Conflicted (Secrets and Lies) (9 page)
"The pleasure was mine."
I exited the office as fast as my legs could take me without running. When I was outside, I stopped moving to take in a solid breath. The harsh humidity pressed against my face as I hunched over to gather myself. Once my heart rate slowed and my breathing evened out, I began walking again. On approach to my car, I grabbed my keys from my purse. I slipped into the driver seat and tossed my purse behind me. My head fell to the steering wheel where I banged it for clarity.
I had not experienced anything like that in my entire life. When I was with Micah, it was nothing like what I just went through with Ethan. I didn't know it was possible to feel this in tune to the universe. I had been using men for months trying to feel anything other than the barrenness inside me. Just looking at Ethan, my entire body had come out of hibernation feeling anything but broken. I had been compartmentalizing every person in my life with precision by refusing to open up or show any real emotion. He unraveled every part of me in a matter of minutes.
How is that even possible?
What the hell just happened to me in there?
~
I was happy to see just Bri's Audi convertible in the driveway. I made my way up the front steps of the porch letting myself into the house. Bri had sprawled out her Sociology books between the couch and end table for what appeared to be a long night. She was in her gray fleece yoga pants and a red off the shoulder top with a pencil holding her hair back. She glanced up from her textbook.
"Hey Mia, how'd it go?"
I dropped my things on my way into the living room and took a seat across from her. "Ohmigod Bri. I'm not sure I can even get the right words to describe what happened."
She set the book in her hands on the end table. "Do you think you got the job? I think Harrison is pulling some puppet strings behind the scenes and you will get it anyway. Did you at least present yourself well?" Bri asked warily.
I flashed a wide smile. Bri raised an eyebrow at my good mood.
"I got out of an interview with by far the most gorgeous man to grace this earth," I declared.
"Oh. My. God. Please tell me you haven't fallen to a point that you're moving on from frivolously screwing college guys to fifty year old businessmen," she chastised.
"Hell no! The man that interviewed me couldn't have been more than a few years older than us. He was the hottest guy I've ever seen in my life," I exclaimed.
"You didn't do anything stupid like offer to blow him to get the job did you?"
"Jesus, Bri. I didn't do anything that stupid. As far as the interview, I'm satisfied with how it went, more than satisfied since his appearance practically had me catatonic," I admitted.
She rested her legs up on the coffee table. "What exactly happened to you?"
I couldn't prevent the grin that spread across my face. "I have never had a reaction to a man like that. One part of my body or another went haywire when I saw his face and it only increased throughout the interview. It took great physical strength to not lose all control."
Bri perked up at my confession as her eyes sparkled with happiness. "So you're saying the guy made you horny as hell. Nice Mia. It's about time you start feeling something for men over using them."
I rolled my eyes. "This is way different. I don't know how to describe it. The longer I spent with him, the harder it was for me to control myself. When I shook his hand at the end of the interview, it nearly made me convulse."
Seriousness settled upon her face. "Mia, whatever happened today, you've got to let it go. If you're going to get what you need for Harrison, you can't connect with this guy."
"I know. The universe sure has a wicked sense of humor," I grumbled.
Bri sighed. "This whole thing just got a lot more interesting. When do you find out if the job is yours?
"Tomorrow afternoon," I answered with a faint smile.
~
I lounged around the house killing time until the phone rang about the job. I was downstairs sitting at the island reading the paper. After finishing the entertainment and world sections, I looked up at the clock on the microwave to confirm the time. My phone started to ring displaying an unknown number. I quickly picked up.
"Hello?"
"Is this Mia Ryan?" Ethan asked in a husky tone.
His voice was even sexier over the phone. The sound of it had my stomach somersaulting all over itself as my heart took off.
Really, even over the phone he does this to me.
I inhaled slowly and answered, "Yes, this is Mia."
"Mia, its Ethan Fitzgerald. We have made our decision and we would like you to fill the position. Can you start Monday morning at eight?" he inquired in a stern tone.
