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Opening my emails, one makes me pause. I hold a hand to my mouth, my fingers trembling over my lips as I read the sender’s name.Alessi Fashion. Why are they emailing me? The only connection I have—had—with them is Finn, and I broke all ties with him the day I told him I was marrying Derek.
I gasp as I read the subject line.Position for Administrative Manager. Alyssa had applied for a job at Alessi’s! If I had known, I would never have allowed it. After a week of not hearing from any of the companies she sent my resume to, I assumed I was overlooked. Receiving this email feels like a bomb has exploded in my face. There’s no way I can answer it.
Going back into the kitchen, I pour my tea down the sink and wash my cup, then I make my way to Alyssa’s room and knock. When she opens the door, she takes one look at my face, grabs my arm, and drags me inside. “Why do you look like someone’s died? What’s happened?”
The shock at seeing an email from Alessi Fashion has shaken me. I haven’t told Alyssa everything about my life before we met. She hasn’t pried. What would she think about me if I told her I broke up with Finn Alessi to marry Derek Richardson for money? It looks bad—itisbad.
I sit on the edge of Alyssa’s bed, and she takes a seat next to me. “I got a response from Alessi Fashion. You must have applied there.”
My lips tremble. Why did an email affect me so much? It wasn’t like I’d received a personal letter from Finn.
“What did they say? Wait…it was a rejection, wasn’t it? That’s why you look sad. Don’t worry, we’ll keep trying, and hopefully, more will get back to you with better news.”
I fiddle with the hem of my t-shirt. “I didn’t read it, but I’m assuming it’s for an interview. I deleted it.”
“Why? Don’t tell me it’s because you’re not qualified. A monkey can do those kinds of jobs,” she jokes.
I shake my head. “I can’t work there even if I got the job. It’s my ex-boyfriend’s company. We didn’t end on good terms.”
“Oh wow. Your ex is an Alessi?” Alyssa’s eyes widen. She obviously knows the company. Alessi Fashion is one of the biggest fashion houses in the world.
I nod.
“Well, it’s a big company. Maybe you’ll never see him.” Alyssa leans over and picks up her cell from the nightstand and swipes at the screen. “What’s his name?”
“Finn Alessi. Why?”
“I’m googling him.” Alyssa must have found what she was looking for, because she sighs as she flicks through the photos. “He’s a hottie. Looks like a bit of a player though. Look at how many women he’s been involved with.”
Alyssa turns the phone toward me, and I turn away. I’ve seen it before. It still hurts. Derek took great pleasure in showing me the beautiful women Finn dated knowing I was in love with him. Derek resented me for not throwing myself at him because of my loyalty to Finn.
“This still upsets you.” Alyssa’s smile drops, and she flips the phone face down on the bed. “I’m sorry for dragging it up.”
I wave a hand like it doesn’t bother me. But it’s still like a knife twisting in my heart. “It was a long time ago.”
“Did you break up because he’s an asshole and cheated? Most men this good-looking and rich can’t keep their dicks in their pants.”
The anguish over our breakup squeezes my heart. He wasn’t an asshole. Finn loved me, and I threw his love in his face. “Something like that,” I lie. I didn’t want to get into the details.
“If you’re worried about bumping into him in the office, I read that he’s living in the UK, running the London branch. So, if you get the job, you won’t see him. You should go for it.”
It had always been my dream to work in fashion. Finn had supported me and encouraged me to study. We’d fantasized about someday working together. I’d started my second year at fashion school when Derek put an end to my dreams. Who knows if I’ll ever get the opportunity again? An administrative position might be a foot in the door in the fashion industry. If Finn stayed in London and I can keep away from his brothers, there shouldn’t be a problem. Right? My heart flutters with anxiety. No. It’s ridiculous to even think it could work.
“I’ll consider it.” But there’s nothing to consider. There’s no way I can go through with it.
I trudge into the apartment with a heavy heart after another failed attempt at finding a job. During the last five days, I’ve handed my resume to several restaurants and retail stores. I’ve had no response from the other positions Alyssa applied for, and I’ve given up hope they’ll request an interview.
My phone rings in my bag and I dig it out. The number isn’t one I recognize. Hope flutters in my belly. Maybe it’s someone calling about my resume?
“Hello,” I answer.
“Hello, this is Tamara Harris from Alessi Fashion. Am I speaking with Harper Madden?”
It was risky using my maiden name. I hope none of the Alessi brothers have anything to do with the human resource department and recognize it. But I can’t stand calling myself Harper Richardson. That name died with Derek.
I sag onto the armrest of the sofa, my legs shaking at just the mention of the Alessi name. “Umm…yes…this is Harper.” Why are they calling me? Did Alyssa reply to their email without telling me? I’ll kill her if she did!
“Great. I’m just calling to ask if you received our email regarding an interview for the position you applied for. We’ve had problems with our email service, and some emails have been lost in cyberspace.” She sighs. “It’s been such a nuisance.”
