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Harper was already up and dressed the next morning before she remembered the offering she’d left in front of her small fireplace. Peering over to where she'd left the small bowl on the hook rug before the fireplace, she saw with a thrill of glee that the cookie was gone, and the saucer was empty.
Oh, my God. She rocked back on her heels, trying not to hyperventilate. Brownies were real! It wasn't that she'd disbelieved Becca and Renee... well, okay, she kind of had. But now, seeing the empty saucer, there was no other explanation. The cookie crumbs scattered around the rim provided irrefutable evidence of the magical creature's midnight snack.
This was just... wow! She shoved her hand through her hair, still staring at the saucer. Her heart raced with equal parts excitement and disbelief as she imagined the tiny being sneaking into her room while she slept and consuming the offering she'd left.
A glance at her phone showed she had plenty of time before work. She'd need to stop at the grocery store tonight to pick up proper cream for future offerings. The brownie had accepted milk, but she wanted to do this right.
In the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and ran a comb through her foxy-red hair, studying her reflection. Amber eyes gazed back at her, bright with excitement despite her usual morning grogginess. A spattering of freckles crossed her nose, matching her hair color.
"Can you believe it, Reyna?" she whispered to her fox self as she applied minimal makeup. "Actual brownies!" Her inner fox radiated curiosity and delight, equally fascinated by this new discovery.
Exiting her room, the sound of breakfast preparations drifted up from downstairs - pots clanking, the sizzle of bacon, Renee humming as she cooked. Harper's stomach growled in response. She gathered her purse and laptop bag, along with the empty saucer, taking one last look around the room. Her eyes drifted to the hearth where she'd placed yesterday's tribute, and she shook her head, caught between amazement and the remaining wisps of disbelief. A brownie!
For the first time since fleeing California, Harper felt truly at home. She had a safe place to live, a new job, and she was surrounded by people who understood and accepted her true nature. And now, incredibly, she was sharing her space with magical creatures straight out of folklore.
A small smile played across her lips as she headed downstairs for breakfast. What other wonders might this new life hold?
Harper stepped onto the wide front porch of the West Side Inn, her purse and laptop bag slung over one shoulder. The morning air carried a hint of autumn crispness, perfect for sitting in one of the cushioned rocking chairs while she waited for Jake.
She'd kept breakfast light - just a slice of toast and fresh fruit from Renee's generous spread. First-day jitters always wreaked havoc with her appetite. The toast sat like a lump in her stomach as she perched on the edge of the rocker, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her charcoal pencil skirt.
"You're up early." Renee emerged from the front door, carrying two steaming mugs. She handed one to Harper. "Chamomile tea. It'll help settle those nerves I see dancing in your eyes."
"Thanks." Harper wrapped her fingers around the warm ceramic. "Jake's giving me a ride until I can get my own car sorted out."
"He's reliable as sunrise." Renee settled into the neighboring rocker, her long skirt swishing. "And Carter's Bank is a good place to work. Lydia, the manager, is well-known to me, a shifter herself."
Harper blew across her tea. "I know. Still, it feels strange though, having humans know what we are."
"Strange good or strange bad?"
"Both? Neither?" Harper shrugged. "I spent so long hiding what I was… as all of us have done… it's hard to wrap my head around being open about it. Not that I plan to come out, but still, it's just… I'm not sure what to do with these feelings."
A robin landed on the porch railing, cocking its head at them. Renee tossed it a few crumbs from her apron pocket, and it hopped closer, pecking at the bits on the ground.
The purr of an approaching engine drew their attention, ending their conversation. Jake's dark blue truck turned into the circular drive, right on schedule.
"That's my ride." Harper stood, gathering her things. The tea had helped, settling both her nerves and her stomach. "Thanks for the company. And the tea."
"Anytime. I'm back to my kitchen, as well." Renee's smile was warm. "Have a wonderful first day."
Harper descended the porch steps as Jake parked and got out to open the passenger door for her. The gesture surprised her - such old-fashioned courtesy was rare these days.
"Ready for your first day?" Jake's grin was infectious as he closed the door after she settled in.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Harper buckled her seatbelt while Jake walked around to the driver's side. "Thanks again for playing chauffeur."
"I'm happy to help, and the inn's pretty much on my way anyway." Jake started the engine. "Besides, it gives me an excuse to grab coffee from that little place next to the bank. Their espresso is amazing."
"Espresso," Harper sighed wistfully. "Bring it!"
Jake laughed, setting the truck into motion.
