In light of everything I'd just considered, it really did seem as if taking the position would be the best thing to do. In fact, it seemed almost foolish not to accept it, even though I wasn’t fully aware of what the position would involve. Asher Sinclair himself had called it a promotion. I didn't know why I'd had such doubts about it before. Maybe I'd just been too flustered after criticizing the man and then having the true identity bomb dropped on me.
“Sincerity is good,” Eddie added. “Now, do you feel like he’s someone you could work with? You aren’t going to want to chuck him from the top of the building after a few days?”
I smiled as I finished off my beer. “Yeah. I think so,” I said slowly. “I think he genuinely believes that I'll be a beneficial addition to his team.”
Eddie smiled and finished his second beer. “Then, take that bull right by the horns, lil' sis! When opportunity comes knockin', you know what you need to do.”
I nodded just as my phone buzzed in my purse. I pulled it out to check my email. As if right on cue, there was a message from Asher Sinclair in my inbox. I opened it and began to read with more than a little nervousness rushing through my veins.
Good evening, Lilah!
Thanks so much for the awesome presentation earlier today. I hope you’ll accept my sincerest apologies for not revealing who I am as soon as we started talking. It's just useful at times for a man in my position to understand what his employees really think about him and his ideas. People tend to be more open and honest with someone other than the boss. I hope you understand.
Anyway, I hope you are seriously considering my offer. I’ve attached a document that gives you a detailed view of what you can expect if you accept it. No rush, of course. As I said, you've got a week to mull it over. I do hope, though, that you don't need that long to make the decision. Feel free to reply when you have made that choice.
Looking forward to hearing from you and working with you!
Kindest regards,
Asher
I opened the attachment and did a quick scan through the job description. It was better than I had expected. I didn't need a week to think about it—I'd made my decision. With my heart in my throat, I typed out a quick reply, proofread it, breathed in deeply, and hit send.
Chapter Three
Asher
For the first time in years, I had to force myself not to stray from my routine. I've learned over the years how important discipline is and how integral to success having a firmly-set routine is. Like everything else I've committed to in life, I've stuck with my routine no matter how I feel when I wake up—and it's paid off for me.
I'm in better shape now at age 32 than I was at 18, and I feel more focused and motivated than I ever have at any point in my life. I generally start my days at 5:00 a.m. with a green smoothie and a bowl of raw organic fruit and vegetables. I then work out in my gym with my personal trainer for an hour. I have a protein shake and a long shower at 6:00, and then I check my email.
Except that a little something—or someone—seemed to have upset my focus somewhat. My first thought when I awoke had been to check my email. I had even reached for my phone once before I got dressed. But I managed to refrain.
It was, however, still in the back of my mind when I opened my messages on the projector screen of my dining room as I settled down to sip on my protein shake. My eyes were immediately drawn to one message in particular, and my finger went straight for the name: Lilah Maxwell.
Good evening, Asher.
Thank you so much for offering me the position on your personal team. I appreciate your promptness in sending the job description. After some careful consideration, I've decided to take the job. I feel there's a lot I can learn from someone like you. I hope, in turn, I'm able to live up to the expectations you have for me. I assure you I'll do everything in my power to do exactly that!
Let me know how to proceed.
Sincerely,
Lilah Maxwell
I drank the last of my protein shake, skimmed over the message one more time, and smiled.
“You've made the right decision, Ms. Maxwell,” I said to myself. “You've definitely made the right decision.”
I dictated a quick reply, which my speech-to-text program converted to type.
Lilah!
So glad you've decided to accept the offer. I suspected you wouldn't actually need that week. I'll email your supervisor regarding the situation and will personally arrange the transfer. Wrap up whatever you need to in your current department; three days should be enough to take care of that. If anything's left unfinished or simply can't be done in that time, no worries. I'll have your supervisor complete it himself, or have your replacement take it over depending on the urgency of the task.
I'll arrange an office for you on my floor. It will be ready shortly. Tell me, would you prefer a city view from your window or an ocean view? I've got vacant offices on both sides, so the choice is yours. You should be moved into your new office by the time I return and we will then have a chat about your new responsibilities and projects. Your primary focus for the time being will be the Harry Winston campaign, of course, which you have fantastic ideas for. We'll get those in motion ASAP.
I look forward to having you on my team!