Page 60 of High Rise Secrets
I haven’t heard anything about Ethan’s new company. I’ve tried to research it, but I can’t find anything online—or, at least, nothing that ties his name to it. Landry gives me updates here and there, but I try not to ask for them too much. Last I heard, he was doing well. I wanted to ask if Ethan was seeing anyone, but I didn’t think my heart could handle it if he said yes, so I let it drop.
The music fades, as do the lights, and I step off the stage and blot my face and neck with a towel. Candy stands next to me with a bright smile on her face.
“Hey, Addy, there are a few gentlemen that want a private show with you.”
I shake my head. “I’m not doing private shows anymore, Candy, remember?”
Her face falls, and she shrugs. “I know, but I thought maybe it would help. You’ve been down so much lately, so I thought you might want the distraction. I’ll let them know you aren’t interested.”
I give her a tight-lipped smile. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do. Thank you.”
I head down to the main office and pull my mask off. I look around, hoping for some business to attend to, but since I’ve been putting in so many hours, we are ahead and there really is nothing else I can do at this moment. I open my email and see a job interview request for a small start-up company calledFrameworks. I’ve applied to so many jobs in the past few months, I don’t even remember applying to this place, but I’m happy to go.
I respond to the message, stating I’d be thrilled to come in and suggest a date and time. Since it’s a Sunday, I don’t expect to hear back, so when a message comes in a few minutes later, I’m surprised. According to the message, they would be happy to meet with me tomorrow at ten a.m.
* * *
I digmy keys out of my purse as Eden pops her head out of her door. “Hey, girl,” she says.
I turn to look at her and jerk my head in response. “Hey, Eady.” I push open the door and lean against it. “What’s going on?”
“Just checking on my girl.” She looks to the ground and back to me. “Heard from Ethan yet?”
I shake my head. “No. I asked him to give me time, and he’s given it to me. Can’t blame the guy for listening.”
“Lia, Everleigh, and the girls are coming over for a Princess movie night. Want to join us? I bought tons of junk food. Lots of salt and sugar.” She smirks.I’m sure Lia and Everleigh are going to love going home with two sugared-up little girls.
I smile warmly but shake my head. “Not tonight.” I hesitate for a moment. “I have a job interview tomorrow.”
I haven’t told the girls I’ve been applying for jobs yet. It took me a few weeks, tons of junk food, cheesy romantic comedies, and my girls to pull me out of my slump. It helps that Eden told me time and time again she would be happy to rip his balls off with her bare hands and shove them down his throat.
She beams. “Addy, that’s great. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks.” I let my door close and cross the hall, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Thanks, Eden, for being the best friend I could have found.” She hugs me tight, and when we part, she wipes the water under her eyes. “I gotta go.” I hook my thumb over my shoulder. “I need to do some research on the place.”
“Good luck, girl.”
I thank her and head into my apartment for a night of research aboutFrameworks.
* * *
I openthe front door to the building at exactly nine-fifty and introduce myself to the woman behind the desk before telling her I have a meeting with Don Salvido. The waiting area is small with just a few cushy chairs and a small coffee table between them. I take a seat as I wait for her to get Don for me.
I haven’t felt this anxious about a job in a long time. I cross my legs and try to keep my leg from bouncing with nervous energy. I tuck some hair behind my ear and smooth my pencil skirt out.You’ve got this, girl.It’s the message I received from Eden this morning, and I keep replaying the words over and over.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand as a familiar scent fills my senses. I jerk my head to the left as Ethan comes into view, a huge smile on his face. Damn, does he look good. He’s in a pair of fitted navy chinos and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His hair is a little longer than it was last time I saw him, but he still looks sexy as hell.
As if any of that would have changed in two months.The man has always been like a Greek god.
“Hi, Addison. Thanks for coming in today.”
“I-I,” I stammer as I stand on shaky legs. I clear my throat and start over. “I thought I was meeting with Don Salvido. I didn’t know you worked here,” I say in disbelief.
He gives me one of his huge smiles again. “Frameworksis my new company.” He waves for me to follow him. “Come on, let’s talk in my office.”
My legs start moving before I can even wrap my head around it. He leads me to an office and closes the door behind us, motioning for me to take a seat. I look down at where he’s indicating and back up at him. “How? I didn’t see your name anywhere in my research on this place.”
“I’ve kept my name out of it for now. Since we’re a private start-up, no one needs to know. It’s better that way.”