Chapter 3B
ELLEN
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ellen hated networking events. Making small talk, smiling nicely, and pretending to be interested in the other person annoyed her to no end.
Except she knew it would be part of the job when she accepted it.
With the time difference, Ellen was moving like a zombie for the whole day.
What about Taylor? She was living her day like a damn canary full of energy.
Sitting in the back seat of a black sedan, Ellen closed her eyes before immediately waking up with a start. "Shit." Jamie laughed softly. "That's not funny," Ellen exclaimed with a smile. "Seriously, fuck my life. Why am I doing this to myself?"
Jamie didn't look up from her phone. "Because you're Ellen Caldwell, Sydney's most eagerly awaited business figure?"
"You know that's a terrible answer."
"Would you like me to look for something different?"
"Nah, let's stick with that."
Her head was resting lightly against the window. They had to hurry because nobody could wake up Ellen if they didn't get there in the next five minutes.
Jamie finally broke the silence and met Ellen's eyes. "Don't worry, okay? I'll be close. If you need to bail, just look at me. I'll get you out."
"Thanks," Ellen said, quieter. "Let's do this before I change my mind again."
Jamie nodded and added, "I've got you, Ellen. Don't stress."
They didn't speak again until the car slowed in front of the venue. Ellen stood firm, the mask fitting perfectly. Ellen Fucking Caldwell always showed up, no matter what.