Page 26 of Man of the Year

A keychain among the other keys in Nick’s hand catches my attention—it’s a tiny souvenir Empire State Building with a spire.

I nod toward it, trying to divert the topic. “Sentimental?”

Nick chuckles, giving it a glance. “I love New York City.”

“Where are you originally from?”

“Notthe city,” he says quietly.

He must be a small-town guy who was lucky to score an important job. I sort of see why he’s trying so hard to be nice to everyone. Both Cara and I are from a small town. Me—from a dysfunctional family. Cara—from an abusive one. Despite having lived in the big city for nine years and having graduated from college, we still struggle to make a decent income and feel like outsiders on a daily basis.

“Yeah, the city is great,” I say, then turn to the house, giving it a backward nod. “Especially when you have this kind of money.”

“Everyone’s dream, isn’t it?”

“Wouldn’t you want to have a place like this to yourself?”

Nick’s smile takes on a disappointed tilt. “Wouldn’tyou?”

“Something is off about this place,” I say, baiting him.

Judging by how Nick’s expression falls, my words struck a chord. “How do you mean?”

“I don’t know. Just… Rules. Cameras.”

He clears his throat. “Listen, our boss is an important man. He will be a billionaire soon. We all get paid very well, so we play by the rules and wag our tails because we need these jobs.”

There’s something suspicious about the work energy in this place. Everyone seems a bit too serious, and when Rosenberg is around, everyone steels their spines like they are afraid of him.

“Do you know what happened to Darla?” I ask.

And here it is again—Nick’s expression freezes, the keys silent in his hand.

“She… she got tied up with the boss,” he replies, tonguing his cheek.

“Tied up how?”

Nick looks away, reluctant to talk. The secrecy surrounding Darla is becoming annoying.

The staff door squeaks open, and Rosalie’s head pokes out. “Need you here,” she says, motioning for me to come inside. I guess my break is over.

I exchange knowing glances with Nick.

“Mr. Warden must be requesting me,” I joke. “Let’s talk later? Maybe hang out?” I say to give him hope and reluctantly get back inside the house.

Rosalie doesn’t look at me as I step into the kitchen. I can tell she’s annoyed. She doesn’t hide her emotions well.

“You should try harder to be more professional,” Rosalie says.

I want to snort but hold it back not to anger her. “And I’m not?”

“Our boss doesn’t like when the staff is fraternizing.”

“Isn’t Nick his favorite?”

“Yeah, well, to a point.”

“What do you mean?”

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