Page 7 of (Un)Planned

Not fucking likely.

THREE

As the doors to the elevator closed behind me, I tried to catch my breath. Freaking public transportation. Even though I’d grown up only a couple of blocks from here, I’d never taken the subway much. The train had been late, and I’d ended up going in the wrong direction, meaning I had to get off at the next stop and try to find the right one.

I knew I should have sprung for an Uber or a cab, but with my bank account draining by the second, every penny saved was precious.

Thank goodness Adam pulled some connections to get me this interview. While I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of working for his manager, it was better than my other job offers, which, for the record, were none. When you’re a twenty-six-year-old with limited work experience, you’re not anyone’s dream candidate.

It was fine. It wasn’t personal. None of these jobs knew me, knew what I could bring to the table.Which is what?The little voice in the back of my head gave life to the thought that had been plaguing me for almost a month.

Sure, I’d gone to one of the best universities in the country, but education and practical skills were two entirely different beasts. I shoved the thought down, smoothing my hands over my borrowed skirt.

Devyn insisted on dressing me for the interview, deeming my closet too bohemian for the Manhattan job market. So, instead of the floral, A-line dress I’d picked out, I was wearing a black pencil skirt with a green satin blouse tucked into the top. I finished the look off with a chunky white cardigan and some thin gold necklaces. Maybe Devyn would disapprove, but I firmly believed that how you dressed affected your mood.

When I pushed inside the lobby for Wallace and Associates, the empty white walls almost blinded me. The room was silent, which immediately raised all my red flags. I knew it was a new business, but this was not what I was expecting.

“Hello?” I called out, but my echo was the only response.Perfect.I didn’t know Adam well, but I was pretty sure he wouldn’t have sent me here if there wasn’t a real job.

Not to mention, the office wascold. The temperature itself was fine, but the room held zero personality. Not only was there the white walls, but it was all bland furniture, obviously picked out from one of those bulk order catalogs. How could they host clients here if the room looked like it was more appropriate for murder than business?

I peeked down the hallway, hoping that someone would be out to greet me. Glancing at my watch, I grimaced when I realized I was exactly on time—so much for getting here early to show initiative. That was before the subway debacle forced me to sprint the last couple of blocks.

At least I wasn’t the only one running late, if the lack of a greeter was any indication.

I sat down in one of the waiting chairs, smoothing my frizzing waves with my fingers. My breath pushed through my lips. It would be fine. Ithadto be fine. What was the alternative? Cowering back to my mother with my tail tucked between my legs and working at my stepfather’s company?

I involuntarily shuddered. Trapped with David as a boss? No, thank you. There was no way I’d resign myself to that life. My shoulders shook, trying to force a false confidence. I was going to rock this interview. It was a little unclear about what the job entailed, just that I would be working for Theo, Adam’s manager. According to Adam, he was one of the top agents at the firm. I guessed he would be out dealing with clients while I’d likely be answering phones and going for coffee runs.

As I debated looking around some more, the man of the hour stepped into the lobby, his eyes widening a little when he saw me sitting there. “Do you have an appointment?”

His voice was deep, almost melodic with its timbre, but that wasn’t what stunned me the most. While Theo wasn’t as tall as the men I was usually attracted to, he oozed confidence and power. No wonder he was so successful. His dark brown eyes held mine, and my hands shook a little, trapped under the intensity of his stare.

“Are you lost?”

I shook my head, forcing myself to my feet. When I stepped closer to him, holding out my hand, I realized he wasn’t that much taller than me. At 5 foot 8 inches, I was almost six feet tall with my heels on. We were pretty much the same height, but he had such a forceful presence that my knees nearly buckled.

“Sorry, I’m Calla Winters. I think we crossed paths a few times when you were staying at the Isadora. I’m Alex’sbest friend.” I beamed my patented smile at him. “I’m also your nine o’clock meeting.”

Theo chuffed but placed his palm in mine. “Theo Ayad, acting Manager.”

As our hands shook, he looked at me, his intense eyes studying every inch of my face. I could feel my cheeks flush, but I wished the blush away, hating that he was already making me flustered.

“Follow me.”

As he ushered me down the hall, which I assumed led to his office, I tried to remember everything I learned about him from my friends. While Adam spoke highly about his talents as an agent, Cole had called Theo an unbearable ass. Alex was on the fence, having spent a lot of time with Theo when she was posing as Adam’s girlfriend. She said he’d been supportive. Even after everything that had transpired, Theo was one of the leading investors in her hotel back in Saint Stephen’s Lake. Without him and the others, there was no way she would have been able to afford her property.

But there was also the part about Theo threatening to sue Alex multiple times, which gave him a black mark in my book.

We ended up in the corner office with,you guessed it, absolutely no personality. The only furniture in the room was a black leather couch and an oversized glass and chrome desk. It reminded me of the one in my mother’s office. I never understood the purpose of desks like that. They didn’t have any drawers, so where were you supposed to keep your things? My desk was stuffed, the surface covered with various colored pens and post-its, books and papers.I probably should clean that…

“So, Miss Winters. Tell me why I should hire you.”

My eyes snapped to Theo’s. So much for easing in slowly. Did I miss the small talk portion of our interview? I cleared my throat, taking a seat in the chair across from him.

“I think I’d be an asset to your company, Mr. Ayad,” I started, trying to recite the words I’d practiced with Devyn this morning. “I’m, uh, a fast learner and enjoy challenges. I think I would be a great addition to your…” I glanced around the office, noting I was the only other soul on the floor. “Your team.”

“Clever,” Theo smirked, however the way he said the word showed that he thought my answer was anything but.

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