Landlady: A New Adult Romance (Northbridge Nights Book 1) (28 page)

“Sierra, this is Vanessa and Lexi Holdom,” I said, gesturing to
the women standing in front of us.

“Nice to meet you,” Sierra said, shaking each of their hands.
“I'm Sierra Maywood.” By the look on her face, she had no clue
who the Holdom sisters were.

“Sierra's my girlfriend,” I said. “Come, let's all take a
seat.”

After we were seated, Vanessa asked, “So what's all this about?”

I looked at Sierra, who was just as confused as the sisters. “I
have a confession to make,” I began.

The sisters arched their brows.

“I don't work at Morgan, Sloane, and Perry anymore. I was fired a
week ago.”

“But we just—” Lexi began.

“—I came back in to help you two out. I didn't do it for the
firm. I cared about your company's future. But apparently, that
wasn't enough. My dad still wouldn't hire me back. Not because I
didn't do a good job, but because of her.” I nodded to Sierra.

“What do you mean?” Vanessa asked.

“My dad thinks Sierra's not good enough for me. So he's given me an
ultimatum: my job or Sierra. He won't hire me back unless I break up
with her. But the thing is, I love her. More than anything. More than
my job. So I chose to leave the firm. For good.”

“I see. So does that mean we'll need to find a new lawyer?” Lexi
asked.

“That's why I invited you two here today,” I said. “I wanted to
personally tell you that I'm starting my own firm. It's time I
stepped out of my father's shadow and branched out on my own.”

Sierra gasped. I felt her fingers wrap around my arm.

“That's impressive, Asher. I'm proud of you,” Vanessa said. “But
I don't understand why Lexi and I are here.”

“I would love to sign you two on as my first clients,” I said. My
left hand squeezed Sierra's knees under the table. I didn't realize
I'd suddenly feel so nervous. “I know, it's a huge risk, but you
know my track record. And I've enlisted a few friends to come work
for me. You might know them: Rachelle, the receptionist, and Mike, my
long-term paralegal and friend.”

“You're ambitious, I'll give you that. But do you think you could
handle the workload with such a small team?” Vanessa asked,
uncertain. “We are a billion-dollar company.”

I heard Sierra gasp again beside me. She was obviously a bit
overwhelmed by all of this.

“I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could handle the job,” I
said. “And if I do fuck up, you can always fire my ass. But I've
been working on your case for a month now. I know the details inside
and out. And I was the one who came up with the new merger plan,
remember?”

“We'll think about it,” Vanessa said. “And get back to you by
the end of the week.”

“Thank you, Vanessa. Lexi. You won't regret it.”

“What will your new firm be called? And where is it?”

“Morgan and Associates. At 872 Westbridge Street.”

“But that's—” Sierra began.

I nodded. “It's where Sierra and I live,” I explained. “We'll
branch out once I find an office space to rent.” After a pause, I
added, “One more thing. I'd like to waive all my fees for the
upcoming merger, in exchange for two small favors.”

“Oh, what is it?” Lexi asked.

“One, I'd like you two to consider investing in Maywood Farms. It's
a small operation run by Sierra's parents. Lots of growth potential
and substantial profit margins for the right investor.”

“We don't generally invest in agriculture,” Vanessa said. “But
maybe. We'll look into it. What's the second favor?”

I looked at Lexi. “Sierra's a fashion designer. I'd love it if you
could grant her the opportunity to show you some of her designs and
what she can do. She's incredibly talented.”

“Oh?” Lexi looked at Sierra. “Sounds good. Here's my card with
my personal cell number on it. Give me a call and we can chat.”

“Wow, thank you so much!” Sierra beamed at Lexi, then at me. I
squeezed her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. Sierra looked
like her chest was about to explode with joy.

After the sisters had left, I turned to Sierra. “So, what do you
think?”

“I think you, Asher Morgan, are a genius,” Sierra said. “A
brilliant, sexy, amazing—”

I pressed a finger to Sierra's lips. “You better stop with all the
praises. They're going straight to my head.” Then I pulled her in
for a deep, sensual kiss.

