and asked to check on her résumé. The timing was perfect because Xavier was trying to handle everything, except the phones, all by himself to save a dollar. The company was growing, but not fast enough to afford help.

Tessa wrinkled her nose at the memory. She’d been nervous to drop by without an appointment, but she needed a job, and she had to get experience to find one. Hello, Marketing had just opened its doors. Back then, she’d only expected to work there for a short while, for free, and as an intern.

Millie rolled her eyes and barked a laugh. “You got to see us at our worst.” Xavier and Millie were still married back then.

“I think you did okay,” Tessa said. “How many people do you know who can work with their ex?”

“How many couples have their entire retirement wrapped up in one business?”

Tessa smiled. “And he’s still blessed with your presence every single day.”

Millie laughed. “You know it! Look for me tonight in my purple Balykina.” She patted Tessa’s hand where it rested on the desk. “We’re finally getting a woman in charge around here, and I’m dressing for the occasion.”

Tessa bit her bottom lip, trying not to ask the question that came out anyway. “We don’t know that yet. Unless Xavier said something to you about his decision?”

Millie’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding? He knows I’d tell you in an instant, but who else could he promote? You’ve already been passed over for too many other opportunities. Silly reasons too,” she added, almost as an afterthought. “You were too young or too inexperienced, yada yada, but not anymore. You’re our best account rep. Everyone knows it, and everyone loves you.”

Tessa’s heart fluttered at the praise. Millie really wasn’t old enough to be her mother, but she loved the motherly attention and affection more than Millie would ever know. “Thank you.”

“I can’t wait for you to get your hands on that Lilacs and Lace account,” she said more quietly. “Female indulgence and empowerment? That’s you and Nina all day. This account is huge. Given tonight’s announcement, I’d say the timing is perfect.”

Tessa’s smile returned. She’d thought the same thing, and timing was everything, wasn’t it? “Is Nina in yet?”

“Not yet. I saw her downstairs at the gym.”

Tessa checked her watch. Seven thirty. “Okay. I’ll be around if you need me.”

She crossed the glossy white tile floor into the hallway behind reception. Miles of circular mirrors in every size covered a lime-green wall to her right. An enormous neon sign spelled the company’s name in script letters on her left. Millie personally handled every detail of the office’s interior design, a vibe she lovingly called Cyndi Lauper chic.

Tessa stole a peek in the mirrors as she passed, appreciating the sleek black pantsuit she’d chosen for the day. In a company that clearly favored men, she did her best to look the part of a confident, steadfast partner. At five foot seven, she found that her three-inch heels raised her to eye level with most of her colleagues, humbling the group of five-ten men who claimed to be six feet tall or taller.

Peyton, her office nemesis, was a five-nine recent frat boy who hated to see her coming in anything other than flats. The mashed toes and occasional heel blister were more than worth the reward.

“Morning!” a familiar voice trilled behind her.

Tessa turned with a smile. “Good morning, Nina.” She pulled the nonfat, no-whip, iced vanilla sugar-free latte from her tray and offered it to her coworker.

“Bless,” the older redhead said, accepting the coffee with one hand while stealing a hug with the other. “I hoped to catch you before the big day got started. Is there a straw?”

Tessa’s heart clenched nonsensically as she scanned the tray and checked the bag for signs of a straw she hadn’t asked for. “You don’t usually use a straw.”