Page 68 of Aiden

Do I call her Miss Avery, or just Avery? Maybe by her last name?

I’m sweating, thinking of all the things that can go wrong and my confidence flies out the window.

A woman eyes me as she walks up to the counter before smiling. Mid-twenties with beautiful blonde hair. She’s very accomplished to be so young with her own storefront in the city.

“You must be Ms. Banks,” She greets with a wide smile.

“Yes, but please call me Emilia.” I shake her hand.

I don’t usually use my full name, but I have to admit it sounds fancier. I like it when Aiden calls me by my full name. Hearing others say it will remind me of him.

She gestures to the back. “Right this way, Emilia.”

We walk through the small yet spacious shop towards a backroom.

Avery is so friendly I feel like this interview will be a breeze…until she opens the door to reveal an office with a man sitting behind a mahogany desk.

His deep voice bellows through the room. “Ahh, thank you, Miranda.” He looks over at me. “This must be Ms. Banks.” He smiles.

I try to think of something to say, but he looks so intimidating. “Hello, Mr…” I look at his nameplate. “Moreau.”

As soon as Miranda steps away, I walk over and extend my hand.

I’m thankful when he smiles. He looks less intimidating, more youthful. Not that he’s older by any means, he just looks so serious. Maybe in his late twenties. Attractive.

His black hair is slicked back, his tan skin creates a sharp contrast with his white outfit. “Please have a seat.” He gestures to the leather chair. His French accent isn’t too heavy and it’s easy to understand him.

We go through the usual mundane interview questions. I sit nervously, trying not to fidget, as he looks over my resume.

“So, you have no experience,” He says without looking up from the papers.

I straighten. “While I don’t have any hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, this is my passion. I would love the opportunity to show you what I can do.” I smile, proud of myself for being so confident.

His eyes rise from the papers and he looks me over with a smile. He stands. “You’re hired.”

I shoot up from my chair. “Really?” I squeal softly, which makes him laugh.

“Yes, can you start tomorrow? I would say today but…” He looks over my dress. “I wouldn’t want you to ruin that dress.”

I almost squeal from the happiness I feel, excited about my first real job and to have such an amazing opportunity. He could hire anyone with experience or a degree, but he hired me on the spot just like that.

“Tomorrow is great!” My smile lights up the office.

I can’t wait to tell Aiden the great news, but I’m not going to tell him Avery is a man right away. He has to see why this is okay. Nothing will happen.

He has nothing to worry about.

∞∞∞

I fly into the massive building while Howard, my guard, runs behind me. Too excited to knock, I fling Aiden’s office door open, a bright smile on my face. I instantly regret it as my stomach drops.

A woman is seated in front of Aiden. She looks so casual and comfortable sitting across from him, it makes me nauseous. Her short gray dress is hiked up where her legs are crossed. Her brown hair swings as her perfect face turns to look at me.

The smile fades from my face as I stand by the doorframe.

“Excu–” Aiden’s eyes shoot daggers at the door, ready to scold whoever just walked in without knocking.

His expression softens when he sees me. He excuses himself and ushers me outside, closing the door behind him.

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