Page 82 of The Cinderella Arrangement

“Ah, don’t be. Once this is over, I’m cutting off ties with all of them.”

I spent the rest of the evening boiling over everything Luke said—or hadn’t said. The unread email smoldered in my mind and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from reading it when I went to bed. My mind burned all night. What was the horrible thing William had done? I wished Luke hadn’t mentioned it.

Kicking the chair back from my desk, I sank down and reopened the laptop.

—We broke up. Can we please talk? I really need to get things off my chest. Maybe we could for lunch? I could meet you at Embarcadero Station. Please, Natalie. Call me.

-Ben

A flurry of emotions whirled inside me like a snowstorm. My finger tapped on the reply button and hovered hesitantly over the keys.

I needed to see him one more time to find out if I was okay with moving on.

* * *

I had a job offer already, and I had to meet the client in the city. Today.

“Who is it?”

The recruiting agent spoke quickly. “The client has requested anonymity for now.”

I was also meeting Ben in the city—I caved and sent him an email.

“Believe me,” she continued, “you want to go to this interview. This is a very competitive salary for a client who is—well, just get here.”

Intrigued, I agreed to meet whoever it was at eleven at the client’s location.I patted myself on the back for finding a job. I was meeting Ben later at one, so this might work out perfectly.

I walked outside and headed for the metro. My heels stumbled over the cracks in the pavement near the BART station and I almost twisted my ankle.

Fuck. I really need to move from this place.

I only tolerated living here because of Jessica. She was my best friend. She was broke. I had to do what I could to help her out, and there were many months where I paid for her half of the rent. Those days were over though. Jessica paid me back every cent she ever owed me—plus interest. The lease was coming up soonand I had no idea what would happen. Would she move in with Luke?

It struck like a gong inside me. I wanted to cling onto my best friend, but we were both growing up.

Growing up or growing apart?

The metro screamed toward me, the cacophony of screeching metal making my teeth grind. I moved into the warm car and took a seat in the back.

My nerves were on high alert the whole way into the city. It’s been so long since I had an interview. I walked with some difficulty toward Union Square after leaving the BART, surrounded by hordes of tourists shopping at all the clothing stores. I opened the white doors to Cliff Graphic Design and approached the desk, my already tired legs shaking.

“Good morning.”

The receptionist gave me a friendly smile, which I returned feebly.

“I have a meeting at eleven.”

“Ah, yes. Natalie Porter? Right, go upstairs and it’s the second door on the left. He requested a conference room.”

I swallowed and nodded, thanking the receptionist before heading toward the elevator. I didn’t think I could handle a flight of stairs right now. What’s the problem?

Don’t be so nervous.

The reflection in the shiny, metallic walls looked ill. I stood straighter and wiped my hands over my slacks.

Get it together.

Whoever the client was, the agent seemed excited about them. I couldn’t wait to find out who they were.

---