Page 35 of One Taste
“Thank you,” I tell the driver as I hand him cash for the fare.
“Anytime. Have a nice day.”
Stepping away from the cab, my nerves skyrocket. My palms sweat profusely as I reach the main doors and walk inside.
You can do this.
A reception desk fills the space along the wall in the gigantic lobby area, where a petite brunette with blue eyes sits, working on her computer.
“May I help you?” she asks as I approach the desk.
“Hi. I’m Devin Miller. I was told my access badge would be waiting here this morning.”
“Oh, yes! Nice to meet you, Devin. I’m Samantha. I just need to see your ID please.”
“Nice to meet you, Samantha,” I reply, handing her my license.
She flicks through a stack of envelopes on her desk until she finds what I assume is mine as she takes it out. She pulls out a badge attached to a lanyard, smiles kindly, and hands it to me along with my license.
“Midtown is on the thirty-fifth floor. Just scan your badge at the bank of elevators on your left.”
“Thank you, Samantha,” I offer as I take the badge from her hand.
“You’re very welcome. Have a great first day.”
I nod, moving away from the desk and toward the elevators. I swipe my badge across the sensor by the keypad, and the doors ding as they open. Inside, I press the button for the floor I need and shuffle toward the back of the car, leaning my weight against the wall and handrail for support.
The elevator dings again, and before I realize it, the doors slide open to the thirty-fifth floor. I suck in a deep breath and run my hands over my skirt to smooth out any wrinkles that may have formed on the ride up.
You got this.I chant the mantra in my head one last time before I step onto the carpeted floor.
The main lobby area of the floor is as gorgeous as I remember. Decorated with extravagant art work and Tiffany vases, it’s downright beautiful. The walls are painted a light tan that feels warm and inviting.
I force my feet to move so I’m not late for my first day and head toward the reception desk.
“Good morning.” I make sure my voice is steady and firm yet polite as I encounter my first employee of the day. “I’m Devin Miller.”
The older woman sitting behind the desk smiles up at me. “Good morning, Ms. Miller. I’m Joan. Welcome to Midtown.”
My nerves settle as this woman’s smile comforts my soul. She reminds me of my grandmother. “Thank you, Joan.”
“Mr. Brooks is expecting you.”
“Wonderful. Can you direct me to his office? I haven’t had the proper tour yet.”
“Of course. Take the hallway on your right to the end and make a left. You’ll find Mr. Brooks’ office just past the conference room with the frosted glass windows.”
“Thank you, Joan.”
She nods. “Have a great first day.”
So far so good. Hopefully all the worrying was for nothing.
As I turn, the long, narrow hallway grabs my attention. It’s just as precisely decorated as the main area where the elevator is.
I follow the hallway, taking in each frame on the walls. Some are awards. Some are stills from easily recognizable campaigns. As I get closer to the end, one frame holds the law degree of “Madison Brooks” from Harvard.Damn. She must have worked hard for that.
A voice rings out, snapping my attention from the degree. I turn, looking at the man whose voice gives off animosity from the first word. “May I help you?”
