“Oh,” I say, a little shocked that JoAnna is having me arrange lunch dates for her son now, but it’s also completely understandable. With his icy demeanor and brooding attitude, I’m sure she’s determined she has to resort to matchmaking if she ever wants grandchildren. They’d likely be half-robot, but I hope for JoAnna’s sake, that skips a generation. “Should I forward the details to Bea?”

“Yes. Thank you.” She nods.

I continue through the week’s calendar, highlighting appointments and important meetings. JoAnna has me block off time in her schedule for a Pilates class.

“Your flight on Friday to LA is at seven. I’ve arranged a car to pick you up at four thirty.”

She nods. “What are your plans for the weekend?”

“It’s my childhood friend’s bachelorette party.”

“That’s right. You mentioned you were hosting them. That sounds like a fun girls’ weekend.”

“I’m hosting the party at Le Pavillon.”

“That will be a treat for your guests.”

If all goes according to plan, it should be a fabulous weekend.

“Make an appointment with Lindy to go over where Lacey left things. She’ll get you squared away.”

“Of course.”

The promotion, however temporary it may be, was just what I needed to boost my confidence about this weekend.

* * *

SCM is located in the Helmsley Building near East 46th Street and Park Avenue. The building is gorgeous, built over Park Avenue, two arches were constructed to allow each one-way street to pass through. A large clock is situated between the Greek god Mercury and a goddess with vines and wheat on the other side. The large glass-windowed front of the building is trimmed in black with the lobby made of marble floors and bronze fixtures.

It’s one of my favorite buildings in New York. It’s unfortunate all this beauty is tainted by the reason I have to come here.

Maybe my dislike for Barrett is rooted in the fact that from our very first encounter, he didn’t like me. JoAnna introduced us at a luncheon she hosted two years ago, when I had first started working for her. He took one look at me, those hazel eyes of his briefly tracking over my body before he gave a curt nod and brushed past me.

I could overlook that. Further interaction has proven that is just how Barrett is. Cold and assessing. But, overhearing him question JoAnna, telling her he didn’t think I was a good fit as her assistant was how I found issue with him. He barely looked at me, let alone tried to learn anything about me. How would he know about my qualifications? What an asshole.

The mature adult that I am felt it was only fair to meet him halfway—full contempt.