Page 257 of Love in Riverbend
Marilyn shakes her head. “I’m reading tea leaves, but why would Mr. Parker schedule this meeting if you’re going to get a Dear John letter?”
I sit down in one of the chairs opposite Marilyn’s desk. “Maybe this isn’t the world for me.”
She crosses her arms over her breasts, leans against her desk, and gives me her best scowl. “You are not allowed to give up, Richard Dunn. First, the doors here haven’t closed. You’re meeting with the second of two partners in a week. And second, the world of finance is not all contained within Parker and Stevens. You have other options. Didn’t you say that your headhunter messaged you about a position with Chase?”
I nod. “I had my heart set on here.”
Marilyn crouches down next to the chair. For only a brief second, I have visions of her on her knees at Devan’s house, in the shower...
Her voice pulls me back to reality.
“Ricky, walk into Mr. Parker’s office with the confidence of bringing more to the table than any of the other applicants. They were hired to do menial and brain-numbing tasks. I know. I did those tasks as an intern. The other applicants went from high school straight into college. Their life experiences are social media, gaming, and partying. You’ve had a life and career.”
“It wasn’t?—”
I’m mesmerized by the determination in her voice and the conviction in her blue stare.
“It was a career,” Marilyn argues. “Ask Justin. While my dad didn’t farm, I grew up watching your dad, you, and others work your asses off. The people hired for the starting positions don’t know the meaning of a hard day’s work. You do. Take that into your meeting with Mr. Parker.”
“Are you my cheerleader?”
Marilyn stands and brushes her skirt. “I have news for you, Mr. Dunn, I don’t give false praise. It’s a waste of breath. I listened to you at the partner dinner, and we’ve talked. You deserve a cheerleader.”
“And a new suit.”
Marilyn lifts an eyebrow. “Maybe more. Go have a great meeting, and then we can talk about what else you deserve.”
My lips curl. “Maybe coming here first wasn’t a good idea.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want the impression I make on Mr. Parker to be walking into his office with a hard-on.”
“It is impressive.”
Shaking my head, I stand, reach for her hands, and lean forward, kissing her nose. “Thank you. When you’re not being sassy, you know exactly what to say.”
“I can be sassy.”
“I know you can.”
“Come to my place for dinner tonight?”
I nod, my thoughts going to Mr. Parker and the knowledge that all the positions have been filled. As I’m headed toward the receptionist’s desk, I notice the man walking my direction is Marilyn’s ex. It’s one of those moments when I can’t decide if I should acknowledge him or just let him pass by.
“Dunn,” he says, looking me up and down. “What are you doing here?”
“Perkins, nice to see you again.”
“Maybe you haven’t heard, but the positions have already been filled.”
I straighten my shoulders. “I’ve been informed. I’m here for a meeting with Mr. Parker about another position.” I don’t know if that’s one hundred percent accurate, but I’m going with it.
Bryce’s eyes narrow. “What other position? I’m on the talent acquisition team.”
Shrugging, I force a smile. “That sounds like a question for one of the partners. I’ve had two meetings with Mr. Stevens.”
“You’re on the wrong floor.”
