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ELLA: Sharon was able to get me a cashier's check. She totally understood my problem and was happy to help. I really think we should keep things professional between us. Thanks for everything you've done for me. I won't forget it even if we don't see each other outside of work again.
Crap.
I should have just chalked it up to experience and moved on. There were hundreds of young women who would be happy enough to spend time in my bed. Besides, I had a headhunter busy trying to find me a wife.
I should have put Ella Carlson out of my head, but I couldn't.
I didn't want to.
I didn't give up that easily when I saw something I wanted.
I wanted Ella. Still, I couldn’t force the issue. I'd have to try to build up trust with her and that would take time.
I'd give her some time – I'd wait a few days and then I'd ask her once more to come out with me for a meal. Maybe if I showed her I would be completely hands-off at Dominion from that day forward, she'd feel better about us seeing each other.
To that end, I send her one last text.
JOSH: I understand that you're reluctant to become involved with me because I own Dominion Publishing. If you change your mind or even just about the meatballs, you can text me and I'll be here. I really enjoyed meeting you and assure you that I would never use my position to gain any kind of advantage over you or force the issue. It's totally up to you.
Then, I went back to work, determined to give her some time and space to consider what I'd said. In a couple of days, I'd try again.
A few days later, after I'd immersed myself in work and tried my best to put Ella into the back of my mind, I decided to pop down to her office and see if I could accidentally run into her on the way to speak with Sharon.
I left my office and took the elevator down to her floor and went to Sharon's office, hoping to find Ella before she left, but I was too late. The office was still open, but Sharon was the only person remaining inside.
I popped in and saw her sitting behind her desk, a stack of files in front of her.
"Hey," I said and entered the office, taking the chair across from her. "How are you doing? We haven't had a chance to really sit down and talk since my father's death."
"I'm fine," she said and closed a file, removing her reading glasses and giving me a smile. "How are you?"
"I'm good. No complaints. Just wanted to see how things were in your neck of the woods. We've been in meetings together but we haven't had the chance to talk alone."
"I'm hugely relieved after finally getting my new assistant."
"Yes, I imagine. I'm glad you found someone to fill the role. Tell me about her. I haven't had a chance to read through any of the HR files." I shrugged, not sure I'd even seen any nor had I taken time to look.
"Oh, Ella? She's really bright, finished a BA in English from Dartmouth College. Wants to do a MFA at Columbia next year. She specialized in editing and creative writing, so she has an eye for both good writing and story. I'm really happy with her. It's a crime that we're getting her for free. I hope we can offer her a paid position when her internship ends."
"New Hampshire? Her last name is Carlson. Why does that ring a bell?"
Sharon raised her eyebrows. "Daddy is none other than the notorious Governor Emmet Carlson."
That shocked me. I sat back and rubbed my chin. "Governor Carlson? I think The Chronicle did a piece on him a few years ago. Has a lot of friends in high places who were passing on intel on some biotech stocks. He was never charged, but some of his underlings were."
"That's right. I remember it now. Ella just got out of a bad breakup. Seems there were a few problems with her fiancée." She wagged her eyebrows. "Not that I pry into my staff's personal lives, but given her father's position, stuff gets published. She just had a big breakup and she said she, and I quote, 'wanted to get the heck out of Dodge.'"
"Yeah, I know all about that," I said, referring to my own sorry tale of engagement woe. Sharon knew all about it. I'd asked her to take over soon after Christie and I split and I took some time off. I'd been honest with her, wanting to take a long vacation and try to wash Christie out of my system and Sharon had been only too happy to help me out. It meant a promotion for her, but she'd shown she could handle the added responsibilities.
"How are you doing?" she asked, her expression sympathetic.
"I'm good." I stood up, hoping to end that line of questioning immediately. "Well, I'm glad things worked out with the new hire. I just wanted to pop by before I left and make sure you were good. If you have any concerns, just call me. You know my door is always open."
"Thanks," she said and smiled.
I left, hoping I hadn't raised any suspicions on her part about my visit.
Then I took the elevator down to the parking garage and sat in my car, pondering my next move.
