Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Oh man, she’s really putting the screws to me.
“I don’t know,” I begin, but we both know my resistance is waning. Heck, it was weak to begin with.
“Thirty thousand,” she states. “That’s my final offer. Just say yes, Jemima. Where are you staying? I’ll get an expense account set up for you so that you can order room service and spa services to your heart’s content. I’m happy to provide a daily stipend as well, so you’ll be able to go shopping. You know there are many high-end designer boutiques in New York.”
I nod, squinting a bit.
“Yes, but this is crazy. You’re doing this because of one man?”
Melissa merely shrugs.
“You don’t understand how rich and influential that one man is. Mr. Cathcart is a valued client, and it’s my responsibility to provide what he needs.”
My brain is battling with my heart, but I can feel myself wavering. After all, thirty thousand is more than what I make in a year back home, and if things don’t work out, I could surely find myself a new job, right?
“Okay,” I finally say, my heart pounding. “I’ll do it. But when is the date? Where is it going to be? What am I supposed to wear?”
A million other questions race through my mind, but Melissa stops me.
“I’ll forward you the details, Jemima,” she says in a smooth tone. “In fact, I’ll take care of everything. Your outfit will be sent to your room shortly, and I’ll text the location of the rendezvous once we have it confirmed. All you have to do is show up.”
“It’s that easy?”
“It’s that easy,” she states. “Goodbye, Jemima. In the meantime, enjoy your stay in Manhattan.”
Then, the older woman hangs up before I have a chance to ask her anything more, and I sit there for a moment in utter shock. I tumble back onto the mattress, clutching the cell to my chest. Holy cow, is this really happening? Am I going to meet the Minotaur for real this time? What could he possibly want?
I check the time. It’s mid-afternoon back home, and with trembling fingers, I dial Corrie’s number immediately.
“Hey, shouldn’t you be heading to the airport?” she asks, picking up on the first ring.
I giggle. “No, because Sanctum wants me to stay a little while longer. You know the bull I told you about last night? Well, evidently, he’s requested me and we’re going out on a date.”
Instead of sounding excited, Corrie sounds careful.
“You didn’t even see his face though.”
I laugh. “I know, but I saw the rest of him, and trust me, he was hot, Cor. Even if he’s an ogre face-wise, I can live with it seeing how he’s a perfect specimen of man below the neck.”
But Corrie’s still worried.
“Yeah, but don’t you have to be back at work? I thought you already used up your vacation.”
I bite my lip.
“I know, but I’ll request more, and hopefully, they’ll understand. I mean, there are tons of people on staff, and I’m not the only clerk at CBD Plus. They can find someone else.”
Corrie nods.
“I’m happy for you, but just be safe, okay? NYC is the big bad city, and you already know what happened to me there.”
I nod.
“I know. I’ll be back soon enough, and then we should have a girls’ night so I can tell you everything. I just know it’s going to be so dirty.”
My friend giggles and relents then.
“Okay, because I’m counting on it. Good luck, Jem, and be safe, okay? Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
We’re both chuckling as we hang up, and I clutch the phone to my chest once again. Holy cow, the Minotaur wants to see me again! I can’t believe this is happening.
But then, I decide to make the most of my time. After all, the date could be late tonight, and I might have to ship out tomorrow. As a result, I get up and slip into sneakers and grab a jacket because there are a lot of things I’d like to see in New York City. Who knows when I’ll get the chance to come back?
Just as I’m strolling through the lobby, the concierge stops me and presses a heavy black metal card into my hand.
“Miss Kay, right?” he asks.
“Yes, but what is this?” I ask, frowning while weighing the cold metal in my hand.
“It’s an expense card,” he says in a courteous tone. “Miss Watson instructed me to provide one for you, and there is no limit. Please, enjoy yourself in our city.”
I’m stunned while staring at the small rectangle, its glossy surface reflecting my astonished expression.
“Thank you,” I say in a slow tone before slipping it into my purse. “I appreciate it.” Then, I step out onto the streets of New York, but my head is spinning and I don’t notice any of the hubbub surrounding me. After all, I’ve just gotten my first indication that I’m in over my head, and yet I’m not afraid. Indescribable adventures await, and it’s time to see what this city is made of.