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“Anyways, take the rest of the day off, kid. You’ve earned it. Enjoy your weekend. We’ll need all hands on deck for Monday’s meeting with Chaotix’s management.”
Max leaves me alone in the conference room again, and the only solace in his words is that the meeting is with the band’s management team. Not the band themselves.
I’m not sure I can handle facing Ryan again. He seemed to find no issue with invading every square inch of my personal space, and I didn’t seem to mind it at all. It was unlike me to be so attracted to someone that I could feel my body agreeing to things my mind would never entertain.
There was also the tiny nagging inner voice that seemed to believe that my chance meeting with Ryan Knox somehow put this chain of events into motion. That was ridiculous, though. There was no way in hell a conversation with an ordinary girl backstage at a show would lead to this man seeking me out in this way. I doubted he could even pick me out of a crowd again if given the opportunity.
I push away the thoughts and head to my desk to gather my purse and jacket. What I couldn’t get rid of was the glare Valerie shot my way as I walked out the door.
Chapter Seven
Juliet
When I step foot into the office on Monday morning, I feel like a new woman. I look like a completely new woman, too. I let Alyssa do my makeup, and instead of the typical black slacks and blouse, I opted for a dress that spectacularly accentuated my curves. Despite the pep talk, I'd given myself the entire ride to work, I still felt like a child playing dress-up in her mother’s clothes.
"You look hot, Jules! The sexy professional thing you have going on is delectable." Alyssa had said as I left the apartment.
She has always been my favorite hype girl, and this morning I needed it more than ever.
"Give a girl a promotion and she turns into something completely unrecognizable," Valerie remarks with a sneer when she sees me.
"I think she looks great," Kate offers with a wink. "Wanted to make an appearance on your first day at the big kid’s table, huh?"
I grin. "I guess so."
Even though I knew this meeting was with the Chaotix management team, I still felt this nagging need to look my best. Plus, I wanted to prove to the partners that I could handle the big leagues.
The dress isn't revealing by any means. It’s knee-length and sports a conservative neckline. The only thing suggestive about it was that it left little to the imagination regarding what I'm hiding underneath. I know I have a decent figure; I just rarely put it on display for the world to see. It was more of a comfort zone thing.
"Are you ready for this?" Max says, clasping an arm around me. "You sure as hell look ready to take on the world."
Max was in his late fifties but had become somewhere between the older brother I never had and the father figure I always yearned for. He'd taken me under his wing, and our bond was unmistakable.
"Yep, ready as I'll ever be. So what's the plan?" I ask, trying to fake as much confidence as possible.
Max goes over the outlines prepared by the senior account managers. They are pretty good, and I can't hide my surprise. While I knew we were a capable agency, I was curious if we could be competitive.
The conference room buffet table is covered with a glorious spread of fruits and pastries. A large assortment of coffees and teas is nestled in the corner, and printed copies of the proposals are placed in front of each seat. We certainly look the part.
I find my seat and place my tablet and notepad on the table. My hands are fidgeting relentlessly underneath the table, and when Valerie notices, she rolls her eyes. Of course, she is seated right next to me, as if I wasn't already on edge enough.
"Stop that," she seethes under her breath.
"Sorry, I'm just nervous," I squeak out.
Another eye roll. "It isn't like you'll even be speaking. Just sit still. You're distracting me."
I wish I knew why she was so hateful toward me. Jealousy is one thing, but she takes it to a whole different level.
The sound of deep laughter from the lobby causes me to straighten my posture. They are coming in.
"What a lovely and quaint office," a feminine voice coos. Her short jet-black hair is sculpted into a perfect pixie cut, and her pantsuit looks like it costs more than my apartment. She slides into one of the chairs and shoots me a warm smile. "Olivia Alton, nice to meet you."
I return her smile. "Juliet. Glad you could be here today."
Before I can even punctuate the sentence, Valerie also takes the opportunity to introduce herself. "Valerie Morgan, senior account manager."
Her fake warmth is nothing compared to the genuineness of the woman before us. Olivia nods, greeting her.