"Yes, Monday is perfect."
"We're looking forward to having you join our team. When you arrive, have the receptionist put you through to my office."
"Yes, sir, I mean Ethan. Ah, thanks again," I stammered.
Shit. Please tell me I'm not going to be working directly under him. Not that that would be a bad scenario. Gah! Head out of the gutter Mia!
Monday morning came quicker than I expected. Over the weekend, I went shopping with Bri to get business attire since my closet was severely lacking in that area. She helped me put together my outfit for the first day. It was a sensible black pinstriped skirt suit. The skirt and jacket coordinated with the pin stripes. It was on the mundane side but exhibited a professional presence. I glimpsed at the ensemble on my desk before taking a shower.
I was coming out of the bathroom when Bri shuffled past me like a zombie. It never grew old on me seeing her in the morning. She wasn't a morning person and could care even less who knew it. The only thing I could do without was being privy of the different styles of Trey's boxers. Todays were white with glow in the dark dinosaurs. It was still dark enough that some of them were glowing. My lips curled into a smile as a small chuckle escaped. Between her death like approach and the happily glowing dinosaurs, it was impossible to hold back.
"So help me God Mia I will make you look like a clown if you laugh again," Bri snapped.
"I wouldn't dare Bri," I replied, holding my hands up innocently.
"Get dressed so that I can do my part," she mumbled, brushing her teeth in a sleepy daze.
"Who pissed in your Wheaties this morning?" I joked.
She poked her head out of the bathroom glaring at me. "Don't be a smart ass. I think you're insane and I'm questioning my own sanity by even helping you get ready for what will probably be the stupidest thing you do yet."
"I'll be ready in a minute," I said, putting in extra effort to tone down my upbeat mood.
She softened before rinsing out her mouth. "In all seriousness, I'm going to enroll you in weekend sessions so you can learn how to do this on your own."
I snorted. "I'll never be able to do what you do with hair and makeup."
She rolled her eyes pointing to my door. By the time, I had dressed; she was ready to work her magic on me. When she finished, I had a sleek up do with pristine makeup. I gave myself a once over in the mirror and gave her a hug.
"Thanks Bri for everything."
"I'd love to stay and chat but I don't have to be anywhere for another six hours so I'm going back to bed," she declared.
"Something tells me that you aren't going to sleep much once in there," I teased.
Her head shot over her shoulder giving me a sinful smirk before she opened Trey's door. "I might as well make use of my extra time this morning."
"Behave yourself. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," I said, trying to stifle my laughter.
"This coming from the girl that uses sex to get rid of guys every morning they wake up next to her. I'm positive there isn't anything you don't do," Bri remarked.
I winked. "No one ever complains."
"Good luck Mia. Remember to stay away from Ethan. I want details tonight."
"I'll call you later Sass."
~
It wasn't long before the affluent houses of the suburbs disappeared and the hardness of the south side crept into view. It was mind boggling that thirty minutes could find a person in two totally different worlds. The south side was the epitome of an urban area that wanted to catch up to its neighbors but still displayed the remnants of a strongly rooted culture. Rundown buildings with barred windows weaved their way in and out of more modern additions. The streets weren't nearly as tidy. On the south side, people accepted litter and graffiti as a way of life. There was never a point to clean it up because the gangs that ran rampant throughout the area would dirty it up the next day.
My uncle's bar was in the heart of the area. It was his source of pride and even he gave up on keeping the side of his building free from graffiti. Eventually, he came to an informal arrangement with one of the gang leaders to keep an eye out for his bar. In exchange, they could put whatever they wanted to on the side of it. The content had to be somewhat respectable to the area and our Irish ancestry. I thought he was crazy at first but it ended up being a wise move on his part because no one messes with his building now.
