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I force the words past my lips, “Good morning. My name is Lennon Lawson and I’m starting today.”
Damn. I could pat myself on the back right now because my voice didn’t waver at all. It’s possible I even come off as a boss ass bitch while sounding all official.
I knew wearing the suit I have on was the right move. Not only does it make me feel sexy, but it makes me feel powerful. As it should.
I’m going to need all the armor I can get today.
At least I was able to work out some of my stress the other night. The key party was exactly what I needed. There was no way for me to predict that three hot brothers were going to pull my key.
All three of them were delicious and the way they worked me up and gave me everything I needed, and more, was amazing. I was almost tempted to ask them their names and to get their information, but I’ve learned certain things just exist for a brief period of time and should just be enjoyed.
I have no doubt my night with the brothers was one of those things. Kind of a shame, but it is what it is.
The woman at reception brightens when I introduce myself. “Oh, you’re joining us here. That’s great.” She looks me over and I brace myself for some sort of derision; I’ve gotten that kind of reaction from people before if they get a peek at my tattoos. “I love your tattoos,” she chirps, and I relax instantly. “I’m Gia.”
I find myself giving her a real smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Gia,” I offer, trying to ignore my nerves which are trying to take me down.
“You’re Abigail’s daughter, right?” I nod in response to her question, and she leans toward me slightly as if trying to tell me a secret. “She’s so excited that you’re here. All she could talk about during the company holiday party was about how happy she was that you were moving here. I thought you were going to start earlier in the year,” she tilts her head to the side slightly.
“I did leave Seattle in January, but then I got a call from a friend for my help and went to Charleston for a little while,” I admit sheepishly.
I didn’t realize how much my mom talked about me. It makes me feel bad that I avoided coming to Phoenix for so long. Maybe I should have gotten over myself sooner and given in to what she’s been asking me for years.
“Hopefully the summers here don’t run you away,” Gia jokes and I chuckle. “When you get settled, we’ll have to do a girl’s night or something.”
“I’d like that,” I murmur and realize just how true it is.
Gia seems genuinely excited about hanging out with me. Could she be my first friend here? If so, I think things might be looking up.
Other than Evelyn when I was growing up, I never had a lot of female friends. Sure, I was around women when I was in the club. Most of the old ladies were great to be around, if a chapter had any, once they realized that I wasn’t after their men and would respect what it meant to be recognized as an old lady.
The angels didn’t know what to do with me or how to treat me most of the time. I was like them, but not and I definitely wasn’t an old lady. Once they figured out that I wasn’t there to judge them, things got better. Other than Seattle, I didn’t stick around in a chapter long enough to really call the angels my friends.
“You need to head up to HR this morning. They’ll be able to help you with any paperwork which needs to be completed to get you all set-up as well as give you a tour,” Gia lets me know and any of the nervousness I had overcome while talking to her is back tenfold.
This is real. I’m going to be working at my stepfamily’s real estate firm. I won’t be able to run from them any longer.
I give a nod as Gia directs me to where the HR offices are. She looks so damn hopeful and nice when I catch her looking at me when I turn around in the elevator. I really hope she’s a sign this isn’t going to be as bad as I’ve been thinking it will be.
When I get up to the third floor, half of which is taken up by the HR department, I’m impressed with how well everything is set up. The offices are a nice size and there’s no cubicle bullpen in the center, at least not in this department.
I hope it bodes well for the rest of the company. The idea of being stuck in a cubicle makes me want to hurl. I’ll probably hit the road again before anyone can realize I’m gone if someone tries to stick me in one of them.
The receptionist for the third floor is not nearly as nice as Gia and I don’t even bother learning her name because of it. If she wants to be stuck-up and prissy, then that’s on her. I will be keeping an eye out for her because the disdain showing on her face when she caught a glimpse of my tattoos won’t be something I forget anytime soon.
Susan, the HR director, is kinder, but nothing like meeting Gia. She’s super professional and straight forward, which is something I can appreciate. I’m almost relaxed as she gives me a tour of the commercial and residential real estate sales floors. Or maybe it’s because I know the likelihood of coming across Albert or his sons is lower since there’s still the executive floor to go.
The moment we step onto the elevator for her to take me to the executive floor, those damn butterflies are back. I know it’s only a matter of time before I meet the people I’ve been avoiding for years. Once I step off the elevator, I won’t be able to avoid them anymore.
My office is going to be on the executive floor since I’ll be working with both branches of the office. Am I really qualified for the position? I’m not sure, but I guess we’ll find out. I’d love to say I got the job because they’re sure about my ability, but it’s all about nepotism this time around.
Susan smiles gently at me as she leads me off the elevator, “You’ll be able to personalize your office in whatever way you want.”
“I’m sure the office will be lovely,” my voice is tight.
As we approach the reception desk for the executive floor, the man at the desk looks up and gives me a professional smile, one I try to return. I have a feeling it’s more of a grimace than anything else. Just as he’s about to introduce himself to me, I hear a door open close by.
Albert rounds the corner as he calls out, “Is Lennon here yet? Susan is usually right on time with her tour.”
