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Jobe holds up a hand but doesn’t move it. He offers me a stiff goodbye before he turns, the automatic sliding doors opening at his step.
“Is everything okay, Penny?”
I meet Royce’s eyes in the mirror. “Yes. I need to get back to work for a meeting.”
And possibly puke.
Royce steers the Bentley into traffic faster than he did on our journey here. I close my eyes as we drive farther away from Jobe and his judgment.
I’m insulted at the idea that I have influenced Franklin to be reckless. No one has that kind of control over Franklin. He’s one of the most influential men in the country.
On opening my emails, I find the one from Jobe with an attached list of contacts for the renovation.God, I’m delusional.Last night, I had a vision this could be a step toward my own business.
Instead, it’s going to be a make-or-break situation.
If I mess up, I’ll be the one who breaks.
My reputation will be ruined, while Franklin can simply hire someone else to fix my mistakes.
This is not about us spending time together while I have fun renovating his property. I’m going to be watched by all the remodeling and decorating influencers around the world as I create a home for one of the most powerful men in America.
This is not as easy as breathing new life into something old.
This is not about saving beautiful things and money.
Can I really create something that is not in line with my values? Because the idea of starting my own business is to showcase my creativity and environmentally friendly ideas.
Is it too late to reject Franklin’s offer?
* * *
The staff meeting ends.
Hugh rounds the table before I close my laptop. He waits until most of the people have left the room before speaking, “So, how did it go?”
Packing my laptop under my arm, I wait for the remaining staff to exit the room. “Good,” I reply without giving him eye contact.
I walk from the meeting room and down the hall while Hugh maintains a pace beside me. “You were quicker than I thought.”
I hold my laptop over my chest as though it can shield me from the emotion of thinking about Jobe’s words. “Yes. It was brief. He basically wanted to meet me before emailing the list of contacts their family uses for building requirements.”
“Ugh. But what was he like? Jobe Hendricks only sells real estate to the rich and fabulous.”
“Yeah, I got that feeling too. His shoes were probably my entire month’s pay.”
Hugh audibly gasps and places a hand over his chest. “Don’t tell me…”
I laugh. “Yep. The ones you’ve eyed when we’ve been shopping.”
“Christian Louboutin,” he says with a wail.
“They’d look better on you.” I bump his hip, and he lands a hand over my shoulder.
“That’s why I love you, my little Penelope.” He follows me into my office. I eye Hugh in his pink and green button-up shirt and with a yellow sweater looped over his shoulders. Forest green pants finish his attire.
The red fitted dress with flared sleeves, red heels, and red lipstick give me a classical and stylish appearance. Against Hugh, I might as well be wearing gray. After making my way around my desk, I slide onto the chair.
Hugh sits on the corner of my desk.
