“Oh, yes. One in New York and one in Miami.”
“Oh, no. It was definitely in Palm Beach.”
“Well, then you’ve come to the right place. But I’m not seeing his name anywhere, which is very strange. You have an appointment?”
“Actually, no. I was hoping to surprise him.”
“And you’re sure he’s with Advert-X? Not another company in the building?”
“I…I…” Olivia begins, panic building in her chest as she absorbs the now undeniable fact that Sean has been lying to her for weeks, possibly even months, that he doesn’t work here, and that he has been getting up early every morning for the past week and a half to shower, shave, and dress before heading off to a job that doesn’t exist. She stumbles back toward the seating area, her heel catching on the area rug, sending her tumbling into a bright orange chair.
The receptionist is instantly on his feet. “Oh my God. Are you all right? Can somebody please get this lady some water?”
A small bottle of water suddenly materializes at Olivia’s lips.
“Take small sips,” the receptionist advises.
“I’m so sorry,” Olivia says, fighting the urge to throw up. “There’s obviously been a misunderstanding….”
“Is there a problem?” a voice asks from somewhere beside her.
Olivia lifts her head, absorbing the young woman now standing before her from the floor up, first the open-toed espadrilles, followed by the bare legs, the hot pink sundress, and finally, the bright red lips and high blond ponytail.
“Exactly the person who can help us,” the receptionist says.
No one can help,Olivia thinks.
“This is Carrie Pierce. She’s with HR. If there’s a Sean Grant anywhere at Advert-X, she’ll find him for you.” The young man returns to his desk.
“Sean Grant?” Carrie Pierce repeats, as Olivia pushes herself to her feet. “You’re looking for Sean Grant?”
“He’s here?” Olivia asks hopefully.
“The name is very familiar.”
“I believe you interviewed him for a position…?”
The young woman’s blue eyes look toward the partially exposed floor above, then back at Olivia. “Yes. That’s right. Now I remember.”
“So, hedoeswork here,” Olivia states.
“No,” Carrie says, apologetically. “He didn’t get the job. No reflection on his ability. He just wasn’t a good fit. I’m sorry. You are…?”
“Not important,” Olivia says. “We obviously got our wires crossed.” She lowers the bottle of water to the table. “Sorry to have bothered you.”
“No problem.”
Olivia walks quickly toward the elevator.
“I hope you find him,” Carrie calls after her.
Oh, I’ll find him,Olivia thinks as she steps inside the elevator.Don’t worry about that.