Chapter 11 A Second Chance

POV Scarlett:

I prepared my father’s coffee as I do every morning, left a note on the fridge saying where I was going, and left the house to drop off résumés in Detroit again. I have to keep hoping that one of the other companies will hire me.

Since I didn’t need to drive in such a hurry, I went slowly, enjoying the scenery. I turned on the radio to listen to music, and when a song I hadn’t heard in a long time started playing, it reminded me of four men who had once been very important to me. It was impossible not to turn up the volume all the way and cry, missing the time we spent together, missing the days when I believed I was loved.

By the time I arrived in Detroit, I was feeling deeply sad; everything I had buried came rushing back. I thought that after all this time I was done loving them — but today proved otherwise. How are they doing? How is Asher? I hope that, unlike me, he’s managed to forget me, that he’s managed to stop loving me.

I got out of the car determined to focus on my goal and leave my pain for later. Holding a folder in my hands, I walked confidently into every company that needed a secretary.

One of them has to hire me, I thought with determination.

I was exhausted when I finally sat down on a bench under a tree. I had walked so much, and almost every company I went to had no openings, and the few that did said I wasn’t the profile they were looking for. I opened my purse, took out the sandwich I’d made earlier for lunch, and took a few bites, sighing because I had no idea what I was going to do. Maybe it’s time to look for a different kind of job — it doesn’t have to be in the corporate world.

Frustrated, I finished my sandwich and headed back to the car. The best thing to do now is go home, keep an eye on my father, make him something nice to eat, and tomorrow get back to focusing on finding a job. As soon as I got into the car, my phone started ringing.

I frowned — it’s rare for anyone to call me. I answered quickly, not wanting to keep whoever it was waiting.

“Hello.”

“Miss Monroe?” A woman’s voice came from the other end of the line. I didn’t recognize it.

“Yes, that’s me.” I moved the phone slightly away from my ear to glance at the number, but it wasn’t familiar.

“This is Amanda Fischer. I work at Blackwell Enterprises. How are you today?”

Blackwell Enterprises? What do they want with me?

“I’m fine.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’m calling to let you know that you have the chance to attend another interview.” Another interview?

“Amanda, I think there must be some mistake — Mr. Blackwell told me I didn’t fit the profile he was looking for.” Remembering those words made anger bubble inside me again.

Asshole.

“But this new interview would be to work as the secretary for the other Mr. Blackwell.” I remembered the man from the elevator telling me there were several Mr. Blackwells. “Would you be interested?” I didn’t even have to think about it.

“Of course.” Since I was already in the city, I decided to offer my time. “Would it be possible to have the interview today?”

“One moment.” I waited, silently praying the answer would be yes — that way I’d know by the end of the day whether I had a job or not.

“Miss Monroe?”

“Yes?”

“Mr. Blackwell is asking if you could come to the company right now.” I smiled confidently.

“Yes, I’m on my way. Thank you.” I hung up with a huge smile on my lips.

This time, the job will be mine.

(...)

POV Liam:

I stayed focused on the document I was reviewing, pretending not to see the idiot of a brother leaning against the wall staring at me. I don’t know why my brothers always come to me to help with their shit. The fact that I still help them says more about me than about them; maybe this is the moment to reconsider my priorities.

The truth is I don’t mind helping them, even knowing that most of the time it ends in crap — but what Noah is asking me to do is absurd; I refuse to do it. I don’t want to get into unnecessary arguments with Damian. Noah knows what he’s asking is his way of sulking against the authority of our older brother. He’s always been like that.

Damian says no, Noah says yes.

The jerk started whistling to get my attention; I lifted my eyes to find him focused on his nails. I muttered, seeing how childish Noah is — it amazes me he came to ask me for a favor from long ago, for a woman he says he has no intention of taking to bed.

What could that woman have? Noah, wanting to help a woman with no ulterior motives? Please. Maybe if I help him I’ll find out why he suddenly cares so much about helping this woman. I just hope it’s worth the headache I’ll get when Damian finds out.

“Alright, fucking fine!” I said, grabbing the phone; the creep’s smile made me want to punch his face.

“Mr. Blackwell.” I rolled my eyes when I heard Amanda’s voice. Will that woman ever stop saying my last name with a moan?

I fucked her once — I guess it’s time to get over it.

“Amanda, do you have the details of the young woman who applied to be Damian’s secretary?” I went straight to what interested me.

“Yes, I do.”

“Perfect. I want you to call her and ask if she’d be interested in doing another interview.”

“Another interview? Your brother called me saying she won’t be hired anymore.” I rubbed my forehead, understanding her mistake, which only confirmed how unhappy Damian will be.

“The interview is to be my secretary, not my brother’s,” I explained, hating every minute of it.

“But what about Tasha?” Her question irritated me a little.

What right does she think she has to question me about anything?

“She was promoted. Now do what I asked. As soon as she decides whether she’ll accept the new interview, call me and let me know.” I hung up to avoid prolonging the conversation.

Now I’ll have to decide which department I’ll promote Tasha to.

“Did it cost you much?” Noah asked, laughing, which irritated me even more.

“Damian won’t be happy, especially after you told me who she is,” I reproached, but he didn’t seem to care. That’s Noah — what does he care about, after all?

“I’ll deal with our older brother later.” Arrogant.

I made a point of watching from the best seat how Noah would handle Damian. I returned to my document; my part of this madness was done, and now I didn’t have to give another minute of my time to my brother. I went back to reading the clauses when the idiot’s laugh made me roll my eyes.

“What are you laughing at?” I asked, wanting him to do something useful instead of bugging me. Maybe work, since he’s one of the owners?

“Nothing much. Go back to your papers; I’m going to bother our other brothers a little.” Finally.

“As soon as you have an answer, tell me right away.” I nodded, and sighed with relief when he left my office, leaving me in my beloved peace.