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Alyssa scoffs. “You had no experience at all, and you still landed a job at Alessi’s.”
“That’s because of the bogus resume you sent and Tamara’s kindness after I had a meltdown in her office.” I inwardly cringe. God, I can’t believe I did that. Thankfully, it all worked out.
“How hard is it to mix a few drinks? We’ll google the popular ones and practice making them. Speaking of work, I need to get ready for my shift. I’ll talk to my manager and let you know.”
In my position, I can’t be choosey. Jobs are scarce. I need something to keep me out of trouble until I figure out what it is I want to do with my life. What happened to my dream of becoming a designer? During the brief time I’d spent with Juliette, the designer had chipped away until my love of it reappeared. If I want to enroll in the course again, I’m going to need money.
“Thanks. I appreciate it,” I say to Alyssa.
After Alyssa gets changed for work, we say goodbye and I lead her and Tamara to the door. “Thanks for filling me in on what happened after I left work.”
“No problem. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.”
I give Tamara a quick hug. “Thanks.”
I open the door to let them out. Standing at the threshold, with his hand raised to knock, is Finn.
Chapter Thirty-Three
FINN
Fromthemomentthedoor opens, I can’t take my eyes off Harper. I barely notice Tamara and Alyssa scurrying past me to leave. With Harper’s wary expression and hurt in her eyes, I can kick myself for putting that pain on her face.
“May I come in?”
Harper crosses her arms over her chest. Is she going to refuse? I don’t blame her. Finally, she steps aside. “Sure.” I walk into the room, and she shuts the door behind me.
“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to see you,” I say at the same time Harper says, “Would you like something to drink?”
I dig my hands into my pockets. “No, I’m good, thanks.”
Tense silence fills the room.
“I’m sorry I upset you,” I say.
She narrows her eyes. “You accused me of stealing Juliette’s design. I’ve had better days.”
I rub the back of my neck. “I know it wasn’t you. It was—”
“Bianca. I know,” she cuts in.
“I’m assuming Tamara told you.” Everyone in the office must be gossiping.
Harper throws her hands up. “How could you believe it was me?”
I drop my head to stare at my feet for a beat. Looking back at Harper, I say, “I knew it wasn’t you.”
Harper lifts an eyebrow and pulls a dubious expression. “It sure sounded like you believed I’d done it. You threw me out of your office!”
Asking her to leave the boardroom wasn’t exactly throwing her out, but I can understand why she’d see it that way. “It was the only way I could get to the truth. I know you never saw the headpiece.”
Harper frowns. “So?”
“Only a handful of people saw it. Portia, her stylist, Juliette, Bianca, and me. Bianca had it boxed for Portia’s stylist a couple of weeks ago. I got suspicious of her when she pointed the finger at you.”
“But you threw me out,” she says grudgingly.
I blow out a breath. I hate that I’ve hurt her like this. “I wanted you out of the room because I needed Bianca to think I believed her. I hoped she’d slip up, and she did. As soon as she brought up the headpiece, I had her. The proof was also on her phone. She’d sent messages and pictures to Matteo.”