Jake pulled into a space at the far end of the bank's parking lot, and set the parking brake. He glanced sideways at Harper.
"You good?"
Harper wet her dry lips with the tip of her tongue before nodding. "I'm okay."
Anxiety churned in her stomach - as someone who preferred solitude and quiet, nothing was worse than starting at a new workplace where unfamiliar faces awaited introductions. Strange how meeting clients never triggered these jitters, but that was different. Those encounters were all about maintaining a professional facade. Dealing with colleagues required a whole other level of social interaction. She slung her bag across her body and grasped the handle to exit. When she circled to the truck's rear, she found Jake standing there with an encouraging grin.
"Don't forget, I'll be here for moral support." Jake's voice carried a reassuring warmth, which eased a fraction of the tension from her shoulders. His steady presence reminded her she wouldn't have to navigate this first day alone.
"I've got this," she told him. And she meant it. Just one standard workday, and the stressful initial shift would be over. "I really appreciate the ride."
"Don't mention it. It's temporary anyhow."
"Until Thursday," she replied, feeling a small surge of optimism. "Someone from the car lot will collect me after my shift and handle the purchase documents." She nibbled anxiously at her lip. "It's been forever since I've been behind the wheel. Back in San Francisco, I never had to - the buses and trains were way more convenient."
"You'll get the hang of it fast," he said, entering the security code for the back door of the bank and holding it open for her to go through. "This way."
He led the way down a short hallway, and into a brightly lit, open room. Tables and chairs were scattered about, with sofas and armchairs set randomly about the walls, flanked by potted plants. Fresh flower arrangements stood in vases on the tables.. There was a small kitchen area, with sink and microwave and a full-size refrigerator, as well as a stretch of lockers for the employees to put their personal possessions. Harper looked about in surprise.
"This is nicer than the bank in San Francisco, and that was a national bank!" Harper marveled at the unexpected homey touches, her hands unconsciously fiddling with the strap of her shoulder bag. The employee lounge radiated warmth, so different from the cold, sterile break rooms she'd encountered at her previous jobs.
"That's because the Clark family, who owns this, puts a heavy emphasis on the family, in family bank." The comment came from a slender lady in perhaps her 40s, her hair already heavily silvered despite her relative youth, though it suited her elegant bearing and sharp, intelligent eyes. Her tailored navy suit and confident stance spoke of competence and authority. She smiled, extending her hand to Harper with a warm, welcoming expression which immediately put Harper more at ease.
"I'm Lydia Metaxis, the general manager. Welcome to Carter's Bank - we're delighted to have you joining our team."
"Oh, yes! We talked on the phone several times." Smiling back, Harper put out her hand for a brief but firm handshake. Lydia was a shifter, like her.
Cat, Reyna confirmed.
"I'll leave you here," Jake told her. "You're in good hands with Lydia."
"Thanks again for the ride, Jake." Harper adjusted the strap of her bag, offering him a grateful smile.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Lydia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Though I suppose after working security here for three years, you'd know if I was trustworthy or not."
Jake chuckled and gave them both a casual salute before striding off toward the security office, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Harper watched him disappear around the corner, her last familiar anchor in this new environment gone. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the employee lounge. She inhaled deeply, catching the scent of fresh coffee mingling with the fragrant flowers.
Not like Katerina, Reyna whispered in her mind. Wild, like us.
"As you can see, this is our break room." Lydia glanced at the small insulated pack Harper carried. "You can put your lunch in the refrigerator. We have permanent markers to put your name on things," she nodded toward the refrigerator door, which indeed had a magnetized pen holder with varied colored markers.
"Perfect." Opening the door, Harper slid her pack with its roast beef sandwich and small salad onto one of the shelves.
After Harper shut the fridge door, Lydia motioned to the neat line of metal storage units along the wall. "Make sure to bring a padlock, but feel free to pick any empty locker you'd like."
At Harper's nod. Lydia led the way from the break room, down the hallway, and through a door with a security panel. Lydia showed her the code for the staff door, then led the way into the public area of the bank.
"To the left," and she pointed, "is where the bank officers have their offices... the president, loan officers, myself, and so forth."
Lydia led the way through maze of low-walled cubicles. The atmosphere was suitably hushed, the business of finance gearing up before the doors opened. Harper breathed in the familiar scent of paper and ink, mingled with coffee and the faint traces of cleaning products from the night before. The teller counter spread across the entirety of the back wall of the bank, along with two drive-through teller windows. Her trained eye noted the security cameras positioned at strategic points, their red lights blinking steadily.
