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“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Hang on a sec.” She disappeared from the foyer for a moment before returning with a brown paper bag. “This will hold you over for tonight. And I’ll be furious if it’s not all gone by the time I see you again. You need to eat.”
“Wait.” I placed a hand on her shoulder. “I know you’ve already gone to the trouble of cooking, but will you go with me to get something to eat? I—”
Muriella squeezed my hand, understanding in her eyes. “Say no more. Is that new place we haven’t tried yet okay?”
“Anything. I don’t really feel like going out, but I can’t take just sitting around alone,” I confessed.
“I’ll wash my face and grab my purse.” She was halfway down the hall to her bedroom when she looked back. “I’m glad you asked. I feel I’ve been no help to you. That you don’t want to burden me.”
“I’d be rotting on the floor and starved to death if it weren’t for you,” I said honestly.
Satisfied, she continued toward her room. I was on her heels. I didn’t want to be alone, not for a second. Muriella would understand, would never accuse me of being clingy even if I was. Thank God I had her. I needed her now more than ever.
Chapter Nine
Vivian
Eight Years Earlier
All communicationfrom Daniel ceased after our chat in front of Paths of Purpose. I was disappointed, expecting more from him. I didn’t envision him as a quitter, someone so easily scared away. And I didn’t think I was asking too much, wanting to know him before intimacy. I couldn’t risk being a one-night stand…not with him. I felt him too much already in places I wasn’t sure I wanted him to be. If he rejected me, the hit would be a blow to my fragile confidence. I’d only alluded to a relationship beyond sex, and he’d shut down faster than a power station struck by lightning.
Except for that brief kiss he’d taken, and I’d been all too willing to give back. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, the memory from a week ago still fresh the way I’d felt that contact from head to toe, like I was his string and he’d plucked me. It was a mistake to give him anything. He’d proved he was in control, and I wanted him to be. My heart was a fragile thing, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could resist him.
I went back to my life, and he did whatever it was he did. I was only a few days away from my six-month evaluation at Hamerstein, but I wasn’t leaving anything to chance, working harder and longer than ever, making sure my presence at this company became a necessity, not an option. All the interns had stepped up their game hoping to get a permanent position, but I didn’t let that discourage me. There was no way in hell I was going back to Texas with my tail tucked between my legs. My desk phone rang at 4:45 on Friday afternoon. Mr. Hamerstein’s secretary summoned me to his office. I smoothed my hair, refreshed my lipstick, and went to my boss’s office. My evaluation wasn’t scheduled for another week, but I squelched the butterflies and put on my game face. I was determined not to leave that office as an intern.
Mr. Hamerstein’ssecretary indicated I should sit. The pep talk I’d given myself on the way up went right out the window as I sank into a seat in the intimate waiting area. I crossed my legs and then uncrossed them. Picked up a magazine from the end table and flipped through a few pages without looking at them before tossing it back on top of a few others.
None of the other interns had mentioned meetings with Mr. Hamerstein. Was I being let go? I fidgeted with the sleeves of my sweater, my mind whirring through the past few months to figure out if I’d done anything wrong.
I’d given everything I had to this. Worked long hours. Never complained. Did whatever was asked of me. There was nothing I could have done any better. Still, the knot in my stomach wouldn’t let up.
It took a valiant effort on my part to stay seated, the urge to get up and pace putting me on the edge of the chair.
“Miss DeGraw,” the secretary said behind her desk. My head jerked toward her. I interpreted the smile she gave me as sympathetic. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. “Mr. Hamerstein will see you now. Go on back.”
I inhaled a lungful of air, pushing to my feet as I released it. Straightening my shoulders, chin up, I strode past the secretary on shaky legs. Mr. Hamerstein’s door was open. He was behind his desk, head bowed as he studied the papers on it. His tanned skin was a stark contrast to his white hair. I’d seen him a few times, actually met him only once, but he was distinguished, had an air of authority. There was never a question that this washiscompany, which ramped up my nervousness another notch.
I tapped on the door with my knuckles, his eyes finding mine when he looked up.
“Vivian. Come on in.” He took off his glasses and set them on the desk as he stood. His suit jacket gaped, revealing a crisp white shirt and the tip of his emerald and blue striped tie.
“Mr. Hamerstein.” I crossed the plush navy carpet and extended a hand. His eyes were bright and welcoming, which gave me hope.
We shook, and he motioned to the chair across from him. The leather was cool against the backs of my knees.
“Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Water?” he offered, somehow spurring my worry instead of quelling it.
I straightened, clasping my hands over one knee. “No, thank you.” The smile I was aiming for was polite. I hoped it came across that way instead of as a scared grimace.
“The evaluations are scheduled for next week, but I’ve already made up my mind in your case. I didn’t see a reason to waste time.” Mr. Hamerstein pushed some papers aside, revealing a leather inlay on the surface of the desk. He leaned back and absently picked up his glasses, twirling them around by the temple tip. “Tell me how you like it here.”
My brows shot up, but I quickly lowered them, clearing my throat. “Um, I’ve learned so much already. This opportunity has been so much more than I imagined. The work is interesting—difficult at times,” I said with a knowing smile. “But interesting. And I love the connection we have with Paths of Purpose. There’s a lot of potential for developing that further.”
His lips curved up into a pleased line, eyes studying me intently. “You’re doing a hell of a job. No matter what department you work with, they always have something to say about you. Whether it’s your work ethic, persistence, or drive. You’ve made quite a name for yourself, Vivian.”
I swallowed hard, still not completely convinced he wasn’t firing me. “Thank you, sir,” I said.
“I’m going to do something I haven’t done in fifteen years. I see a lot of potential in you. What I’m proposing won’t be easy, but I think you’re up for it.” Mr. Hamerstein set the glasses back on the desk and leaned forward. “I’d like you to be my apprentice. I’ll teach you everything I know.” My lips parted as my eyes rounded. He chuckled. “Don’t look so surprised. You’ve earned it.”
