Chapter Twenty Two #2
"Well, here's the thing. Our event coordinator is taking time off to care for her mother. She left two weeks ago. She’ll be gone for six weeks, and we need someone to step in until then.
We have some interviews with potential candidates, but you're more than welcome to throw your hat in the ring.
In fact, I can consider this party your application. "
"Oh, that's so thoughtful," Natalie exclaimed. “So, your company does event planning?”
“No. We design, and most often redesign, office spaces. We regularly throw events for customers after they inaugurate the space we worked on. They typically invite their partners, and we get more business that way.”
What the fuck? She'd balked when I suggested I ask my brothers for a job.
"What qualifications do I need?” she asked. “I don't know if Jeannie told you, but I haven't been doing this for a very long time."
Was she seriously considering working for Maddox when she'd flat-out told me she wouldn't want me to ask my brothers?
"We’re not looking for someone who's been running an event agency for decades. Obviously they'd be completely overqualified. And we only need someone temporarily, which works for you too.”
"Thank you. I’d like to apply for the job. I’ll send you my résumé, pictures of events I’ve helped with, and things like that."
What the actual hell?
Natalie turned to look at me. Her smile was bright but immediately fell when she saw my expression.
"If you all will excuse me," she said, "I should go and check with that DJ. We've got some things planned for the next two hours."
She went back to her desk with determined steps.
After a minute or two, I excused myself and rose from the table, heading straight to her.
I thought perhaps she did that on purpose so we could talk, but she was actually engaging the DJ in a lively conversation.
I waited by her desk, staring at her and tapping my foot. She joined me a few minutes later.
Her brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"
"Do you even have to ask?"
"Obviously I have no idea, or I wouldn't ask."
"Why did you say you’ll send him your résumé?"
She blinked. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Let me rephrase. What's the difference between you working for Maddox and me asking my brothers for a job?"
"Because he offered, and it's a good fit," she said.
"We could find you a party-planning position at any of the companies. Hell, we can make one."
"See, that's the point. I didn't want you to make one for me. This was just something that happened to work out. Do you honestly want me to not send in my application just because he's your half brother? Is that it? Because if it is, you’re completely out of line."
I took a step back, reassessing my thoughts.
I liked that she didn't mind going toe-to-toe with me.
Now more than ever, I respected the way she challenged me.
Yes, I was pissed off. And also, yes, I was “completely out of line” by taking it out on her.
Why would it matter if she worked with Maddox?
She was right. He'd offered, and it was a good fit.
"I don't know why it's bothering me," I said honestly.
She sighed, giving me a small smile. "Look, I appreciate that you want to look out for me and want to help me, but please try to understand. I’m sorry if I came on too hard. My ex had strong opinions about what I should and shouldn’t do, and I’m still sensitive about it.”
“I’m not your ex. And you were right. I didn’t react well.”
“I feel good about this, okay? It doesn’t feel like it's a handout. Whereas if you hired me…"
"It wouldn't be a handout.”
"It would feel that way to me, okay? Besides, I think Maddox is fun. All three of your half brothers seem like good people."
I cleared my throat. "I wouldn't know."
"Hmm."
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing." She was grinning, though.
"Natalie." I tilted closer. "Speak, or I’ll use some of those skills you keep forbidding me to use."
"Oh, now you’re not even negotiating anymore, you're blackmailing me."
"Nah. This is called a hard negotiation,” I clarified.
"I'm wondering if Jeannie is meddling, trying to get you closer to your brothers too."
"I'm sure she is," I said. "She's always tried to do that. I simply wasn't able to get past everything."
"Oh, shoot." She glanced down at her iPad.
"What?"
"I haven't checked if the candles are here. All ninety of them."
I whistled. "I'm surprised Grandmother wants those."
"They'll look fabulous. I just really have to check if they're here. Otherwise I'm going to run and buy her some." She clasped her left shoulder with her right hand and rotated it once. "I’ve been so tense today. I’m starting to ache everywhere.”
"Don't worry," I replied innocently. "I'll take care of you later."
She turned around with a cheeky grin. "You will?"
"Hell yes."
Her entire face lit up. "I wasn't counting on that."
"I can start right here, during the party too, if you want."
She sighed. "Oh, man, you’re very good at this."
"I know."
"I can’t come to the table again. There are too many things to check on, and if I sit down, I’ll just lose track of time because I'm really having fun with your family. Try to make Jeannie happy, okay?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.
"Before, at the table, when you and your brothers were chatting about Whitley Advertising, I was looking at her. I could tell it meant a lot to her that you were communicating."
"I'll do my best. Honestly, it wasn't so hard."
"I’m glad to hear that."
"Are you sure I can't distract you a little while later?" I winked.
"Please, please, don't. I'm trying to make a good impression here."
"You're killing it, babe. I've heard a lot of guests say this is a wonderful party."
"Hmm. Are you being honest, or are you just trying to settle my nerves?"
"I would never lie to you."
"That's true. You don't sugarcoat things, and you definitely don't lie."
I grinned. "I'm glad we settled that."
I went back to the table after that, but I kept my eyes on her.
She was stunning, and I had mad respect for her.
She’d been magnificent today. Every detail was thought through—she’d even found out that lilies were Grandmother’s favorite flowers and used them as centerpieces.
Grandmother had insisted she also wanted this party to pay homage to her long marriage, so Natalie had asked all of us to send her pictures and videos, and she’d done a collage with both that moved my grandmother to tears.
Natalie fit in with the family effortlessly, and I loved that about her.
Maddox pulled me to one side. "Jake, a word?"
"Sure."
We left the table and walked farther into the back, where there were high bar tables set around.
"You don’t like that I offered Natalie a job," he stated as soon as we were alone.
Fucking hell, was I that obvious? "Did Grandmother say anything?"
"No. I put two and two together. Is it a problem?"
"Not at all. I made her a similar offer a couple days ago. She turned it down, so I was surprised that she’d outright decide to apply for your job."