The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(43)

“Was New York always a dream for you?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply simply. “I dreamt of working here since I was a little girl. I never believed it was possible, and it seemed to grow smaller as I got older.”

“Smaller?”

I nod. “For a long time, I was afraid to take that step—make the move. I didn’t want to up and change my life. I was happy at home, and I had all my friends and family around me.”

“I had many of the same conversations with Elsie. You did well, then. You made it.”

“I guess I did.” I smile. “It’s only my first week, and my job is proving to be nothing like I expected. I’ll find my feet eventually.”

“New jobs are like new homes. You’ll soon become part of the furniture.”

“I hope so.” I chuckle. “And I still have to find an apartment here in the city.”

“You don’t have anywhere to live?”

“No, I do. I’m staying at The Four Seasons until something comes up. I came with only a couple days’ notice, and my friends are a little overprotective and want to make sure I’m staying somewhere safe.”

“It’s a big city to be alone in.”

“It is.”

“You’ll do fine here.”

The little bit of faith I lost when that horrible woman tore me down in the street returns. “Ralph.” Reaching down, I pick up one of the bouquets of flowers. “Would you like these?”





13





Lucy





It’s Tuesday, and my day is currently going far better than yesterday. When I arrived at work this morning, I got my head down and tried not to overthink things. The two girls in my office, Jenna and Bella, are much less manic today, and when lunchtime came around, they asked if I wanted anything from the deli down the street.

I took it as a good sign.

The issue, if you can call it an issue, is the two women and one guy situated in the office opposite ours.

Chelsea, Tanner, and Lessy.

They don’t like me. I can feel it. I’m not sure what I’ve done to upset them so much, but they aren’t even pretending to be polite. Which leaves me reluctant to ask them for anything.

I knock on the glass door and step into their office. “Hi. I just need—”

“We can’t help today. It’s too busy.”

I frown and clench my teeth, feeling uncomfortable. “You don’t even know what I need.”

Chelsea rolls her eyes and huffs. “You need your design board signed off, right?” She looks me up and down, and I sharpen my gaze on her. Bitch. “We aren’t here to babysit the designers. Ask Monica.”

“Right.” I turn and walk out of their office, my blood boiling.

I want to be polite, and I won’t snap back. No matter how badly I want to rip her a new one, I have to keep my head and make a good impression in and around the office.

Chelsea can go fuck herself quietly in the insignificant corner I’ve reserved for her in my mind.





At four o’clock, I get a spare few minutes alone and check my phone.

I have a load of messages from Mum, the girls, and some Instagram notifications, which I quickly scroll through.

My stomach clenches tight when I see Elliot’s name.

Those damn inappropriate thoughts.

I laugh and click on the image he’s shared with me. It’s from last night as I walked back to the hotel. The sun is disappearing at my back, and I have a rose pulled to my nose as I look into the camera. I captioned it Outta my head, followed by a red heart.

You’re fucking beautiful, Luce. I hope you had a good first day. Sorry I missed your text I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. Call me next time.

I look over my shoulder as I exit out of the app, then pull up his messages from this morning. I read them when I first woke up but was in too much of a rush to reply.

Elliot: You’re welcome… what about the balls?

I grin and start to type.

Princess: Good evening!! Will you be up later? I should be home by five my time Elliot: I’ll be up

Excitement flits through me, and I suddenly look forward to the last hour at work. I had messages from the girls and Mum, which I should get back to, and I make a mental note to call them all on the way home.

“Lucy.” I spin and pocket my phone. Jenna follows my hand and smiles. “You don’t have to hide that from me, just Monica.”

“Right.” I nod.

“We’re going out on Friday for some drinks. We do it most weeks. Monica wants you to come.”

“Oh.” I should go out with them. It’s important to me to make friends here. “Sure. I’d love to.”

“Just let her know. Someone will let you know where we’re meeting.” She disappears again, and I let the excitement in my gut free as I bounce on the spot.

This is what I wanted to happen when I came here. Yesterday made me doubt my decision more than I cared to admit, but bar Chelsea and her bitch squad, I can handle this.

I can absolutely do this.

The rest of the day flies by, and by four forty, I’m slipping out of the doors of Almendo with a spring in my step. I call Mum and send a message to the group chat to tell the girls I’m all good and will catch up properly soon.