Page 5 of Don't Quit the Day Job

“I don’t know about you,” she says, frowning. “But I don’t really want to wait hours to audition and not even get the part.”

“Me either.” My heart thuds as I survey the long line again. I’m no statistician, but I know my odds of beating out hundreds of other actresses are slim to none. Plus, the role called for waterworks and I couldn’t cry on cue if my life depended on it. “Job fair?” I ask Skye and glance over at the tall skyscraper next door. The façade is made up of mirrors, and I have to admit, the way it reflects the buildings across the street looks cool, like it’s calling to us. There’s a large brass sign that reads Chase, Parker & Spector right at the top. “That’s them.” I say, pointing to the sign.

“Count me in,” Skye says with a shrug.

“Hopefully they’re the type of law firm that hires people that don’t know the law,” I offer.

“In the mail room, perhaps.” Skye gives me a look. “They don’t pay much in the mail room, but I heard attorneys make bank.”

“I don’t think I can get a job as an attorney,” I giggle. “I didn’t go to law school and I’m not Mike Ross. I don’t have a photographic memory. I can’t recite every case known to man.”

“I loved Suits,” Skye says excitedly. “But yeah, it would be hard to fake being an attorney long enough to start collecting the paychecks.”

“I heard they are looking for paralegals and legal secretaries.” I shrug. “I can type.”

“But can you do legal research?”

“I can research. That’s what Google is for.” I wink at her. “Who’s going to know if I go onto Reddit for some advice?”

“Hmm.” Skye looks at her watch. “Wanna grab a coffee or should we go to the job fair first?”

“Let’s go put in some applications, then grab something after.” I beam at her. “I’m so glad I met you this morning.”

“Me too. You have such good energy.” She rubs her hands together. “I hope we both get amazing jobs. And hey, we’re actresses-ish. If anyone can fake it ‘til they make it, it’s us.”

“You got that right. If Maria Conchita Violeta Estella Diaz could get a prize for being the best paralegal at Ramos, Ramos & Ramos, even after her boyfriend was cheating, I can land a job with no boyfriend and no heartache.” I laugh. “I am most probably the best paralegal The City has never known.”

“Yes, girl!” Skye lifts up her hand for a high-five and giggles when my hand comically misses the mark, glancing of her palm with a dull thud. “To being the best paralegals in The City,” she says, still giggling.

We step toward the law firm and away from the audition and I plaster on the best smile I can muster to mask the disappointment that I feel at knowing that I’ve failed once again as an actress.

Chapter Three

Max

I am running late and the long crowd of young women lined up at the building next to mine threatens to make my bad mood even worse. I’m more irritated than is reasonable. Not that I care if I’m reasonable or not. I cannot believe my latest assistant quit and left me with unfinished work. She was totally unprofessional and I refuse to acknowledge that maybe I’m part of the reason she quit.

I’ve got two depositions and a new client meeting today and I don’t have time to worry about the files making it to the opposition on time.

"Yes," I snap into my ringing phone as I pull it out of my pocket.

"Max, don't forget our bet." Kingston's smug voice grates on my nerves as I continue on my way. "First person you meet that tells you they are looking for a job with the firm."

"Yes," I say, annoyed that I'd made the bet. "How could I forget?" I listen to the sound of Kingston laughing and try not to roll my eyes. I sure hope there will be some good candidates.

“I am most probably the best paralegal this city has ever known.” A sweet laugh catches my attention and I pause before walking through the doors of Chase, Parker & Spector. I watch as two women head my way, a blonde and a redhead, and smirk as I think about the last time I saw a blonde and a redhead. One was on her knees while the other one massaged my back. Good times.

“You are the best paralegal in the city.” The redhead states to the blonde and my eyes narrow as I give the blonde a once over. She must notice my eyes on her because she glances at me, offers me a sweet smile, then looks away. Her blue eyes meet mine once again and I take in her pretty face and bright red lips. Her hair hangs around her shoulders and she’s wearing an extremely short skirt and top. She may think she’s the best paralegal in the city, but she’s certainly not the most professional. She’s most probably looking to find a husband.

I hold the door open for the women because, even though I’m judging them, I have manners. I’m a good Southern boy and my parents raised me to treat women with respect. You don’t grow up in Aiken, South Carolina without becoming a gentleman.

“Thank you,” the blonde says, smiling at me as I nod. The redhead says nothing, but she’s too busy typing something on her phone to pay attention to me. “I’m not sure where we’re going...let’s ask at the front desk.” The cute blonde says just before she drops a stack of white papers on the ground, sighs, then bends down to pick them up. My eyes follow her movement and take in her shapely ass and long, bare legs. She’s hot, but dressed utterly unprofessionally for a law office.

“A quick word.” I step forward and look the blonde over as she straightens up and stumbles slightly in her bright-red “fuck me” high heels.

“Yes?” She looks at me questioningly, her blue eyes are clear as the sky on a cloudless day and I watch as she looks me up and down. She seems to appreciate what she’s seeing, if the slight curl to her lips is any indication.

“The best paralegal in the city would know better than to wear a skirt shorter than my little finger.” I wiggle my right pinkly in front of her and her jaw drops in shock.

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