AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What are we even talking about?
A fundraiser, maybe?
Oh great, he’s discussing raising money for a worthy cause, and I have no idea what he’s talking about. This is bad. If he asks me a question, it will be obvious I’m not listening at all.
Please don’t call on me.
As if he can hear the inner turmoil in my mind, he looks directly at me. His blue eyes are sharp and discerning.
“You can handle that, correct, Raven?”
“Yes, Mr. Cavendish,” I answer, having no clue what I’m saying yes to. His jaw tightens at my answer. He knows I have no clue.
“Good. Because this is very important to Cavendish Group. Very important to me.”
His tone is sharp, and I know if I screw this up, my future here will be short.
Is that a bad thing?
I’ve only been working here for over a week, and I’m second-guessing if I want to work for this man.
Maybe I can be transferred to a different department. One where I don’t have to work for Cavendish directly.
Lost in my thoughts again, I barely notice that the meeting is wrapping up until Charles stands.
Shelby moves quickly and is beside me before I can take a step. She places her hand on my shoulder, telling me with no words to hold back a moment.
Once everyone leaves the room, I turn to face her. “Everything okay?.”
“I couldn’t help noticing you were spaced out before. Are you okay?” Her eyes dart down to the stain on my chest.
“Yep, just a run-in with an angry coffee machine.”
“Okay, good. I was worried about you for a minute. I’d be frazzled, too, if I had to go to a meeting about a gala when it’s only my second week.” She points to the mess.
“It was not ideal timing, that’s for sure.”
“Listen, about Charles, I know he’s not easy...”That’s the understatement of the year.“But he means well. The money he raises for cancer—”
“That’s what we are raising money for?” I ask foolishly as memories of what my father went through seep into my mind.
“Yes, and here at Cavendish, we take philanthropy very seriously. If you need help with making the calls to the vendors for the event, I can help.”
Making calls to vendors.That’s what I signed up for.Good to know.
“I’m sure I’ll be okay. I’ll be provided with a list and details?”
“Of course. This is important to him. Helping cancer patients get the treatment they deserve—no matter the cost—is central to his need for the business to do well, too.”
My chest constricts at her words.
Maybe thereismore to him than the tough, prickly exterior that he’s shown me.
Could there be a heart under that cold, grumpy surface?
* * *
A week later,and it feels like the days have passed in the blink of an eye.
