Page 57 of Worth the Risk
“Gia? Is that the pregnant coordinator?”
“Yep.”
“How do you know her?” I’ve never heard Arianna talk to me about a friend named Gia.
Arianna clears her throat. “Friend of the family.”
“Oh. Okay, well, I guess I’m interested. Is there a website where I can submit my resume?”
“Actually, the website is currently down for maintenance. The CEO is available to meet with you today, which is why I’m calling. I really touted you for the position,” Arianna explains.
“Do you even know any of my qualifications?” I ask, a smile covering my face.
“How different could social media and events be? I mean, it’s all social, for crying out loud. Plus, you’d get to work with me!”
“What?”
“Oh, yeah. I work there too. I run the spa and the hot springs.”
“Oh, hot springs? I’ve always wanted to see hot springs! In the south, that’s just the water temp in the summer.”
“Just you wait. Hanging in a hot spring while snow is falling around you is absolutely blissful. So, can you meet the CEO? Like, now?”
“Now?” I shout.
“He’s in town, so it’s crazy convenient. I mean, what are the chances?”
“You say ‘I mean’ a lot,” I remark.
“Yeah. I know. You aren’t the first person to tell me that. It’s kinda my trademark at this point,” she jokes. “But seriously, can you meet?”
“I guess. I’m in my car, ready to head back to Claire’s apartment. I have nothing else to do.”
“Great! I’m going to send you an address to the restaurant where he’s meeting you — I mean, all the applicants. Cuz there’s more than just you. For the position. The job,” Arianna stammers.
I’m beginning to feel like I’m getting set up, but I can’t figure out with what.
Twenty minutes later, I’m in the booth of a charming hole-in-the-wall pizza place with Dominic, CEO of Everlasting Inn and Spa. He’s devastatingly handsome in a polished and refined way, but tension ripples under the surface of his crisp suit. Throughout our interview, he is professional and respectful, but he didn’t smile once. I wonder if he’s that unimpressed with me, or if he’s just not a smiley guy. He seems … stoic. Borderline depressed. And incredibly tired.
“Do you need a place to stay as you transition from your previous job? And can I ask why you resigned from the position with the Wolves?” Dominic asks.
“Can I be frank with you, Mr. …” I trail off, realizing I don’t know Dominic’s last name.
“Just Dominic, Ms. Beauregard.”
“If I’m calling you Dominic, then you need to call me Hannah.”
He gives me a very tight smile with a nod. “Very well, Hannah.”
“If I’m being frank, I was approached by someone in a position of authority, who threatened me with personal information if I didn’t help him — I mean them — with ruining the reputation of someone else employed by the Wolves. I felt that the personal information would most likely be used again and again to blackmail me, and I couldn’t stand to be part of that. I also couldn’t take part in damaging the reputation and career of someone I lo — of another person.”
Dominic’s entire demeanor changes throughout my explanation. “So you’re saying you were approached by a superior and essentially blackmailed to destroy someone else’s career?”
“Yes.”
“Was this superior a coach?”
I don’t answer immediately. “I’d rather not answer.”