Page 10 of Obey

“Hospitality.” Nate leans back. “So smiling through disasters and apologizing creatively.”

“Among other things.”

“We don’t sell coffee and hotel upgrades, Ms. Harper.”

“No. You sell luxury intimacy to wealthy people with high expectations and very little patience. The skill set transfers surprisingly well.”

Jace grins. Nate doesn’t. “And when everything goes wrong simultaneously?”

“It usually does.” Jace laughs softly. Nate ignores him.

I fold my hands neatly in my lap. “I recalibrate priorities, solve the immediate problem, and keep moving.”

"That sounds rehearsed."

"It sounds experienced."

Jace lets out a low whistle. "Oh, she's fun."

"Are you capable of remaining quiet for longer than thirty seconds?" Nathaniel asks him.

"Not naturally, no."

I bite back a smile, but Nathaniel catches it. "All this experience and yet you're applying for an entry-level position."

"I'm aware of the position I applied for, Mr. Blackwell."

"Then help me understand why someone with your qualifications is willing to take such a significant step backward."

"Because I'm interested in working for SOLAÉ. And there's nothing wrong with accepting a position that allows me to establish myself within a company first and working my way up."

"A convenient explanation." He glances at my résumé. "Four years out of the workforce, followed by a relatively short tenure at your last company. Now nine months without employment."

My fingers tighten around each other in my lap. "Is there a question somewhere in there?"

"Several, actually. Starting with whether you have difficulty committing to your professional responsibilities."

Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me.

I spent four years putting someone else's expectations ahead of my own. Two more rebuilding a career I never should've abandoned. And now this man, who knows absolutely nothing about me beyond a few lines on a résumé, is questioning my commitment?

"My employment history is accurate, Mr. Blackwell. I was laid off from my previous position, and my references can verify my performance. As for the four-year gap, I stepped away from the workforce for personal reasons."

"And I'm supposed to believe those reasons won't become a problem here?"

I give him a moment to reconsider that question.

He doesn't.

"I came here prepared to discuss my qualifications, not defend personal decisions that have no bearing on my ability to do this job."

"We're looking for someone who can handle pressure, Ms. Harper."

"And I'm looking for an employer who understands the difference between pressure and disrespect." I reach for my purse and rise from the chair. "Thank you for your time, gentlemen, but I think my first assessment of this company was correct after all.”

Nate looks genuinely caught off guard. Apparently, he hadn't considered that I might actually leave.

Good. I turn toward the door, but Jace is on his feet before I make it two steps.