CHAPTER 27

SIERRA

WE SPENT THE REST of the week hanging out at the Cedar River Lodge.
Eating good food, drinking good wine, and sharing the most intimate
stories about each other's past. It was the best vacation I’d ever
had. I almost wished we didn't have to go back. But at the same time,
I knew Asher needed to get his new business underway. He'd been doing
most of the work from the lodge, but I knew he needed to go back to
Northbridge and handle some things in person.

By the time we returned, I'd gained at least three pounds, and
Callista said I looked more radiant than ever. Probably because my
boyfriend insisted giving me a daily dose of orgasms every morning.
After my refreshing getaway, I felt ready to conquer anything.

I called up Lexi Holdom's number and arranged for a meeting the next
day. I hadn't quit my job at Delfino's yet, but I suspected I'd
probably get fired soon anyway for missing so much work.

I did a lot of research about my prospective boss. Lexi Holdom had
started out as a fashion designer before she even went to college.
When her parents died, she helped her sister manage their cosmetics
empire. Now she was turning twenty and was one of the most successful
and wealthy women in the world. A tough woman to please, and more
than a little intimidating but I had to try. If this worked out,
doors would open for me anywhere around the world.

I scrounged together my best sketches and piled them into a
portfolio. Asher told me I had nothing to worry about. That he knew
Lexi from way back when and she wasn't as intimidating as people
seemed to think she was. That still did not calm my nerves, though. A
rash broke out along my arm before I even left the house. Thankfully
it was covered by my long-sleeved blouse.

I arrived at Lexi's flagship store in downtown Northbridge fifteen
minutes early. She usually didn't come here very often, since she was
dealing with business in L.A., but she was here with her sister for
the next week. They were ironing out the kinks in their merger
contract. They'd decided to take a leap of faith and hire Asher,
which thrilled me to no end. Even though he was doing this for free,
it would be great publicity. And this interview opportunity with Lexi
was every fledgling designer's dream come true. Not to mention, the
sisters might invest in my parents' farm.

Speaking of my parents... I hadn't talked to them since the fight. I
decided if things went well at this meeting, I'd at least call my
mom.

Chantilly's was the quintessential modern boutique. Clean, straight
lines. A large, airy space with giant ferns and shiny mannequins
sporting the latest bridal fashions.

A sales associate greeted me with a cheerful wave. “Welcome to
Chantilly's. How are you doing today?”

“Hi, my name's Sierra. I have a meeting with Ms. Holdom.”

“Oh, Sierra. Yes, come this way, please. I'm Charlie by the way.
Short for Charlotte.”

“How long have you been working here?” I asked, trying to hide my
nervousness.

“About eight months. It's a great shop. Lots of high-end
clientele.”

“What do you know about Lexi Holdom?” I asked. “Any tips?”

“Lexi's a great boss. Just be yourself. Be honest and modest and
you'll be just fine,” Charlie said. Then in a low whisper, she
added, “It's the manager, Brianna, that you have to worry about.”

“Gotcha.”

Charlie brought me 'behind the scenes' to the in-house design studio.
It was cluttered with bolts of colorful, expensive fabrics, sewing
machines, and patterns. Seated at the helm, clad in a designer dress
was Lexi Holdom herself. She was five years younger than me and about
a million times more successful. In short, Lexi was my idol.

“Sierra, you're here,” Lexi greeted. She was sitting on a stool
at the end of a drafting table, perusing designs. Her lush hair fell
in waves past her shoulders and she had a pencil tucked behind her
ear. She also wore a pair of thick frames that hid most of her face.
“Come, have a seat. Let's see what you've got.”

I sat down and opened up my portfolio. Lexi studied my sketches
without a word. Occasionally a hum would escape her lips.

They sucked. I knew it, I knew it, I knew it.

I wanted to bury them and run. It wasn't too late, she hadn't seen
all the atrocities yet.

“Where did you go to school?” Lexi asked.

“I'm actually starting my last year at LaSalle in September,” I
squeaked out.

“This collection is not bad. Some very inspired pieces in here,”
Lexi said. “Do you work right now?”

“Part-time at Delfino's. Well, before my accident anyway,” I
said, nodding at my cast.

“I see. I want you to go back home and do more sketches. Practice
more and show me what you come up with. When your leg is all healed,
there will be a job here waiting for you.”

