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“Yeah…”
“This is a good thing. He probably wants to take you under his wing or something.” Anne took my hand and dragged me down the hallway. “We need to help you pick out something to wear. Come on, Jim-bo. Help your mom out.”
Jimmy raced past us. “The sequined dress.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “I cannot wear that.”
Anne threw the door to my room open and stepped in. “You need something classy, but that doesn’t make it seem like you’re trying too hard.”
“I am trying too hard.”
Anne released my arm and waved my comment away. “Don’t worry. We’ve got you.”
An hour later, we were all on the floor laughing, with piles of clothes strewn on the floor. Anne pushed herself up to her feet, steered Jimmy out of the room, and left me to my own devices. With a smile, I settled on a black knee-length dress, a coat, and three-inch heels. Then I hung them up outside the closet and smiled.
The next morning, it was a flurry of activity as I showered and stumbled into the kitchen. Jimmy sat at the table in his pajamas with a bowl of cereal in front of him. His hair was in tufts on top of his head, and he had a glazed look in his eyes. Anne’s head was in the refrigerator as she muttered to herself.
“What do you guys have planned for today?”
“I’ve got the day off, and Aunty Anne said I could color and play with my toys,” Jimmy announced in a sleepy voice. “You look very nice, mommy.”
I set my purse down and pressed a kiss on top of Jimmy’s head. “Thank you, sweetheart. It’s mommy’s big day today. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck, mommy.”
Anne took her head out of the fridge and looked at me over her shoulders. “I made you coffee, and I packed you a snack.”
I blew out a breath. “You’re the best, Anne. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Anne handed me my travel mug and a brown paper bag. “You’re going to do great.”
I drew her in for a hug. “Dinner later this week? My treat.”
“I’ll order the most expensive item on the menu,” Anne teased.
“You got it. See you two later.” I flew out the door, allowing it to click shut behind me. As soon as I stepped outside, I paused to tilt my head back and enjoy the warmth of the sun on my face. Then I set off at an even pace in the direction of the bus stop. A few glances were thrown my way, but I ignored them all, excited about what the day had to offer.
Finally, my luck was starting to change.
And I couldn’t wait for this new chapter in my life.
A block away from the office, I got off the bus and walked with extra pep in my step. When I reached the doors, a short man in a suit with thinning hair stepped out, his phone pressed to his ear. He motioned when he saw me, and I recognized him from Tiffany’s description and the fact that a large picture of him hung up on the door. With a swallow, I straightened my back and waited for him to get into the sleek black car parked next to the curb. I offered the uniformed driver a small smile before I hurried in after him.
Once the car pulled away from the curb, Mr. Banks ended the call and pulled the phone away from his ear. “I like people who are prompt, Ms. Auden.”
“Yes, sir. Mr. Banks.”
His dark eyes moved over me before settling on my face. “I’m glad to see you dressed appropriately for the occasion.”
I pushed my hair over my shoulders and sat up straighter. “Thank you, sir.”
“I’ll need you to sit closer, so we can go over a few things before the meeting,” he told me, his eyes never leaving my face. He patted the spot next to him, and I got up. As soon as I lowered myself onto the seat, his hand went to my knee. I ignored it and flipped the folder open, rattling off information in a clear voice, free of any tremors.
The hairs on the back of my neck rose when Mr. Banks’ hand moved further up. Wordlessly, I shifted away and cleared my throat. “Was there anything else you wanted to go over, Mr. Banks?”
“I’m sure Ms. Alexander filed you in, but the job can be quite…demanding,” Mr. Banks told me before placing his hand on my knee again. “I’m going to require your dedication and your attention.”
I swallowed. “Of course, sir.”
