Page 11 of The Rebel

“You will. I promise.”

As she stepped out, I immediately sent a message to the number she gave me.

Anthony: You look gorgeous blushing. Signed, your future coffee date.

Anthony: BTW, what’s your name?

As I took a sip from my coffee, my phone vibrated.

Unknown: I’m looking forward to my caramel treat. Although I’m starting to doubt your recommendation. Black coffee with just cream is even more awful than I thought.

Unknown: You go first.

I started to laugh, stepping back out on Royal Street.

Anthony: If you can spare a few minutes, I’ll bring you a chocolate drink.

I had no idea where that came from, but I felt the need to make it up to her. No one should start the week with shitty coffee.

Unknown: Unfortunately, I really don’t have time. Today is a big day for me.

Unknown:Still waiting on that name.

Anthony: Good luck today.

Anthony: I’ll tell you in person. Same time tomorrow on Bourbon at Maria’s Coffee Shop?

I usually wasn’t this pushy, but I wanted to see this woman again soon. And she didn’t know who I was, which was refreshing. The LeBlanc name was famous in New Orleans—too famous for my taste. I wanted to keep my identity a secret for a while longer.

Unknown: Yep, but it needs to be earlier. Eight o’clock.

Fuck my life.

Anthony: Not an early riser. How about a noon date for coffee?

Unknown: Can I let you know later?

Anthony: Sure. Good luck!

This was going to be a fantastic day.

I headed straight to the office, mentally going through my to-do list. My assistant had better be as competent as Dorothy promised.

I went through the back entrance of the restaurant. All my brothers had offices here except Julian and Xander. It was the official headquarters of The Orleans Conglomerate, though we each had our own offices throughout the various locations. Ourfull team would never fit here. Julian mostly worked from his office above his flagship bar on Dumaine. Xander preferred to work with the whole finance team from the Business District. To each his own.

I walked up the staircase quickly, heading straight to Dorothy’s office. I always referred to her as the head of HR, but truly, she was the entire human resources department. Usually, there wasn’t too much for her to do, so she could handle it all. Because of her, we had an excellent retention rate. My assistants were the exception, but I was determined to change that.

She was alone in her office as I stepped in.

“Good morning. My new assistant’s not here yet?” I glanced at the clock.

“Yes, she is. She’s in your office already.”

“Okay, good.”

“Now, a few things about her. Her name is Daisy.”

I nodded. “I know. Background?”