Page 82 of Consumed By You
I take his hand, letting him lead me through the ballroom. A ravishing woman with dark blonde hair smiles widely when she spots us. “Benjamin!”
“Cindy, hello,” Benjamin says, kissing her cheek. This must be the editor I’m here to meet.
“You must be Darcy Fontaine.”
“Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I shake her hand firmly.
“I’ll be right back, ladies. I have a phone call to make.” The look Benjamin gives me tells me everything I need to know about who he’s planning to call.
He disappears out the door and I focus my attention back to my potential employer.
“So, Darcy, how do you know Benjamin? He’s told me you’ve dated before?”
Whywould he tell her that?
“Yes, briefly.”
“You were his assistant before that?”
“I was his assistant when it started.”
“He’s very fond of you.” She scans the people passing by us. That’s two people today that have said Benjamin cares for me. I can’t say I’m upset about it. “He said you were one of the best assistants he’s had, and that’s saying a lot considering Doris was a gem.”
“That was nice of him to say.” I clasp my hands together, attempting to conceal my ridiculous nervousness.
“I’m actually searching for an assistant at the moment. My old one is pregnant with her second child and decided to leave. Benjamin referred you when I brought it up. It’s hard work but I’m a pretty nice boss and it’s decent money. Something you’d possibly consider?”
“Yes. Yes, absolutely.”
“How about you stop by on Monday? We can get better acquainted and see if it’s something you’re really up for.”
“Absolutely, Mrs. Dante. Monday is great for me. Thank you.”
Benjamin reappears and strides toward us.
“How are you enjoying the event, Darcy? None of this could happen without Benjamin’s help.” She smiles. “He’s been so devoted to this foundation. It’s beautiful, really.”
I wish I knew why. Does he know someone with cancer? Maybe it’s because of Doris’s husband?
“How long has he been part of the foundation?”
“I was diagnosed probably six years ago with breast cancer and he was already on the board. He was probably, what, twenty-one then? My lord, he’s young.” She chuckles, shaking her head.
“Sorry, ladies.” Benjamin joins us. “What have I missed?”
“Nothing. You were right about this young lady, Ben.” Cindy grins, touching his arm fondly. “I see Lyle waving me over.”
She kisses his cheek and extends her hand to me. “I look forward to seeing you on Monday.”
“As do I. Thank you. It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Dante.”
“Cindy, sweetheart.” She smiles once more and melts into the crowd.
“So I’m guessing it went well?”
“So it would seem.” I smile ecstatically. “Thank you, Ben. Really.”
“It was my pleasure.”