Through the main space, Lydia gestured toward a cluster of compact offices opposite the larger executive spaces. Wide windows offered a clear view of the bank's central floor. Overhead lights cast a cheerful sheen over the gleaming wood furnishings.
"As one of our personal finance advisors, you'll have your own office," Lydia explained, as she pushed open the door to a small room. "This will be yours."
Her gaze swept the private space, taking in the premium L-desk, plush executive seat positioned behind it, and pair of visitor chairs across. Storage drawers lined one wall, while standard computer equipment occupied the desk's shorter segment. Beside her, Lydia surveyed the room with an approving expression, giving a firm nod of satisfaction.
"You're free to put any personal touches that you like, of course. Just see that you keep them appropriate."
Harper nodded, her lips curving into a small, polite smile. "Of course," she agreed, her soft voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. She clasped her hands together, the gesture betraying her slightly nervous nature as she stood in the new office space Lydia had shown her.
Lydia glanced out the door, and lowered her voice. "That was a tremendous thing you did, Harper. Lighting into the bear like that, not aware he was also a shifter. My lynx is as wild as they come, and to be honest, I don't think I would have had the courage to do what you did. I'm so pleased you are here with us. We all are. If you need anything, you have only to ask."
Heat bloomed across Harper's cheeks, and she ducked her head, certain her face now matched the fox-red shade of her hair. The memory of facing down the bear in the woods still made her pulse race. "Th-thank you, Mrs. Metaxis."
"Lydia, please." Her boss waved away the formality with a warm smile.
"Lydia, then." Harper managed a half-smile. "To be just as honest, if I'd taken any time at all to think about it, I probably wouldn't have had the courage, either."
A soft chuckle escaped Lydia as she pivoted toward the exit. "I can understand that! You'll find your login credentials waiting on the notepad. Remember to discard them after you access the system. Check your upper drawer for the client files. I've instructed the head receptionist, Jeanette, to hold any incoming calls until this afternoon. That should give you enough breathing room to review everything and get familiar with how we operate. You'll primarily work with local entrepreneurs and small business owners. And if you find yourself with any questions about a client's portfolio, your predecessor Benjamin Hayes - now enjoying retirement - is available for phone consultations. I've written his contact information in your planner."
Leaning forward with a conspiratorial glance over her shoulder, Lydia confided in a low voice. "He's a badger shifter."
At Harper's stifled laugh, Lydia beamed, then glanced at the clock on the wall above Harper's new desk. "I'll leave you to settle in, then."
As she whisked away, Harper rounded the desk to sit in the chair. It was deep, and supportive, with a lumbar support. Nice. She adjusted it for her height, then pulled the notepad toward her after dropping her purse into the large bottom desk drawer. First things first, she needed to get logged onto the system. While her computer was booting up, she pulled out the file folders, stacking them neatly on the desk's polished surface.
The tantalizing aroma of coffee wafted through her new office, as Jake's shadow fell across her desk. She glanced up with a grateful smile, her amber eyes lighting at the sight of the steaming cup in his hand.
"Coffee!"
"Still take it black as Satan's heart?" He teased, coming forward to hand her the cup.
"Yes," she said, taking a long, appreciative sip. The rich liquid warmed her from the inside out, chasing away the last remnants of early morning sluggishness. A contented sigh escaped her lips.
A quick look at the clock had her realize over two hours had already gone by. "I'll be skipping my morning break," she decided. "I'm not so much working yet, as looking over client portfolios."
"That's fair," Jake said, nodding. "So far so good, then? Not overwhelmed?"
She grinned at him. "Nah. It's been great so far."
"Awesome. I'll be taking over duty at the front door at the top of the hour. I'll be there til lunch, then I'm meeting Becca over at the Greek deli. You want to join us?"
"No, I brought lunch, remember?" She smiled. "You two have a great lunch, and I'll see you this afternoon."
Jake lifted his hand, tipping an imaginary hat to her, and went on his way.
Harper pulled the first file from her stack, flipping it open to scan the contents. The sooner she got through these questions for Benjamin, the better - she didn't want to keep bothering a retiree who'd earned his rest.
She jotted quick notes about unclear items or unusual investment patterns that caught her eye. One portfolio showed an unexpected shift in risk tolerance mid-way through, while another had some peculiar notations about preferred dividend stocks. The third file contained a complex trust arrangement she'd need clarification on.
Gathering her notes, Harper glanced at the clock - just past ten. Not too early for a business call. She picked up her desk phone and dialed Benjamin's number, rehearsing her introduction in her head.
