AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ve been employed before,” I reply.
“Sure, but that didn’t count.”
I lift my brow at his words. “Oh, yeah? Why not?”
“You worked part time while getting your MBA. This is the real deal now.”
I groan. He’s right. I have a great résumé, but I’ve never worked full time at a company like this.
Despite my credentials, my previous work experience, and the internships I have had, I’m still starting at the bottom.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic at landing a job, but it’s basic compared to the level of knowledge I have.
“You’re an advertising analyst now.”
“I’m a glorified assistant.” I sigh, laying my head on Asher’s shoulder. “The thought of running errands and grabbing coffee for the higher-ups makes me want to gag.”
“It won’t be that bad,” Lily assures lamely, scooting her barstool closer to Asher. “You’ve always been able to charm your way into better seats at the corporate table.”
“Yeah,” Asher agrees, taking a long pull from his Heineken. His eyes drop to my legs and linger a tad longer than acceptable. “You’re special, Raven.” He eyes me a little too appreciatively for a friend, and my stomach drops.
Shit.
I don’t like that look. It reminds me of the way Lily looks at him.
“Been there, done that gig. It’s not too bad. The climb will be quick for you. If someone like me can get promoted, then you most definitely can.” He shrugs, taking another sip. “Let’s be honest. You’re far more intelligent than me.”
“And better looking,” Lily quips, raising her glass and leaning over Asher to clink it against mine.
“Definitely,” Asher agrees. “Pity we’re going to be working for competing companies. You would’ve been a killer addition to our firm. But between you and me, Cavendish Group is a really good alternative.”
“You don’t say.” My words are dry. Cavendish Group is the best, and Asher knows it. He’d cut off his right arm for a chance to work there. Said so himself before he was offered a position with Bauer Marketing.
“Plus, rumor is they have the most amazing café inside their building. Good coffee every day. What more can you ask for, really?”
I laugh. “You know me too well.”
“Can I get a job there?” Lily chimes in.
Asher and Lily talk about who knows what, and I zone out.
Thoughts of my father creep into my mind. Closing my lids, I see him in my head. The way he used to smile down at me. Always so proud.
His absence never gets easier.
When my hands shake, I know I need a distraction so I don’t fall apart. Dad wouldn’t have wanted that. He would want me to have fun.
Opening my eyes, I lift my glass to my mouth and down the remainder of my drink. As soon as the bubbles hit my lip, my shoulders uncoil.
My gaze moves across the room, taking in the sterile place. It’s void of color, modernistic, and made to attract the wealthy. Little alcoves line the far wall, hiding the elite patrons of Club Silver behind white chiffon curtains.
Men like the ones I’ll be running errands for at Cavendish.
Wealthy. Entitled. Arrogant.
A curtain slides open, and two well-dressed men appear like models being unveiled. The air is practically sucked from the room at their presence. There’s something about the magnetism they possess even from across the space, and I’m not the only one to notice. Several heads are turned in their direction.
Women whisper and gape, making their ogling far too obvious, if the darker-haired man’s smirk is any indication, as he peruses the room. His head nods toward a table of women decked out in glitzy dresses that barely cover their asses. Jewels drip from their necks and arms, making me wonder what the hell they’ve done in their lives to be so successful at such a young age.