“Really?” I cried. I wanted to hug her, but she stopped me.

“Of course, you won't be working as a designer. You'll be on the
floor, working alongside Charlie. She's an up-and-coming designer
too. You two will get along well, I think.”

My face fell. But I didn't dwell on the disappointment. After all,
working at Chantilly's still had way more potential than slaving away
at Delfino's. Everyone had to start somewhere.

“You need to learn about our clientele and about our brand before
you can graduate to something more,” Lexi explained. “Spend a few
months learning about our design style and unique bridal collections.
I think you'll do well here.”

“Thank you, Lexi, thank you!” I chirped.

“Shoot me a call when you’re ready to work and I'll put you in
touch with Brianna, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you for this opportunity. You won't regret it!” I
clutched my designs against my furiously beating chest.

“You should thank your boyfriend. I've known Asher for a long time.
He's never asked me for favors before. You must be very important to
him.”

“I know. I'm grateful for that too.”

“He's a great guy, you know. Underneath that tough shell, he has a
vulnerable side too,” Lexi said. “Treat him well.”

I nodded. “Thanks again, Lexi. You've changed my life.”

“Good luck Sierra. I hope to see you working here next time I come
to Northbridge.”

+++

“DID YOU GET A JOB?” Asher asked when I came through the door.

I nodded. “Sorta. She said once my leg's all better, I can start
working in sales at her flagship store.”

“That's a pretty good opportunity, Sierra. Lexi is usually very
picky about who she hires.”

“I know. She said I should thank you.”

“Well you got it based on merit too,” Asher pointed out. “We
should celebrate. I finally launched my business. You got a new job.
Let's go out.”

“Where did you have in mind?”

“It's a surprise,” Asher said.

In fact, he was so adamant about the surprise that he blindfolded me
after we got in the car.

“Where are we going? You know I don't like surprises that much,”
I said.

“You'll like this one,” he reassured me.

We wound through the streets in the waning light. I heard sirens and
loud music fade away into the churning of waves, then the occasional
bird calls.

I realized where we were going before Asher even cut the engine.

I'd grown up listening to those sounds for most of my life.

“Why are we here?” I asked him before he could remove the
blindfold.

“Because it's time to patch things up with your parents. And I've
got some news.”

“Good news, I hope.”

“Spectacular news,” Asher said.

We walked hand-in-hand towards the farm, me leaning on Asher for
support.

Mom sprinted down the porch as soon as she saw me. “Oh, Sierra! I
thought you wouldn't come! Thank goodness you did. Asher. Thank you
so much for bringing my baby back here.” She gave me a bear hug.

I smiled. “Asher kinda kidnapped me and brought me here against my
will.”

“You needed to come back,” Asher said. “Besides, I think your
mom made you your favorite lasagna. Right, Lillian?”

“I sure did. C'mon in. I'll call Jordan and Ernie inside.”

When Dad walked through the back door, overalls caked in mud, he took
one look at me and grunted. “You're here.”

I tensed. “I can leave if you don't want me here.”

Asher squeezed my hand. “Sierra.”

I shot him a look and hissed, “You could've warned me you were
bringing me here.”

“Why don't you take a seat?” Asher said.

Over a very tense dinner atmosphere, Asher
uncorked some red wine and poured everyone a glass. “I have
something very exciting to announce,”
he began.

Mom stopped mid-bite, and even Jordan perked up. Dad seemed less
interested in what Asher had to say. That is, until Asher made his
announcement.

“I've secured an wealthy contact,” Asher said. “Her name is
Vanessa Holdom of Clarisse Holdom Enterprises, and she called to tell
me this morning that she wants to donate $200,000 in this farm.”

Mom dropped her fork on the floor and didn't even pick it up.

Dad's jaw fell wide open.

Jordan spoke up. “What's the catch? There's always a catch with
these rich people.”

“No catch,” Asher said. “That's the best part. Vanessa says
it'll be good local publicity. Maywood Farms has been running for
generations; it's a Northbridge gem. It would be devastating to local
morale if it'd been bought over by a corporate giant like Newfeld.”

“No way it's just for the publicity,” Mom said. “Are you sure?”