“He’s American?” Aiden says, giving me an odd expression. I realize what I said. No time to explain, I shrug and kiss him on the lips to say goodbye before turning. He grips my arm firmly and yanks me back into his firm body, he has a serious expression.
He cups my cheek. “No job will ever come before me, understand? Don’t rush to say goodbye to me again.”
I gulp at the way his eyes burn into me.
He kisses me passionately before pulling away with a smile. “Good luck, baby.” He leaves me, breathless, as usual.
I glance at the sign in black cursive.
La Patisserie. A quaint French pastry shop tucked in a small corner of the busy Portland city streets. Modern and beautiful.
Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and walk in. I’m instantly hit with a melody of aromas. Fresh espresso and an assortment of pastries and sweets that line the glass counters. I’m getting excited just imagining all the techniques I’ll learn from Avery.
Do I call her Miss Avery, or just Avery? Maybe by her last name?
I’m sweating, thinking of all the things that can go wrong and my confidence flies out the window.
A woman eyes me as she walks up to the counter before smiling. Mid-twenties with beautiful blonde hair. She’s very accomplished to be so young with her own storefront in the city.
“You must be Ms. Banks,” She greets with a wide smile.
“Yes, but please call me Emilia.” I shake her hand.
I don’t usually use my full name, but I have to admit it sounds fancier. I like it when Aiden calls me by my full name. Hearing others say it will remind me of him.
She gestures to the back. “Right this way, Emilia.”
We walk through the small yet spacious shop towards a backroom.
Avery is so friendly I feel like this interview will be a breeze…until she opens the door to reveal an office with a man sitting behind a mahogany desk.
His deep voice bellows through the room. “Ahh, thank you, Miranda.” He looks over at me. “This must be Ms. Banks.” He smiles.
I try to think of something to say, but he looks so intimidating. “Hello, Mr…” I look at his nameplate. “Moreau.”
As soon as Miranda steps away, I walk over and extend my hand.
I’m thankful when he smiles. He looks less intimidating, more youthful. Not that he’s older by any means, he just looks so serious. Maybe in his late twenties. Attractive.
His black hair is slicked back, his tan skin creates a sharp contrast with his white outfit. “Please have a seat.” He gestures to the leather chair. His French accent isn’t too heavy and it’s easy to understand him.
We go through the usual mundane interview questions. I sit nervously, trying not to fidget, as he looks over my resume.
“So, you have no experience,” He says without looking up from the papers.
I straighten. “While I don’t have any hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, this is my passion. I would love the opportunity to show you what I can do.” I smile, proud of myself for being so confident.
His eyes rise from the papers and he looks me over with a smile. He stands. “You’re hired.”
I shoot up from my chair. “Really?” I squeal softly, which makes him laugh.
“Yes, can you start tomorrow? I would say today but…” He looks over my dress. “I wouldn’t want you to ruin that dress.”
I almost squeal from the happiness I feel, excited about my first real job and to have such an amazing opportunity. He could hire anyone with experience or a degree, but he hired me on the spot just like that.
“Tomorrow is great!” My smile lights up the office.
I can’t wait to tell Aiden the great news, but I’m not going to tell him Avery is a man right away. He has to see why this is okay. Nothing will happen.
He has nothing to worry about.
∞∞∞
I fly into the massive building while Howard, my guard, runs behind me. Too excited to knock, I fling Aiden’s office door open, a bright smile on my face. I instantly regret it as my stomach drops.
A woman is seated in front of Aiden. She looks so casual and comfortable sitting across from him, it makes me nauseous. Her short gray dress is hiked up where her legs are crossed. Her brown hair swings as her perfect face turns to look at me.
The smile fades from my face as I stand by the doorframe.
“Excu–” Aiden’s eyes shoot daggers at the door, ready to scold whoever just walked in without knocking.
His expression softens when he sees me. He excuses himself and ushers me outside, closing the door behind him.
He places a hand on my arm. “Baby? Why do you look so sad? Did they not hire you?” His face contorts with anger.
“I’m so sorry I barged in like that.” I shake my head. “It’s nothing. I got the job,” I say in a small disinterested voice, looking at the floor.
Aiden lifts my chin. “What?”
I don’t want to sound childish or stupid. I gesture to the door quietly. “Who is she?”
A smile takes over his face and I swat him.
“You’re jealous.” He states in an arrogant tone.
I roll my eyes. “No,” I lie.
He places a hand on my shoulder. “Baby, I need an assistant.”
Why one so pretty? Before he sees my sad features, I smile. “It’s fine.” I assure him. I trust him. Seeing such a beautiful girl in his office just caught me off guard. It really isn’t a big deal.
He raises his brow. “If you don’t want me to hire her, I won’t.” He opens the door and steps inside.
I grab his arm as he edges into the doorway. “No!”
But it’s too late.
“Ms. Meyer, thanks for your time.” He says simply, shaking her hand. “I have to attend to something important. My front desk associate will call you if you’ve been hired.”
With that, she smiles and walks out.
Aiden ushers me in and closes the door, leaving Howard to stand guard outside.
I sigh. “Is she qualified?” I try not to sound bitter.
He shrugs. “Not really. I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter.”
I look at him with a serious expression. “If she’s qualified, you should hire her.”
He shakes his head. “I have a lot of applicants to go through. We will see but I don’t care about that.” He wraps me in a tight hug, lifting me off the ground. “You got the job!”
I can’t help but smile. I nod. “I did! It’s so cute too. Just what I would imagine a bakery would look like in France.” I swoon over the decor and tell him every detail of the rustic exposed brick that lines the shop. “I can’t wait to see the kitchen!” I practically jump out of my heels.
“Well, your boss must have really liked you.” He smiles. “Avery, is it? Was she nice?” He lifts a brow.
I hesitate. If I tell him, what will he do?
I don’t want to lie. I promised myself I won’t be dishonest with him ever. I’ll tell him after a week…once he sees it’s not a big deal, I’ll do something sweet for forgiveness.
I want him to trust my judgment and he’s been so busy lately that I don’t want to worry him.
“She’s great! I start tomorrow.”