your time overseeing Ahz. Even though we are co-branding with Anthony Haywood’s, Zenith will manage the facility. Therefore, everything but the kitchen falls on our shoulders. What do you say?”
I look at Trevor, then at Della. Who gets offered a job like this straight out of college? I do. I swell with pride, so much so that I’m sure I’ve grown several inches.
“This is where I exit,” Trevor says. “Thanks for letting me sit in, Della. The shock on her face was priceless.” He chuckles all the way out the door.
“Ms. Cross, these are the specifics concerning the job offer.” She hands me a job description that includes my beginning salary. Yes, salary—not an hourly wage, but a mid-level five-figure income.
“Please call me Katarina.”
“Only if you call me Della. Take whatever time you need to think about it.”
I glance down at the proposal and back up to Della. It’s a great offer, but I need to know if I earned this on my own. “I have one question. Does Mr. Noble have anything to do with the hiring process here?”
She shakes her head. “He gets involved with upper-level management like directors. I handle all other hires.” She chuckles. “Could you imagine trying to sit in on every interview or promotion? We have thousands of employees worldwide.” She tilts her head. “Is there a reason you ask?”
“I know Mr. Noble and his family and want to make sure I earned this position.”
“I can assure you, he doesn’t know I offered you a job. Do you need to think about it overnight?”
“No, I love it here. I’ll take the position. Where do I sign?”
The paperwork is painless, but it takes a long time to review. I sign a few non-disclosure agreements—one for Zenith, and one for Ahz. I initial my job proposal and new salary, and then Della explains benefits and company policy. After several hours, she shakes my hand and sends me on my way.
It’s one thirty, and I’ve missed my lunch date with Damon. I pull out my phone and see one text message, one voicemail message, and an email.
Lunch is getting cold.
Did you get caught up somewhere?
I’m worried.
Damon
The email was more detailed.
From: Damon Noble
To: Katarina Cross
Subject: Where are you?
Where are you? Lunch has come and gone, and I’ve been waiting for you. It’s not like you to not text or call. I’m worried. Call me as soon as you see this message.
Yours,
Damon
I get ready to listen to his voicemail when my phone rings. It’s him.
“Hi! I’m so sorry. I got caught up with something and couldn’t contact you.”
“Thank goodness. I was worried about you. I thought maybe you had an accident. I kept thinking of that horrific crash we saw on the way to your parents’ house. My heart’s been in my stomach since you missed lunch.”
“I’m okay, and I didn’t mean to worry you. What’s your schedule like this afternoon? I want to show you the gift bags, and I have news to share with you, but right now, I need to meet with Trevor.”
“I’ll free up time for you. My schedule is clear after four, but you can come in whenever you want.” He lets out a breath. “I’m so relieved you’re okay. Please, never do that again.”
“I’m glad to hear your heart dropped into the bottom of your stomach. It proves you have one. See you later.” I giggle as I hang up.
Trevor and I end up at the same hamburger joint we went to the day Damon saw me in the elevator. That was the day he learned I was interning at his company. It’s kind of ironic because later, I’ll tell him I work for him permanently.
At four o’clock, I walk into Damon’s office carrying one of the large leather bags. Sitting on top is the crowning glory of my accomplishment—a copy of Bound tied with a red silk scarf. He rises from his chair and takes the bag from my hands, placing it on his desk.
“This looks amazing. You haven’t added an invitation to the book club, have you?” he teases.
“No, book club is by invite only, and I’m not interested in opening it to others.”
“I’m relieved, I wouldn’t be open to sharing either.” His lips brush my cheek. “What kept you today? I ate both bowls of wonton soup and egg rolls waiting for you.”
“What a sacrifice that must have been,” I tug at my jacket. “I received a job offer and was negotiating my package.”
His expression goes from wry to wary.