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The offhand remark told me he either hadn’t read my carefully prepared application, or he didn’t care. Through sheer force of will, I kept my tone upbeat.
“Oh, I have experience. I worked with the Delacourt Cheer Center over the summer developing a new social media outreach program and reorganizing their business plan to better fit their goals.” I’d also taught cheer classes, but I didn’t get the feeling he was interested in the hands-on aspect I enjoyed at that job.
Even without me adding in the physical work, he waved his hand dismissively. “I’m sure the cheer company was fun, but my firm works with real businesses. Right now, we’re contracted for a major marketing push with Zodiac Diamonds.”
I was probably supposed to be impressed by him name dropping one of the most well-known jewelry companies in the world, but money never impressed me. I had plenty of it already. Just like I recognized a power play when I saw it. Keeping his attention on his tablet was his way of showing me how unimportant I was compared to his time.
Disappointment and his shitty attitude stole any excitement I’d had from winning the assistantship, but I knew how to deal with his type. He expected me to do the majority of the work in the conversation, then I’d be grateful when he deigned to respond and not ask any questions.
I knew this game because I’d played it plenty of times—and I didn’t lose.
If he insisted on ignoring me, I’d sit here in his uncomfortable chair and run through our stunt routine in my head. I kept my eyes on him, with a polite smile on my face, and tried to create the most outlandish, dangerous stunt I couldthink of. Bonus points if it made the vein in Juliet’s temple throb when I suggested it.
As usual, turning the silent treatment back on someone worked wonderfully. Most people who employed it weren’t able to effectively deal with it being reversed on them. My good buddy Carl was no exception.
He finally set his tablet on the desk in front of him and studied me. In the back of my mind, a warning bell went off.
“I understand your father is undertaking a run for Congress.”
In a flash, several key points connected in my mind. This summer, my dad, a shrewd and wildly successful businessman, had announced quietly to his family and friends he was going into politics. Shortly after, I’d been chosen as a finalist for the assistantship.
Dammit. I’d really wanted this to be a positive experience.
“That’s something you’ll have to discuss with him. Is there anything you need from me in the next few weeks for the assistantship?”
Carl’s eyes sharpened and he nodded. “I understand, and no. The project I have in mind for you is still slated for an October start date.”
I was highly skeptical any project he picked for me would be worth my time, but I didn’t like doing things in half measures. If my name was going to be associated with this, I would kick ass at it. As soon as I knew what it was.
“Could I have access to the background information for the project so I can get myself up to speed before the real work begins?”
He laughed. “That won’t be necessary. I’m sure you have plenty of formal cocktail attire in your closet.”
My smile felt brittle, but I refused to react to his insinuation my role would be to play dress up. I knew two of the previousassistantship winners, and they’d had challenging months-long projects to work on. Then again, they were both male.
I hadn’t been prepared for the misogyny, but I should have been. Unfortunately, Carl, who no longer deserved any title of respect, still had control over my grade for the semester and any recommendations that came from this project, no matter how insulting the work may turn out to be.
“Thank you for your time. Please let me know when you expect to have a project ready for me.” I stood to leave, and he picked up his tablet again. Before he lifted it out of my view, I saw he’d been scrolling the school’s social media.
Fuck this guy. Too bad for him I wasn’t the learn-from-the-experience-and-move-on type—I was the wait-for-the-right-moment-and-take-revenge type. As long as he was in control of my grade, I’d play his game. But in a few months, I’d be free, and he’d have given me access to a major project at his firm.
Carl Bennington would be useless to me. I had no intention of taking a job with him, but I’d take great pleasure in using him as a stepping stone to a better company.
9
Iwas hiding from a girl. Not just any girl—we’ve all had that moment with an aggressive puck bunny—but the annoyingly beautiful girl I shared a bathroom with. Reece would lose his shit if he knew. In his mind, you run toward women, not away.
My bedroom door was cracked so I could hear the raspy sound of Eva’s voice at the bottom of the stairs, but I couldn’t make out the actual words. After the fiasco at practice, I’d gone out of my way to avoid any contact with her.
I’d expected her to take advantage of my absence by shirking her duties, but the fridge and pantry were stocked and the house was clean. She didn’t whine or complain, and even Mase seemed to have gotten used to her. As a bonus, we traded in Reece’s questionable cooking skills for really good premade meals. Honestly, we should have moved a rich girl in years ago.
The bathroom was becoming a problem though. Over the last week and a half, I could hear the water running every time she turned on the shower, and when she left her bathroom door open, I could see directly into her room.
Cleaner than I thought it’d be but just as girly. She went for a lot of white and light green with pink things scattered around. Her furniture was light colored wood and expensive looking. To be fair, everything in there was expensive looking. It even smelled expensive. A light scent that reminded me of fresh air without being overpowering. Personally, I preferred the cinnamon and vanilla smell she’d left all over my bed.
Stupidly, I hadn’t washed my sheets yet. I should—Idefinitelyshould—but I hadn’t gotten around to it. To my surprise, Eva hadn’t caused any drama in the house.
The duck had made herself at home in my room from time to time when her owner wasn’t around. Honestly, Henry was cute, and I didn’t mind the company as long as she wore the weird little diapers Eva kept putting on her.
