Chapter 5
“The situation’s changed.”
My stomach drops.
I went through the whole initial interview process not knowing who the company was that I was applying for. That was kept secret.
When I found it was Infinity Drinks, I had a sinking feeling I wouldn’t get the job.
Of course I knew all about the company Deacon co-founded. He might have been half an island away, but I followed his career. It made me proud to see how well he’d done for himself. He deserved everything good after the mess his mother made of his life.
The last time I saw Deacon Miller, he still thought I was in on that mess. It wasn’t until I was older that I realised assigning blame to a twelve-year-old was messed up, but he wasn’t really that much older.
I almost pulled my job application, never expecting they’d ask me in for an interview.
Now I’m here with the head of Infinity HR, Rochelle, who tells me as soon as I’ve sat down that the situation’s changed.
It’s not rocket science to assume that Deacon’s involved.
“I understand.”
She smiles, and I’m about to open my mouth to thank her for the opportunity when she drops a bombshell.
“As you know, the PA role was for the CEO, but due to an internal promotion, it’s now PA for the CTO.”
What?
I pored over the corporate website so many times looking for any new information on Deacon. He’s the CTO.
“I’m sorry?”
She nods. “Don’t panic. The salary and benefits are all the same. It’s just an internal thing, but I thought it was important that you know.”
“Thank you?”
“Let’s get on with this interview and Mr Miller has asked that we go up to his office afterward.”
My heart thuds.
I knew if I got the job I’d see Deacon at some point, but that doesn’t mean I’m prepared to do it today.
“Okay, then, Philippa. I see from your application you have a Bachelor’s in business. Have you ever considered applying for our intern program? It’s something you could do in future if you’re interested.”
“I … uh … Please call me Pippa.”
She smiles. “Okay, Pippa. Same question.”
I’m not sure how I make it through the next hour, but Rochelle seems happy with my answers. Yes, I might consider applying as an intern at some point. Yes, I’m perfectly happy applying for a PA role despite my qualifications—I’ve done it before, and I want to get some work experience under my belt. And so on.
After all the questions are answered and we make small talk for a few minutes, she leads me to the elevator and presses up.
Butterflies take over my stomach and I blow out a long breath.
“Nervous?” Rochelle asks.
I nod, unable to speak.
“You’ll be fine. The executive management are great.” She smiles. “They’re a group of uni friends who have worked together to build the company. It’s all fantastic product, and the perks of working here are amazing.”
“Sounds perfect.” I manage to get the words out, but inside my heart is racing.
The elevator dings, and the doors open.
Here we go.
I scrape the palms of my hands with my nails. I didn’t think I’d come into contact with Deacon so soon. I’m so not ready.
We walk down a corridor before she opens a door and I follow her into an outer office. A desk sits by the door I assume leads to Deacon’s office.
I draw in a deep breath before she knocks briefly and then pushes it open.
She’s in my way, so I can’t see Deacon yet. Anticipation makes me quite faint. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him in the flesh and he’s not just a picture on a website.
“We’ve just finished our interview. You wanted to see Pippa?”
“Yes.”
Rochelle steps out of the way and ushers me through.
Deacon rises from behind his desk.
Oh my.
The years have been good to him. He was always a good-looking boy, but as a man he’s devastatingly handsome.
His dark hair is short at the sides, a little longer on top. Last time I saw him, he was clean-shaven, but his short-trimmed beard makes him look so grown up. Although, I guess he’s now in his early thirties.
He smiles widely, and it reaches his sparkling blue eyes.
“Pippa.” His warm tone washes over me, and my heart calms a little. I always wondered what it would be like to see him again. Would he still be angry? Would he blame me?
“Deacon. It’s good to see you.” It’s hard to smile. Why is it so hard to smile?
Maybe because this whole thing is awkward.
“Hey, Rochelle. Mind giving me a minute with Pippa?”
Her gaze flicks between us, and she nods. “Sure. I’ll just wait outside and walk you back down when you’re finished.”
I meet her eyes and give her what I hope is a reassuring smile. “Thank you.”
Her brows knit as she turns before she closes the door.
Deacon rounds the desk until he’s standing in front of me. I can’t meet his gaze. I’ll melt into a puddle on the floor if I do.
“Hey, Pipsqueak.”
My lips part, but nothing comes out.
He raises his hand and tucks a lock of hair that’s escaped behind my ear.
His smile’s so open and welcoming. A far cry from the last time I saw him.
“Miss me?”
“I thought I could handle this,” I whisper, biting my inside cheek to stop myself welling up.
“It’s good to see you,” he says. “Are you going to come and work with me?”
I shrug. “I didn’t think you’d want me to.”
“Are you kidding?” He grasps my chin and pulls my gaze to meet his. “I can trust you to keep me in line, can’t I?”
I blink rapidly, my smile still hiding from him.
“Seriously, Pip. I read your CV. You’re perfect for the job and I get to see my girl every day. What could be better?”
He pops a kiss on my nose and lets go of my chin.
His affectionate action releases the tension, and I grin. “You’re weird.”
“That’s nothing new.” He laughs—laughs, and I’m really not sure what to make of him after all this time.
“The last time I saw you, you were angry with me.”
Deacon cocks his head. “I was angry with the world. My family had just been torn apart. But it’s been twelve years, and I’m glad to see you. Even happier if I can make you get me coffee.”
I roll my eyes, and he laughs again.
“There’s my girl. Start tomorrow?”
“We haven’t talked about a start date.”
He grabs my hand. “Well, I am. Come in a little later, maybe ten o’clock, and we’ll go for morning tea. You can catch me up on your life.”
“So … I’ve got the job?”
His smile gives me butterflies. “There’s no one else I’d want.”
He walks me to the door, opens it, and waves me through. “See you tomorrow morning, Pippa. Around ten.”
Rochelle’s eyebrows rise as I approach her. “I assume that means you made a hiring decision,” she says to him.
“It’s a no-brainer. Pippa and I go way back.”
It’s clear no one’s told her this as understanding crosses her features. “You do?”
“He knew me when I was a kid,” I say. “We haven’t seen one another in years.”
She crosses her arms and raises her eyebrows at him. “Explains a lot.”
“Bye, Pippa. See you tomorrow.”
With a laugh, she walks me to the elevator. “Let’s go down to my office and we’ll finalise the paperwork.”
The butterflies have lessened, but a few still linger.
I’m not sure I can work with this version of Deacon. He’s not as moody as I thought he’d be. In fact, he’s about the opposite.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was being flirty.