Page 2 of Hers to Love
“Yes.” Kori breathed out and tried to calm her racing, anxious thoughts. A job equaled money, which meant she could fight for the reinstatement of her good name. That would put her career back on track.
“Good. Then we’ll just have to be creative about what kind of jobs you apply for. Maybe there’s a smaller company or firm that you could work in that isn’t connected to Brigham’s. Maybe a competitor?”
A competitor? Why didn’t she think of— “No, I can’t. I signed an exclusivity clause that I couldn’t work for a competitor for at least a year.”
“As an executive assistant? I’veneverheard of that. Maybe if you were a lawyer—no offense.”
“No, no, I get it. I thought it was odd too when I first read the contract, but I signed it anyway. With all the proprietary secrets of his tech firm, I see why it’s necessary. But now I’m stuck. Boy, was I an idiot.”
“Okay, none of that either. Nip the emotion and the negativity in the bud. You know that’s not you. Kori, if you’re going up against this guy you’ll need all the guns you can get. And sometimes the only gun you have is yourself. You’ve got to fire on all cylinders.”
Kori smiled. That’s why Sabrina was her best friend. Whenever she needed someone to right her, to keep her focused on what was really important, Sabrina always came through. She had the perspective that oftentimes eluded Kori.
“You’re an amazing coach, Sabrina. You’ll have to catch me up on your business. We haven’t talked in…” She couldn’t remember. It had been so long. She rarely had time to text anyone outside of her boss and his contacts. How did she allow herself to drown in the work? If she was lucky enough to get another executive assistant job for a CEO of a major corporation, she’d conduct herself differently. Mandatory vacations and time off. No exceptions.
“We’ll talk about that later. But it’s going great.”
“I am happy for you, Rina.”
“I know. And I’m glad you’re out of that toxic environment. Look, I’ve just had a crazy idea. You might like it, you might not. But I think it’ll really appeal to you right now. Especially since you haven’t had a vacation in who knows how long. Your lawyer might not like it, but you need the money, right?”
“Right. What is it?” Kori asked in a rush, anxious to know Sabrina’s idea.
“How about you work for my father?”
“What?” Kori’s voice dropped like a rock. “Yourfather?”
“Yeah! He’s the CEO of a major financial firm. I don’t think he’s connected to your last company.”
“But if he is—”
“Maybe, maybe not, we can find that out later. Look, life doesn’t happen if you’re not moving. Get in motion! Say ‘yes.’ This could change your life.”
“Sabrina—”
“If he’s connected to Brigham in any way—and that’s a big if—he’ll be the one person who will accept you, because you’remyfriend. He’ll see it as doing me a favor.”
“You think so?” Kori’s left thumb found its way back into her mouth. She yanked her hand down. She hated her fingernails, and it was her own fault.
“Absolutely. Look, he just lost his own assistant. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner! Yeah, she just had a baby like a week ago. She’s actually been gone for two weeks preparing for the birth. I don’t think she’s coming back either.”
“Oh. Well…if she’s not coming back. I don’t want to take someone else’s job when they’re on maternity leave. That’s…I’dfeel like a jerk doing that.”
“No, I get it. Look, I’ll confirm with my dad. But I’m pretty sure she’s out for good. And my dad is based in Italy, so you’ll be able to finally take a vacation. I’m positive he won’t have you as busy as your last boss.”
“Italy…” Kori couldn’t even begin to imagine working in Italy, let alone moving there. Her passport was still good, and she wouldn’t be traveling with any furniture, so…yeah, she could totally do this. Pasta every night? Then running beside beautiful city rivers to keep all the weight off? The beaches? It actually sounded amazing.
“You said you needed a job. What could be better than going to work overseas in a location that’s actually beautiful and on the water? His office overlooks the Med, and…he stays in a hotel as well, but I’ve seen the suite. I’m sure he’ll put you up in something similar. Oh my goodness, I’m thinking about applying for the job myself, but my clients…I couldn’t leave them, that wouldn’t be fair.”
Kori chuckled. It was the first time in days that she had laughed, and her shoulders felt measurably lighter. “Okay. Okay, could you pass my resume to your dad? That would be fantastic, thank you, Sabrina.”
“No worries. I’ll let you know what he says tonight.”
Kori hung up at ten a.m and by five o’clock, she was riding in a town car to the airport to fly on one of Marshall Buchanan’s corporate jets to Italy. She wasn’t sure how Marshall was able to arrange everything so quickly, but she had a job, and that’s all she cared about.
The flight landed in Italy the next morning, and when she disembarked onto the portable staircase, she immediately noticed the black limousine parked a few yards away. A man dressed in linen slacks and a light blue button-down shirt leaned against the car with his arms crossed. His silver-streaked sandy hair fluttered in the warm wind, his dark shades hiding his eyes. Was this the driver? If this was considered the professional look in Italy, she would run with it. A relaxed environment was what she needed right now.
The closer she came to the car, the more unsettled her stomach became. That wasn’t the driver. He had an air about himself that had Kori guessing heownedthe car. No way would he be driving it. Interesting how a driver didn’t get out to get her luggage or open the car door. Brigham never touched a handle or lifted a finger for anything, if he could help it.
