Page 1 of Tangled Roses
CHAPTER 1
ELLIE
NEW YORK
What a day. Most days are spent like this, but for some reason I’m tired and it’s not because I went out last night either.
It’s the hustle of New York. The endless trials that make getting to work harder than it should be and when I get there, I never stop. Long lines to check in, guest queries and the complaints – they are always complaining and by the time my shift is over I am ready for my bed.
“Gabrielle, may I have a word before you leave?”
Mr. Reese stares at me from the door to his office and a bubble of anxiety catches me off guard.
What, now?
I paste a bright smile on my face and push aside my weariness and walk confidently into his office.
“Please, take a seat.” He says shortly, pointing to the upright chair in front of his desk, whereas he sits on a more comfortable padded one.
“Your three month’s trial ends today.” He says, getting straight to the point and I shift on my seat as I remember he’s right.
He stares at me with a blank expression and then says completely out of the blue, “I’m afraid we will not be taking your employment with us any further.”
“Excuse me?”
I’m shocked. Very shocked because I wasn’t expecting that. If anything, I thought they would give me a raise because the money here is seriously shocking.
“W… Why?” I stutter because I can’t for the life of me understand what I did wrong and his expression shows zero sympathy, or empathy as he says harshly, “You can apply to human resources for feedback. A full report will be available by the end of the week. Please hand in your security pass; you are free to leave.”
“But–” I open my mouth to speak, unsure what to say first because I am the hardest worker on his team, and I know that for a fact.
“Good day, Miss Adams.”
Mr. Reese is giving nothing away and I realize I won’t get anything from him.
I am so shocked the full implications haven’t really hit me yet except for one.
I need the money.
I really need the money because rentals in New York are pricey.
I’m not sure what to do because I can’t lose my job. I just can’t and so I decide to appeal to his better nature.
“Is there anything else I can do? Any other positions I can apply for?” I ask desperately, and he shakes his head with a steely glint in his eye.
“No. There is nothing here for you, Miss Adams. Please leave.”
“Why are you being so cruel?”
A little of my fire boils to the surface, and he checks his watch and says dismissively, “I suggest you return home, Miss Adams, and consider your options. Maybe you should pay your folks a visit. Perhaps they can help you until you find another position.”
He leans back and I hate the way his eyes appear to burn through my clothes, and I notice a sudden malevolent gleam light his eyes as he says slowly, “Unless.”
“Unless what, Mr. Reese.”
I am so desperate for anything, I don’t even consider how creepy this man is. I’ve always felt it. I hate that his eyes follow me when I walk, burning into my back as if he’s branding me. The way his gaze lingers on my chest and the spark that lights in his eyes when he asks me to fetch him some coffee is disturbing.
I’ve always considered Mr. Reese the sleaziest kind of boss and he is giving off extremely creepy vibes right now as he slides a card across the desk toward me.