Page 5 of Tempting the Titan

She’s waiting for me, but I'm not showing my face. Not yet. My fingertips drum the smooth stone kitchen countertop, grounding me.

I send a message to her cell instructing her to pick up the office phone. A moment later, the old-fashioned rotary phone on my desk, a relic of a bygone era, rings.

“Hello? Mr. Everlast?”

“Welcome.”

Celeste clutches the phone but glances behind her at the door. “Am I in the right place?”

I clear my throat. “You are. Please make yourself comfortable.”

Celeste wrinkles her nose before finally sinking into the armchair. She eases the small bag off her shoulder and puts it on the ground. Her vibrant pink blouse adds a pop of color to the subdued surroundings.

“Do you feel better?”

“Yes. Thanks to you,” she replies, relief evident in her voice.

“Good. We can continue the interview. Now, do you have any questions for me?”

She furrows her brows. “I thought I was going to meet you. Was that you standing in the window wearing a trilby hat?”

So many questions. I rub the back of my neck while trying to think of a reasonable excuse. “Yes, it was me, but something came up, and I had to leave.”

Celeste nods and lightly taps her fingertips on the armrest. “So, when are you coming back?”

Raindrops tap against the windowpane. “I’m not sure. I'm working from home for a while.”

“Are you a private investigator because you’re a secretive person?”

I let out an easy laugh. “I never thought of it that way.”

“I don't mean to pry.” A flush spreads across her cheeks, and her voice is tinged with unease.

“It’s fine,” I say, waving away her concern.

“Sorry, boss.”

The hint of sass in her voice makes me smile. I’m impressed by her audacity. I’ve already decided to hire her but prod a bit more.“What do you believe is the most important quality for success?”

She closes her eyes briefly, contemplating her answer. “Perseverance,” she declares with conviction. “The ability to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.”

A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips. “I couldn't agree more.”

Celeste sighs, and the tension drops from her shoulders. It’s time to put her out of her misery. “If you can follow the rules, the job is yours.”

“Thank you so much! I won't let you down.” Her face lights up, and her infectious enthusiasm makes me want to improve my grumpy attitude. “When do I start? I’m available anytime.”

“Tomorrow. Your work hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Your office key is on a hook on the coat rack. Please lock up when you leave.”

Celeste nods as her gaze shifts to the coat rack.“Thank you. Would you prefer your messages to be delivered via email or a messaging platform?”

“Good question. Email works best for general communication, but you have my number and can message me for anything urgent.”

“Got it. Thank you, Mr. Everlast.”

Ouch. It makes me sound old. “Please call me Atlas.”

“You won't regret this, Atlas,” she says.

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