"Hello?" A gruff but friendly voice answered on the third ring.
"Mr. Hayes? This is Harper O'Neill, your replacement at Carter's Bank. I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"Ah, the fox shifter! And please, call me Ben. I've been expecting your call." His tone warmed considerably. "Got some questions about the files, I expect?"
"Yes, if you have a few minutes. I'd like to get these sorted out so you can properly enjoy your retirement without work calls interrupting."
A hearty chuckle rumbled through the line. "That's thoughtful of you. Fire away - I've got my morning coffee and nowhere pressing to be."
Harper worked through her list methodically, making careful notes as Benjamin explained the context behind each situation. The risk tolerance change had been due to a client's retirement timeline shifting. The dividend stock notations related to a family business restructuring. And the trust arrangement turned out to be fairly straightforward once Benjamin walked her through the family dynamics involved.
"I really appreciate you taking the time to explain all this," Harper said, reviewing her updated notes. "This helps tremendously."
"Happy to help get you settled in," Benjamin replied. "Though between you and me, I think Lydia made an excellent choice in hiring you. Your questions show you've got good instincts for this work."
Heat crept into Harper's cheeks at the unexpected praise. "Thank you, that means a lot coming from you."
After hanging up, Harper sat back with a satisfied sigh. She'd cleared up the major questions that had been nagging at her, and she could now focus on learning the bank's systems without having to keep bothering Benjamin. She picked up her coffee cup, only to find it empty.
Harper pondered going for another cup, then decided against it. She didn't want to deal with caffeine jitters, and lunch wasn't too far off. Instead, she turned her attention back to the remaining files, organizing them by priority. The morning sunlight streamed through her office window, casting a warm glow across her desk.
A soft chime from her computer drew her attention - an incoming email from Lydia with the weekly team meeting schedule and some additional client documentation. She clicked through the attachments, scanning the information while absently running her fingers through her fox-red hair.
Nathan would like this office, Reyna whispered in her mind. All the plants make it feel alive.
Harper's cheeks flushed, her heart warming at the thought of Nathan. She hadn't noticed the potted ferns and small succulent garden on the windowsill until Reyna mentioned them. The greenery did add a homey touch to the professional space.
Focus, she chided herself, pushing thoughts of her newly discovered mate aside. She had work to do.
She pulled up the bank's portfolio management system, familiarizing herself with the interface. It wasn't too different from what she'd used in San Francisco, though some of the reporting features seemed more streamlined. She started entering her notes from the morning's review, creating detailed profiles for each client.
The steady tap of her keyboard filled the quiet office as she worked, occasionally pausing to reference the paper files. A few employees walked past her open door, offering friendly waves that she returned with small smiles. The atmosphere felt different here - warmer, more personal than her previous bank. Maybe it was knowing she wasn't the only shifter, or perhaps it was simply the family-owned nature of the institution.
A prickling awareness had the hair raising on the back of her neck, and her fox whimpered, diving for cover, to peek out from the dark corner in her mind. Harper turned her head to see three women crowding her doorway, their perfectly coiffed hair and designer clothes a stark contrast to her simple business attire. Her heart sank as she met three hostile pairs of eyes, and she stifled the urge to follow her fox and dive under her desk for cover.
The familiar anxiety from her school days crept up her spine. These were the type of girls she had always made a point to avoid, and, when possible, stay under their radar: these were the drama queens, the prom queen and her court of princesses, grown up to be influencers and possibly reality TV stars. Mean girls who wielded gossip and social manipulation like weapons. She squared her shoulders and braced herself, preparing for whatever petty cruelty they'd devised.
Harper forced herself to meet their gazes steadily, despite her instinct to look away. Her first day hadn't even reached lunch, and already she had enemies? The unfairness of it stung.
"So you're the new financial advisor," the tallest one said, her tone dripping with disdain. Her sleek black hair fell in a perfect curtain past her shoulders. "I'm Vanessa. This is Tiffany, and Janis."
The three women swept inside her office, their heels clicking against the floor in perfect rhythm. Harper released a shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for her empty coffee cup, needing something to hold onto.
Ignore them, Reyna advised. They're just jealous and petty.
Harper nodded slightly, knowing her fox was right. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of their harassment. She'd dealt with mean girls before, but usually she'd had time to see them coming.
"May I help you?" Her greeting was polite, her smile perfunctory as she surveyed her visitors.
