Page 41 of The Grand Duel
Doesn’t so much as twitch.
I rub my sweaty palms together.Relax, relax, relax. “My name is Lissie. I’m not sure how much you know of me. If Edna had you read over my CV or not?—”
“I read it.”
My brows lift as I try to remember what I even wrote on it, my mind blank as it fights for the right words to salvage this awful conversation. “That’s great.”
He doesn’t look towards me, but I force a smile anyway.
Financial independence, Lis. Remember the plan.
“I’m really looking forward to working alongside you. I’ve wanted to work in a more intimate role at a firm since I leftuniversity. I actually completed my degree whilst working at a solicitor’s.”
He sighs, shifting in his seat to turn further away from me.
I stare at the side of his head as my eyes start to burn.
How can someone be so rude?
I try not to let it get to me, brushing off the nerves growing in my gut. “Edna asked that I take notes today, but if there’s anything else I can do just let me know. I’ll figure it out as I go.”
He gives me a slight nod, still without turning.
What the hell?
I’m talking on impulse, too nervous to shut up.
Why won’t he look at me?
I feel a bit sick.
“Do you have any questions for me?” I try again, feeling like a relentless child.
“No.”
I stare at him, wondering if it’s just me or if he’s like this with everyone. Edna told me how lovely he is. Kind, caring, and a wonderful boss. And those pictures in his office…he’s like a different person from those frozen moments captured.
Right now, I’m not sure the man possesses the ability to smile.
I straighten in my seat and focus ahead, knowing I’ve tried my best.
Maybe this job isn’t for me.
Mr Aldridge definitely doesn’t want me here.
A good person wouldn’t make another feel the way he’s just made me feel.
There’s no helping some people, I’ve learnt that the hard way in life. There’s being stubborn—I, for one, can be disgustingly stubborn at times, and then there’s being too proud to admit when you need help.
You can have all the money in the world, the looks—like Mr Aldridge does, but if you can’t lead with kindness, well then, I think you’re a loser.
I forget about the man at my side and force myself to think about something else.
Or someone else. I haven’t let my mind drift to that night in the club too often, but sometimes, especially now it’s been a couple of days, and the small details have started to fade, I’ll find myself dipping into my own imagination to remember. I’ll lie in bed late at night, blurring the lines, pretending Icansee, and that he’s as beautiful as he sounded and felt behind my blindfold.
My sister thinks I need to start dating again. That if I live off the sex at The Nightingale for too long, I’ll “forget what it’s like for the rest of us.”
I can’t seem to find an issue with that, though. It’s not like I have plans to work the rooms—maybe just when “cop boy” pops back in.