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A laugh burbles up from within and I clap my hands over my cheeks. Think of anything but that, I tell myself. Think of anything but what just went down.
Please, all heavenly beings. Please. With any luck, I won’t ever have to see that beautiful man again.
Chapter 3
Elianna
The lyrics coming through my AirPods—a gift from my big brother last Christmas—are on point. The lobby of the Longdale, Colorado, Tate International resort is on point, too. It’s plush, cozy, and sophisticated all at the same time.
Basically, life is good. Nineties music is my happy place. I hum along to Faith Hill’s “This Kiss,” and her centrifugal motion and perpetual bliss have me feeling fine, but still a little fluttery in the stomach
I’m always a little on edge when I start a new job, but mostly, I’m excited. I love fresh starts.
I’m like Snuggle fabric softener, all fresh and ready to go. And I smell nice, too.
While I’m waiting to be shown to the Human Relations office, I get a text from my friend, Dori. She’s the set designer for the Capistrano Players’ production ofTwelfth Night.
Dori:Ya done playing executive assistant in Colorado yet? We miss you!
Me:I hate to break your heart, but it’s only the first day. And I miss you guys, too. I’m coming to watch the play, I promise.
Dori:Fine. But be prepared for some random begging from me from time to time.
It would have been a sweet gig to help develop the script and assist in the production of one of my favorite plays. But sacrifices for the playhouse must be made.
Me:You know I love people fawning over me.
Dori:Speaking of fawning, remember that guy with the mullet that you used to date?
I laugh as I think of past boyfriends.
Me:Mark?
Dori:No. The other one. Shaun maybe? He’s getting married. He brought his fiancée in the playhouse office to ask if we need help with set construction this time.
Me:Oh! That’s Shane. If he comes in again, tell him congratulations and I’d love an invite to the wedding. And if he’s willing to work for free, tell him sure.
Dori’s right. Shane did sort of fawn over me while we dated. But like always, things fizzled fast, and now we’re just friends. I’m happy he’s found someone he wants to marry.
Not for the first time, I’m wistful when I hear of an ex getting married. Not because I wish it were me, but because I wish I couldwishit were me. I’ve never dated anyone I felt serious about, let alone wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
Finally, the guy at the front desk approaches and asks me to follow him. I silence Faith Hill with a promise to get back to her later, and we head to the HR department past some conference rooms and the resort gym. He introduces me to Maggie, the office staff secretary.
“You’re the new Britta!” she says, standing to hand me a folder with the paperwork I need to go over.
I nod. “If that’s Mr. Tate’s former executive assistant, then yes, I’m the new her.” “I’m glad you’re here,” Maggie says, motioning to a chair at a table near her desk. “We have felt her absence. It will be nice to get into a good rhythm around here again.”
I begin wading through the slog of papers. “So, tell me about Britta,” I ask. “Is there anything I need to know about as I start the job?”
Maggie slaps a hand over her heart, taking a seat on her office chair. “She didn’t come across as warm but she worked very hard. And once you get to know her you realize she’s hilarious and has a good heart. She was like a mother figure to Sebastian in a way. I was shocked when she left, to be honest, because I didn’t think she ever would. I pity you having to step into her shoes.” She winces and reaches out a hand. “Sorry, I don’t mean to discourage you. Britta just had a knack for putting Sebastian in his place, which he needed, in my opinion.”
She turns to her computer screen. “In that packet there,” she nods in the direction of the folder she’s given me, “you’ll find all the information you need about the general aspects of the job. And I see here that you chose the apartment relocation package, forgoing our offer to provide a room for you here at the resort?”
“I did. I figured it would be best to have my own place, away from work.”
Maggie lifts a shoulder. “As long as you’re okay with taking care of all housing costs on your own, that’s fine.”
It would have been nice to get a free room to stay in. But I need my freedom—my own space, however small.