"This is my office," the oldest of the trio, Tiffany, charged furiously. She was possibly in her mid to late twenties, the other two perhaps being a year or two younger. All three were lovely at first glance, with perfect makeup, perfect hair, expensive clothes, tasteful jewelry... the real thing, not costume. It was their expressions that detracted from any beauty, with narrowed eyes, tight lips that were thinned in shared fury.
"I'm... sorry?" Harper responded, her eyes going around the office. Lydia had brought her here personally, after all. And it had seemed vacant.
"I've been waiting for two years for that old man to die, or retire," the woman said, her tone dripping with spite. "That was my position, and you stole it right out from under me."
Tiffany's perfectly painted lips curved into what might have been meant as a smile, but looked more like a sneer. "That position should have been mine. I have seniority here."
There didn't seem to be anything to say to that, and Harper's spine stiffened. She would be damned before she apologized for accepting a job that was offered her. "I see," was all she allowed herself to say.
They're just humans, Reyna whispered in Harper's mind. And not very nice ones.
She glanced down at the files on her desk, the top one open, needing to be read. "Well, if that's all..."
"It is not all!" Another of them said, bristling. "You stay away from Jake. He's ours."
Harper stared at them, not quite sure what she was hearing. "Jake?"
"Yes. The security guard," the third said, preening. "He's going to choose between one of the three of us." Her raking glance indicated scorn for Harper's carefully chosen pantsuit in forest green linen, and her copper hair pulled back off her face in a simple twist. "You can't even begin to compete, so don't bother trying."
"That's right," the third said, her face twisting with ugly spite. "You stay away from him, or you'll be sorry."
Harper debated telling them that Jake was engaged, coming quickly to the conclusion that it wouldn't make the slightest difference. The least said, the soonest done. "I'll keep that in mind," she told the girls, and pointedly turned her back on them, swiveling her chair around to face her computer. Inwardly, however, she was trembling. She hated this kind of confrontation. Hated it. Her fox whined, and she sent it soothing thoughts. After all, these women couldn't do anything to hurt her, after all. It was just words.
Unfortunately, she found out how wrong she was about that, when it came time for lunch. Her first clue was when she opened the container that had her sandwich in it, loaded with roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. No onion, of course, because... bank. But when the top came off, a stench arose, making her recoil. Was that... licorice?
She peeled up a corner of the bread to glance beneath it. Some kind of weird paste clung to the bread. Fennel, to be sure, she thought, sniffing, but also... toothpaste? What?
Cringing now, she opened the lid to her salad, sighing when she realized the entire salad had been soaked in vinegar. A rumble from her tummy informed her that her tummy would like very much to be fed, please. But she'd only brought these for lunch.
Harper dumped her ruined lunch in the trash with a sigh. The pungent mix of fennel and toothpaste still lingered in her nose, making her stomach turn. At least she had a protein bar stashed in her desk drawer for emergencies.
As she headed back toward her office, a crisp British accent called out. "Harper! How's your first day going?"
She spun around to find Kelly Carter approaching, the banking heiress moving with graceful confidence in her fitted dark blue skirt and lustrous top. Though she belonged to the prestigious family that controlled the bank, Kelly exuded a genuine friendliness.
Harper managed a genuine smile for Kelly, pushing thoughts of her ruined lunch aside. "It's going really well, actually. I went over my client portfolios, and had a great conversation with Benjamin this morning - he helped clarify some questions I had, so I'm feeling pretty confident." Harper's tension eased as she thought about her productive morning. "The office is perfect - I love the plants on the windowsill, and there's so much natural light. And the client files are meticulously organized."
Harper glanced back toward her office, admiring how the sunlight streamed through the windows. "The portfolio management system here is more streamlined than what I used in California. And everyone's been so welcoming." Well, almost everyone, but she refused to let those three women dim her enthusiasm.
Kelly's warm smile brightened further. "I'm so pleased you're settling in well. From what I understand, Benjamin's decision to retire took administration by surprise. Lydia mentioned you have excellent credentials - we're lucky to have found you."
Harper's cheeks warmed at the praise. "Thank you. That means a lot, especially coming from a board member."
"Please, let's skip the titles." Kelly brushed off the comment with a gesture. "After all, we're both staying at the West Side Inn." She checked her dainty timepiece. "Are you free for lunch? I found this charming cafe just around the corner. Let me treat you for your first day at work."
Relief flooded through Harper. Her stomach had been protesting the loss of her lunch, and the protein bar in her desk wouldn't have been nearly enough. "I'd love to, actually. My lunch plans fell through."
