AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
WHEN ANNA LEE PICKFORDentered the small restaurant with her arm looped through Zach’s arm, Emma felt an unfamiliar twinge of jealousy ripple through her heart. She wasn’t the jealous type, and it was an extremely unpleasant feeling.
“Emma, did you hear what I said?” Kurt asked, his voice tinged with impatience.
“What? No, sorry, Kurt, I was distracted for a second.”
“I said, with a hit series on HBO or Showtime, your father could really make a mark.”
“But I told you earlier, dad has no interest in television. He’s strictly a big screen guy.”
“I know that’s what you told me, but now I’m telling you, talk to him! You and I could find him a great script and—“
“Kurt, I really do appreciate all the time you’ve given me today,” she lied, wishing he’d let her leave earlier and not insist on an early dinner, “but I need to head home. Last night I was out late and I’m wiped out. I simply must get some rest. I have more interviews tomorrow.”
“You don’t want to accept my offer? Is it the money? I can probably persuade Jerry to put more in the pot.”
“It’s not the money, and I’m not saying no, I’m just saying I have other appointments and it would be rude not to go. My father went to a great deal of trouble.”
As she rose to her feet and picked up her bag, he waved urgently at the waitress.
“Just let me get the check and I’ll walk you back.”
“No need, and thanks again, it’s been a fascinating day,” she said, thinking she couldn’t bear to spend one more minute in his company. From the moment she’d walked into his office he’d talked incessantly. “I’ll call you at the end of the week and let you know.”
He looked stricken, and for a second she thought he was about to fall on his knees and beg her to take the job. Grateful he only asked if she wanted dessert, she mumbled, “no, thanks,” and walked quickly towards the door. But glancing across at Zach and Anna Lee, she considered stopping at their table. Though she paused her step, she couldn’t bring herself to do it, not after the way she’d flounced from his office.
Leaving the chic eatery, she strode down the street and into the Continental building. In spite of the afternoon with Kurt she could only describe as bizarre, as she entered the elevator that would take her to the garage, Zach consumed her thoughts.
She was stuck.
How could she accept his dinner invitation and keep her pride?
She needed an excuse.
Climbing into her car, Angelo popped into her head. At least she didn’t have to worry about him. While being dumped was humiliating, she couldn’t deny feeling relieved. Driving out of the building and turning down the street, she was glad it was a short drive—another reason she wanted to work at Continental—but no way would she work for Kurt, and Zach didn’t want her.
