Page 37 of Mine to Love

“That’s kind of you, but I’d like to stretch my legs. Are there any places within walking distance you’d recommend?”

“I’ll have a list brought to your room.”

“Oh, no. There’s no need to go to any trouble. I’m looking forward to doing a little exploring tonight.”

“Very well. Please don’t hesitate to call me or the hotel if you need anything.”

“Thank you. I look forward to meeting you in the morning.”

“Have a good evening, Miss Elliot.”

Not even in Texas for an hour and I’m already being treated like royalty. Logan Pierce may be a bit standoffish, but his company knows how to make a lady feel spoiled. I make quick time of unpacking, text my father to let him know I arrived safely, then set out in search of food.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The morning training session goes by quickly. Melinda Hawkes is inspiring, motivational, and incredibly intelligent, teaching me and the two other candidates what to look for in a company to determine whether they are worth salvaging or dismembering.

Margaret, who is from the Boston area, and Chad, an Austin native have more experience than me, and appear to be a better fit for the job in their business suits and all-serious mannerisms. They are the stereotypical accountant type—serious, professional, dressed in no-frills business attire—and don’t look like they know how to have a good time.

Is this how I would have ended up had I graduated from MIT and worked in a firm in Boston like I always dreamed?

Not once since I got the call from my father about the snowmobiling accident have I thought about the high-powered job that was once my goal. One hundred percent of my attention has been mourning my mother and sister and caring for my father.

“Do you have any questions before I leave you with the portfolios?” Melinda asks us.

“Just one,” Chad says. “Is there a right or wrong answer, or are these current portfolios that haven’t been evaluated by you and your team?”

“Good question.” Melinda points at the stack of files in front of the three of us. “My team have done a preliminary reading of the files but have not determined what’s best for the company in question. You each have the same information in front of you and will work in seclusion to come up with your proposal. You have until four o’clock tomorrow and will then present to my team.”

“And the one who comes up with the best plan gets the job?”

“Not necessarily. We’re looking for thoroughness, accuracy, and thinking outside the box. You’ll be given one more assignment on Wednesday and will know by the end of the week if you got the job.”

For the rest of the day, I sit in a closed off conference room with my stack of files, a computer, and a printer. Doug checks in with me periodically, taking drink and food orders, which I continually pass on. After five straight hours of sitting, I need to get up and stretch my legs.

Wishing I brought sneakers or flats for a walk, I kick out of my heels and roll my ankles. It isn’t like I’ve been on my feet all day, but I need to stretch. Saving my work, I leave the room in search of Doug.

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