As they walked, Kelly chatted about the bank's history and her family's connection to it. Harper found herself relaxing, drawn in by the other woman's genuine enthusiasm and knowledge. Despite her prestigious background, Kelly had none of the pretension Harper might have expected from a banking heiress.
"The building itself is quite historic," Kelly explained as they passed through the ornate lobby. "My great-grandfather had it built in 1923. The architectural details are all original - see those marble columns? They were imported from Italy."
Harper looked up at the soaring ceiling with new appreciation. "It's beautiful. So different from the modern glass and steel banks in California."
"That's exactly what we've always tried to preserve - that sense of history and permanence." Kelly pushed open the heavy front doors.
The small cafe Kelly led them to was bright and airy, with fresh flowers on each table. After they settled into a cozy corner booth and ordered, Kelly leaned forward with enthusiasm.
"You know, while banking isn't my first love - that would be French literature and culture - I've absorbed quite a bit growing up in a banking family. It's rather like osmosis," Kelly said, her British accent lending elegance to her words. "Though Ethan's the one who truly lives and breathes finance. He's absolutely brilliant at it."
Harper nodded, remembering the bank president from their brief meeting at the inn. "Your brother seems very dedicated to the bank."
"Oh yes, he is. It's his passion, while I prefer spending my time teaching French and dreaming of Paris." Kelly's eyes sparkled. "Though I do understand enough about banking to serve on the board effectively. When Benjamin announced his retirement so suddenly, we were quite concerned about finding someone with the right qualifications and experience."
Their salads arrived, and Harper breathed in the fresh scent of mixed greens and herbs, grateful to have real food after her ruined lunch.
"We were fortunate to find you," Kelly continued, drizzling vinaigrette over her salad. "Your experience in California was exactly what we needed."
Harper shifted in her seat, warmth creeping into her cheeks at Kelly's praise. She speared a cherry tomato with her fork, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.
"I'm just grateful everything worked out so perfectly," Harper said, keeping her voice soft. "Finding a position in my field, especially one where I can really utilize my experience - it's more than I hoped for." She paused, glancing around the charming cafe. "And the bank seems so connected to the local community. That's different from the corporate environment I came from."
"The local connections make such a difference in personal finance," Harper continued, relaxing as she moved into more comfortable territory. "Understanding the community helps provide better service to clients." She took a bite of her salad, savoring the fresh ingredients and light dressing.
Kelly nodded enthusiastically. "That's exactly what Father always emphasized - banking should be personal, especially when handling people's financial futures. And having someone of your caliber step in has made Benjamin's transition to retirement much smoother than we anticipated."
"I've already started making notes on ways to help some of the clients optimize their investments," Harper continued, her excitement about the work overtaking any lingering unease. "There are some interesting opportunities I spotted in the retirement accounts that I think could really benefit them."
See? Reyna whispered in her mind. This is where we belong.
Harper had to agree. Despite the morning's unpleasantness, she felt more at home here than she ever had at her previous bank. The family-owned atmosphere, combined with the knowledge that she could be her true self, made all the difference.
"I can't wait to start meeting with clients," she added. "Benjamin gave me some great insights into their preferences and personalities that will help me serve them better."
Harper finished the last bite of her salad, feeling pleasantly full and much more relaxed after lunch with Kelly. The conversation had flowed naturally between work topics and getting to know each other. Kelly's warmth and genuine interest made Harper feel welcome in a way that helped ease the sting of her earlier encounter with the hostile trio.
"Thank you so much for lunch," Harper said as they gathered their things. "It was wonderful to learn more about the bank's history."
"My pleasure entirely." Kelly's smile lit up her face. "We should do this again soon. Perhaps next time you can tell me more about California."
They strolled back to the bank, the summer breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers from nearby planters. Harper's steps felt lighter, her confidence restored after the pleasant meal and conversation.
Back at her desk, Harper dove into her afternoon tasks with renewed focus. The familiar work absorbed her completely, and before she knew it, the afternoon had flown by.
We did well today, Reyna commented as Harper saved her final document and began organizing her desk for tomorrow. Despite those mean humans.
Harper had to agree. One ruined lunch couldn't overshadow the satisfaction of productive work and pursuing a new friendship. A smile tugged at her lips, though, as she wondered suddenly if Jake knew he was the prize in a mean girl tug of war. She looked forward to seeing his face when he knew.
She switched off her computer, gathered her belongings, and headed out, ready to return to the comfort of the West Side Inn.