Page 106 of Hidden Ties

Bree’s face tightened in what Bree must have thought was an encouraging smile, but Sage knew better.

“Yes.” Bree paused to clear her strangled voice. “We would be overjoyed if you decided to stay.”

Sage barely managed to contain the laughter bubbling up her chest. Bree looked as if she was about to stroke out.

“I’ve enjoyed working here,” Sage began. “The problem is, which I made known to Bree last week, that I need full-time.”

The smile on Mr. Hollingsworth’s face widened. “Bree told me that this morning when we were discussing you. The position I’m offering you will be full-time, plus some overtime.”

Surprised, she stared at him. “I wouldn’t be doing the same job?”

“No, I would like you to take over for Glenda Parsons.”

The unexpected offer had her clenching her hands tighter. This was too good to be true. Afraid this was some type of joke that Livvy was somehow behind, she didn’t say anything in fear of what would come next.

Mr. Hollingsworth’s brow furrowed when she remained silent. “Will that be a problem?”

When she took in Bree’s miserable expression, she started to believe that maybe he wasn’t setting her up.

“You’re serious?”

Hollingsworth laughed. “Oh, yes.” He chuckled. “Glenda was the one who recommended you for the job. I wouldn’t dare offer it to anyone else.” He gave her a mock shudder, his expression boyish. “She terrifies me.”

Sage couldn’t help but laugh back. “Her bark is worse than her bite.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Pushing himself off from the desk, he held his hand out to her.

She unlinked her fingers and grasped it.

“Welcome to the firm, Sage,” he said, shaking her hand.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll leave so Bree can take care of the paperwork. It was nice meeting you.”

“You, too,” she murmured as he left.

Bree’s façade vanished with the closing of the door. Reaching into drawer, she pulled out a thick yellow envelope, which she handed to her. “You can fill this out this weekend and bring it in on Monday,” Bree said through tight lips. “Enjoy your weekend.”

“I will, thank you.”

Ecstatic at being able to go home with good news to tell Glory, she rose, clutching the envelope in her hand.

“Sage …”

She turned around at Bree’s voice as she was about to open the door. “Yes?”

“Mr. Hollingsworth gave you the job despite the review both Livvy and I felt you deserved. Have you met him before?”

Her hand dropped from the door to turn more fully to face Bree. “I’ve never met Mr. Hollingsworth before today. What are you insinuating?”

The way Bree was staring at her made her want to leave the stifling atmosphere of hatred coming off her. Why would Bree look at her with pure hatred? It didn’t make any sense.

“Nothing. I was just asking. I just find it unusual that Mr. Hollingsworth was interested in meeting you. How you managed to snag a job ten people who have worked here much longer have vied for is a mystery to me.”

Maintaining her composure, she held on to the envelope like a lifeline. “That’s a question you should ask him, not me.”

“I did.”

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