Page 34 of Fake it For Good
“Ican’t believe you’re going to Texas,” Marie said, pouting.
My laptop was open on the table while we video chatted. I tossed a pair of panties in my suitcase. That was the benefit of a small apartment. I could talk to her and clean house or pack without having to move the laptop around.
“Me either,” I said. “When I took the job, there was no mention of traveling.”
“Consider it a perk,” she said.
“I am. I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself. I’m not used to the fancy life. I bet he flies first class.”
“At least,” she said. “Are you nervous?”
“Terrified,” I groaned.
“Just relax,” she insisted. I could hear her tapping away on her keyboard. She was at work, but we often chatted. I was just a little pop-up window on her screen. “You said you met that other hot shot and you nailed it. Just be you. People love you.”
“And we both know that isn’t true,” I said, laughing.
“Yes, they do,” she said. “You have one of those personalities that people are naturally drawn to.”
I wasn’t sure about that, but I did feel like I could talk to just about anyone. It was a necessity in my world. If I was shy and withdrawn, no one would notice me. No one would look my way and give me the help I needed to do something as basic as survive.
“I better get going,” I said. “I don’t want to be late.”
“What time does your flight leave?” she asked.
“I’m not sure.”
“Have fun,” she said. “This is your first trip out of the state, right? Besides Jersey, and that doesn’t count.”
“I will.”
After ending the chat, I zipped my suitcase and pulled it off the bed. I was both nervous and excited. This was my first real chance to play my part. I knew if I screwed it up, he would be pissed. He’d fire me and I wouldn’t get the money I was already counting on. I had to do it right.
When I got to his office, I was immediately shown to a waiting area beyond the initial one. A redhead looked at me, her eyes giving me a thorough inspection. “You must be the fiancée.”
“I am Noelle,” I answered.
“I’m Dana. I’m Cane’s assistant. I don’t know what’s going on, but just know this—he’s a good man. A very good man and I’m just a little protective of him.”
“I understand,” I said.
I didn’t know how much she knew, but I had to go with it. “You can go in,” she said after another stern look.
Cane was on the phone. “I have to go,” he said. “I’ll talk to you later.” He got up from behind his desk. “You’re here.”
“I’m here.”
“I just need to finish up a couple of things,” he said.
“What time is the flight?” I asked and moved to check out the view from his office.
“The plane is ready to go when we are,” he answered.
“What does that mean?”
“It’s a private jet,” he said. “They leave when we’re ready.”
“Oh.” A private jet. Of course. I couldn’t even begin to understand the world of the rich and powerful.
