Page 112 of House of Deceit

“Thank you so much. Have a great rest of the day.” I wave as I move toward the door, still a little weirded out at being recognized in public.

“Thank you, Charlie Price!” Gertie calls out, her giddiness bringing a real smile to my face. I make my way into the early mid-September sun and let myself close my eyes and take in the rays for just a moment, thinking back to a day on the sun bed with Molly.

My phone ringing cuts through the moment and brings me back down to reality. Hoping it’s Martha returning my call about getting Alec’s phone number, I move quickly toward my car, setting my muffin on the hood while I fish my phone out. Mere seconds before it kicks to voicemail, I answer.

“Hello?”

“Hi, my name is Devon and I’m calling for Charlie Price from Samantha Conn’s office.”

My mouth drops open. Samantha Conn is one of the most prolific literary agents in the game. Almost every author she represents has become a worldwide bestselling author.

“Um, hi, yes, this is Charlie.”

“Ms. Price, Mrs. Conn is a big lover of House of Deceit and she is wondering if you’d be interested in having a meeting with her here in New York? Tomorrow at noon?”

“She wants to meet with me?” I ask, shocked. “Can I ask why?”

I can hear the smile in Devon’s voice. “I think she’d like to discuss that with you herself.”

“Oh, of course, sorry. Yes, I’d love to meet with her.” I’m pacing in front of my car, trying to expel the nervous energy.

“Great. If you could provide me your email, I’ll send you the details and a confirmation. There’s a flight out of Charlotte Douglas airport that I will secure you a seat on and you’ll return first thing the morning after the meeting. Mrs. Conn would like to take you to dinner as well.”

“That’s very generous,” I say, going through my calendar mentally. “I can move a few things around with no issue.”

I rattle off my email address and other various details so she can book my flight and hang up. I stare at the phone for a second in my hand before I scream a laugh and jump around. My dance of excitement is erratic and I’m left winded. Strangers stare at me, tentative smiles on their faces watching as a dream I’ve always had could be coming true.

The black car pulls up beside an imposing skyscraper nestled between other imposing skyscrapers. New York was a stop on my morning show parade post-winning, but this moment is so much more to me than being interviewed by people I’ve watched on TV for years.

My heart pounds inside my chest. I hitch my purse up higher, set my shoulders, and strut into the building. The lobby is cold marble and colorless. The security officers in their blue suits are the only specs that are not devoid of color. I walk up to the security desk and give my name as Devon instructed, per her email. They take my picture and print out a temporary badge that I attach to my suit.

A security member takes me to an elevator and rides up with me. Once on the twenty-fifth floor, he swipes his badge, allowing me into the offices of Conn, Hawks, and Ashby. This office is an explosion of deep, jewel tones and beautiful lighting that invites you to sink into one of the many plush couches scattered throughout the waiting room. Exactly the sort of thing I love in a room.

The pristine receptionist stands and smiles at me, not a single hair out of place. Her manicure is muted but perfect. Her dress is romantic and feminine and stands out perfectly against the deep blue wall behind her.

“Ms. Price, welcome to Conn, Hawks, and Ashby. Ms. Conn’s assistant, Devon, will be right with you. May I offer you any refreshment?” She indicates a tray of various drinks and sparkling waters.

“I’m fine, thank you so much.”

“Of course. If you wouldn’t mind taking a seat? I’ll tell Devon you’ve arrived.”

I nod, moving toward a couch to the side as a woman walks in with no-nonsense shoes and sure steps.

“Devon's here,” the woman says. “Ms. Price, would you come with me?”

I stand back up and follow her, thanking the receptionist on my way past her. “Mrs. Conn is extremely excited to speak with you today. She’s just finishing up a call, but she wanted me to go ahead and bring you back.”

I make a noise of acknowledgment as we make our way through the various cubicles. Each one is personalized to the owner with pictures. Some have wallpaper on the small walls. Fuzzy chairs, pretty knickknacks, and small comforters like blankets are throughout. Everyone seems deeply at ease and I see smiles and unhurried phone calls.

Devon stops outside of the large corner office. Samantha Conn stands, looking out on the city through the glass walls of the office. “Please take a seat and she’ll be right with you,” Devon whispers as I pass her.

“Patrick, my noon appointment is here, but we will continue this after lunch. Have Devon put time on my calendar.” She hangs up and turns around.

Samantha’s raven hair is tied back in a sleek bun. Her suit is immaculate and she is an imposing presence.

“Charlotte Price, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me. Please.” She indicates a chair in front of her desk.

“Thank you. You can call me Charlie.” I take my seat and set my purse next to me, trying not to pick at my nails in my nervousness.

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