Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“Hanna came down here today to talk to me about moving you upstairs,” Kathy says, and my attention goes to her as Hanna releases the hold she has on me. “Apparently Braxton is insistent.”
The feeling of jealousy in the pit of my stomach is replaced with annoyance at Braxton. We talked about this last night, and I thought I got through to him and that he was respecting me and my choice. I guess not. “I don’t want to move.”
“Braxton mentioned that,” Hanna replies, and I focus on her. “But he showed Chris who is the head of marketing some of your show ideas, and Chris agreed with him. Your style is edgy, modern, and he thinks you could add a lot to our marketing team.” She smiles, and I look over at Kathy, noting she looks anything but happy. “Chris would really like the chance to talk to you.”
“That’s very nice, and I don’t want to seem unappreciative, but I really want to stay where I am,” I say, praying Kathy doesn’t think I’ve gone behind her back.
“I totally get it,” Hanna tells me, taking a seat once more. “Let me know if and when you change your mind and I’ll pass it along.”
“Okay,” I agree, feeling stuck—something I loathe. I don’t want to make anyone mad, especially the person who took a chance on me in offering me a job in the first place. I also have no desire to work in marketing, this job is my dream job, I just hope I can prove to Kathy that I can bring something new and fresh while blending the old with the new.
“Now that you’ve officially tried to steal one of my employees, I think this meeting can be over,” Kathy says, and Hanna laughs.
I force a grin in Kathy’s direction. “I won’t be that easy to get rid of.”
“I’m thinking it might not be your choice.”
Her words send a chill down my spine. A part of me knows she’s right. It might not be my choice. I’ve danced with the devil, and now he’s playing with my life. I want to resent him for stepping in and taking over even after I told him not to, but I’m not even sure he would understand. He’s used to always getting his way, and I’m sure he thinks I’ll eventually give in. I just don’t understand why he’s so insistent on me moving.
“It was so nice to meet you, Dakota. We should get a drink sometime,” Hanna says, catching me off guard with the sincerity in her tone.
I really don’t want to like her. But I can’t help it. There is something about her that seems sweet. I just wonder if she would be so nice if she knew about Braxton and my current relationship.
I drag in a breath and smile at her putting the jealousy I feel aside. “I’d like that.” I need friends here, and Braxton says their relationship is nothing but professional, maybe that’s the truth and they are just friends. I guess only time will tell.
“I’ll get your number from my aunt,” she says, and I nod once then look at Kathy, catching her lift her chin ever so slightly toward the door, signaling me to leave.
“I look forward to that,” I tell her then turn back to Kathy. “I’m going to head out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Have a good evening, Dakota.”
“You too.” I turn on my heel and head out the door, back to being seriously annoyed with Braxton once again for his highhandedness.
Chapter 8
Dakota
I FEEL MY cell phone buzz in the back pocket of my jeans, and I don’t even bother checking to see who it is. Braxton has been calling and messaging for the last hour and a half. I messaged him back after the first text, letting him know I was getting a drink with a few of my coworkers but would be at his place for dinner and conversation about him sending Hanna down to talk to Kathy and me.
Unsurprisingly, he sent a message immediately asking where I was having a drink, who I was having a drink with, and informing me that we didn’t need to talk about Kathy or Hanna. I didn’t bother disagreeing with him, since I want him to see my face when I reinforce my point.
When someone laughs loudly, I come out of my head and look around the table, finding everyone cracking up; about what, I’m not sure. I’ve always been a little awkward when getting to know new people. I have a tendency to watch and listen before I let people in—a trait that makes people think I’m a bitch when I’m not.
Tonight, hasn’t been any different. I don’t know where I fit in. They’ve all been working together for a while. They have built friendships, have inside jokes, and are all alike in a way that makes me feel like an outsider.