Cursed Read Free Page B

he has ever spoken to a client! I’m sure he will take you.”
    “Was there doubt?”
    “Mr. Brown is what we call a ‘picky landlord’. We could bring in the most qualified tenant and sometimes he is a little irrational. He has a little more leeway since he lives in the building.”
    “Oh?”
    “He has already turned down many good prospective tenants since the art dealer moved out.” She saw the furrowed brow on the otherwise wrinkle free face. “Don’t worry dear . . . I have applications right here.” She dug into her bag again and smiled warmly. “Let’s see how your credit application comes back and I will call you.”
     

 
     
     
    Sarah
     
     
     

Chapter 2
     
    “Is this the last one?” Ben Carter asked as he stepped into the apartment holding a cardboard box marked ‘Living Room’ in black marker.
    “Yes. Thanks Dad.”
    “I see you and your mother took a tea break.” He teased as he walked by the two women, setting the box down in the corner of the living room. Sarah, and her mother Joanna, were sitting at the breakfast bar sipping Chai latte from one cup coffee maker and marveling at the luck of landing such a beautifully furnished apartment.
    They had driven up from Connecticut that morning; Sarah in her small Jetta and the Carters in their Highlander. Both cars had been jam-packed with suitcases, boxes, bags and the few odd items. Since her new apartment wasn’t far from Muddy River Publishing on Boylston Street, the plan was for her mother to drive the Jetta back to Connecticut. The Carters were staying at the Westin in Copley Square that night, a short distance away, while Sarah would be staying in her new apartment. Most of the unpacking was planned for Sunday. Luckily with her minimal amount of possessions she would be done quickly and ready for her first day at work on Monday.
    Both women were startled by a loud clap and they turned to see Ben with a tired smile and cheeks red from the cold. “I’m done and I’m hungry. Let’s get something to eat.”
    Sarah hopped down from the stool and gave her father a hug, her long blond ponytail swishing across the back of her UConn sweatshirt, “Thanks Dad, for all your help.”
    “No problem sweetie. Just get a place with an elevator next time!”
    She leaned back to look in his face and teased. "Don't you like it Dad?"
    "We both love it, Sarah!" Joanna jumped in, playfully pushing her husband's arm as he picked up their jackets to leave. She turned to her daughter while pulling on her coat and with a loving smile added, "I have a good feeling about this place. I think you are going to be very happy here."
     
    
     
    Monday arrived as an unseasonably cold day with gray skies. Sarah felt like she had barely slept and was still getting her new routine down but regardless still arrived early at Muddy River Publishing for her first day. The inaugural meeting was with Henry to discuss her initial assignment.
    The young receptionist had spiky auburn hair and a splattering of freckles – she greeted her with a wide and welcoming smile.
    “Hi! You must be the new girl, Sarah right? Welcome!” She handed Sarah a white plastic security badge. “I’m Kerry Reynolds. I’ll show you where your desk is.”
    The office was bustling even at this early hour and there were a lot of smiles and nods as she passed by her new co-workers. The tone was very different from the New York office she had worked in – although the energy was still present, it had a different quality. It was obviously a busy and overflowing office from the rows of file cabinets and stacks of cardboard storage boxes. Even the conference rooms had stacks of boxes in the corners and on the tables.
    “Here you go, Sarah.” Kerry surveyed the desk, “Let me know if you need anything. Tracy from HR will stop by when she gets in.” The receptionist leaned in and whispered, “She’s always late.”
    Sarah smiled in reply and set her cardboard box down on her new desk.