She glanced up to see Jake turn into the five-story brownstone next to the one where she and Eve lived. The one with the apartment for rent. But that would be too much to hope—that he was her new neighbor. He was only her type in looks anyway, given that he was comparing women to fish and strolling around the streets on a Thursday carrying a case of beer—that he had managed not to drop while rescuing the boy. Impressed, she bit her lip. Better to hope that he wasn’t; she didn’t need that type of distraction.

“I still just have to do my best,” she said to Winnie.

“I tried to find out more, but that was all I got. So far.” Winnie’s voice promised that she was on it. “They should pick you over Tim or Colette or that guy in London.”

“I feel like I don’t fit the image,” she said. Especially now, with her caramel blond highlighted hair frizzing from the heat and exercise. And her face probably matched her pink blouse. “Colette and Tim are always so polished.”

“Yeah, you’ve got a personality,” Winnie said.

“They might prefer polish over personality.”

“You’re the whole package. Remember that. When you’re on, you take over the room.” Winnie’s voice was reassuring.

She nodded. She recognized that. She wasn’t conventionally pretty; she had a strong nose—far from an all-American button nose. But if she was animated or laughing when walking down the street, men and sometimes women turned to give her a second glance. Her mom said she had presence, but she had to feel confident; otherwise, she’d fade into the background.

“Tim’s like the firm’s golden boy. If they’re only making two, he’ll definitely be one of them.” Audrey stopped outside her brownstone door, hoping Winnie would contradict her.

“Unfortunately,” Winnie said.

Indeed. That was the thing about Winnie—she could trust her for the truth. But that meant there was just one spot for three contenders. And she wouldn’t bet on her being chosen over the other two. Her shoulders slumped.

Winnie continued, “Anyway, let’s grab lunch tomorrow.”

After saying yes, Audrey hung up. She should go back to the office after dinner. But she’d promised Eve they’d hang out tonight. And they barely saw each other because they both worked nights even though they lived across the hall from each other. Eve was only off tonight because the restaurant where she worked as a pastry chef was closed for a private function and the group was bringing their own birthday cake.

If Eve went to bed early, she could sneak back to work after dinner and dessert. Maybe she should’ve thought of joining the CIA. At least then she’d have the disguise skills to escape the office.

Chapter Two

Chapter Two