I hit the edge of the neighborhood turning on the road for the office. After F. F. & Sweeney settled in here making it their headquarters, they spent a substantial amount of money to help modernize their area. The office stuck out amongst the grimness that plagued the south side. I parked in the back taking in the eyesore ahead of me. The building was magnificent taking up almost a quarter of the block in space alone. It was five stories and designed in glass. Between the second and third story, the company name was in steel letters that appeared as their own floor. The modern appearance to the building made it more suitable for the luxury of the city rather than down here. The entrance appeared broad by the wide doors but there was a high level of security. All personnel required a badge to enter. Visitors needed to be on the schedule before entering the facility.
I checked the clock on my dash to confirm the time. I still had a half hour to kill but sitting out here didn't seem appealing. I gathered my things and headed towards the building. I got to the front of the building and tapped the intercom to announce my presence. The voice on the other end confirmed that I was on the schedule and buzzed me into the main lobby area. I went up to the large receptionist desk. Sophisticated furniture and artwork adorned the entrance. It stayed true to the Irish heritage of the company and the south side community by the various photographs and art on the walls. There were prints that showed the toughness of years past as well as those that displayed the promise of tomorrow.
I glimpsed at the receptionist who was busying herself between her computer and phone. She held up a finger. She reminded me of the blondes that worked for Harrison. She was strikingly thin but clearly self-righteous. I shouldn't jump to that conclusion based on appearance alone but she had a vibe about her that irritated me. After a few minutes, she wrapped up her call. I wanted to roll my eyes but withheld knowing my whole reason for being here was to get to collect information and that meant playing nice with everyone.
I gave her a bright smile and sweetly said, "Mia Ryan. It's my first day. Mr. Fitzgerald directed me to report to him when I arrived."
She pierced her empty gray eyes at me before turning back to the computer. "You're early so I can't guarantee that he's in yet," she sniped.
An agitated breath slipped through me at her snarky attitude. I attempted to cover it up with another contrived smile. "Could you phone him to see if he's here?"
She let out an exasperated sigh as if I had asked her to work overtime this early in the day but she complied with my request. She stared at her computer typing a mile a minute. "Mr. Fitzgerald is in the office. I'll take you back to him."
She made her way around the desk where she waited for me to join her before we went down the hallway. We reached his office and I had to announce my own presence again. I gaped at her as she strode away. Something told me that we would not be swapping stories by the water cooler any time soon. Before knocking on the door, I gave myself a mental pep talk to try to retain some control around him.
After I knocked, I expected he'd yell for me to come in so it shocked me when he opened the door. He looked more scrumptious than the first time I saw him. He had on a top of the line suit that was black along with a white button down shirt. My body stirred to life with hot flashes whipping through me as if I was going through menopause.
Lord, help me now!
"Mia, pleasure to see you again," Ethan said sincerely.
"Yes, it's good to see you too Mr. Fitzgerald," I responded quietly.
Ethan glared. I blanched recalling our discussion about him preferring Ethan.
"I mean Ethan. It's nice to see you Ethan."
Real smooth Mia.
I continued through the door going straight towards his desk. I had done everything to forgo looking at his face for too long. I gave him a soft smile as he watched me nothing short of amused by his expression. Our eyes caught for a small second but I broke the connection. My mouth dried at that brief capture leading my stomach to tie itself together. I licked away the dryness on my lips and he abruptly looked away. After reaching the chairs in front of his desk, I exhaled deeply praying it would help me calm down some. Ethan grabbed a folder from the corner of the desk before sitting down.
"You're punctuality is appreciated. It's sad to say but some people don't understand the importance of it in our industry to which they find themselves dismissed," he said firmly.
The sternness in his voice made me squirm. I nodded taking the file to examine it.
"We'll be touring the building so you can get an idea of what each department does here. You can sign the paperwork later today."
Without a chance to respond, Ethan was up and to the door again. I scrambled to gather my things and my bearings. Every part of my body flamed to attention sitting that close to him. My brain was on the fritz trying to keep my insides from jumping all over the place.