“Yes, sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.” She nodded. “You’ve a lot to think about. This is a big weekend for you.”

“Yes, it is.” I slid out of the backseat and handed the cab driver some twenties. I have to admit I felt slightly guilty that Hannah thought I’d been thinking about the meeting, when I’d really been daydreaming about how Heidi, the German girl I’d met had taught me the true meaning of a red light special.

“You shouldn’t stress out.” She continued. “You’ve prepared as best as you can. Whatever happens, happens. We’ll go into our meeting and you’ll try your best and the chips will fall where they fall.” She continued and I looked at her earnest face in surprise. I was shocked by her little pep talk. Not because I didn’t appreciate it, but because I hadn’t expected it. I would have thought she’d want me to fail to show that I was a bad fit for the position. I never would have believed that she’d be supporting me.

“Thank you, Hannah.” I knew my voice expressed my surprise.

“There’s no need to be shocked you know.” She grinned. “I’m not a cold bitch.”

“I guess I know that now.” I said touched by her words. “Shall we get our rooms?”

“Yes please.” She nodded. “I need to change out of these jeans.”

“Need any help?”

“You wish.”

“I do.” I laughed as we walked into the hotel lobby. The hotel was grand and ornate, with gold trimming around the ceilings. The lobby was grand and we walked across the marble floor slowing towards the front desk.

“Nice.” Hannah looked around with wide eyes. “This lobby is most probably ten times the size of my apartment.” She laughed. “And a hundred times nicer.”

“I’m sure your place is nice.”

“It’s okay.” She laughed. “If you like items that came from Ikea and Target.”

“I love Ikea and Target.” I grinned at her, a part of me hoping for an invite.

“Uh huh.” She responded and I felt slightly disappointed inside.

“Hi, I’m here to check in. Two rooms under Leo Maxwell.” I asked the front desk clerk as I pulled out my American express card.

“Is that black?” Hannah gave me a small smile as I handed my card to the clerk.

“Yes, why?” I frowned at her.

“No reason.” She giggled, shook her head and took out her phone. “I just have a friend that would be excited to know that you have a black Amex.”

“Okay.” I turned away from her slightly confused. What did her friend care if I had a black Amex? Girls were so weird.

“Here you go sir, we have you here for two nights. I’ve got you in adjoining rooms as requested, is that right?”

“Yes, that’s great. Thanks.” I nodded and took the keys. “What time is check out?”

“11am, sir.”

“And if I wanted to book the rooms for another night, when would I have to let you know?”

“The morning of, Sir.”

“Okay, thanks.” I handed a key to Hannah.

“Any other questions, Mr. Maxwell? The concierge can help you get tickets to any show on Broadway and off-Broadway. If you need any recommendations for food, there are several good places within walking distance.”

“Thanks. We’re here on business so that won’t be necessary.”

“Feel free to call down with any questions.”

“Thanks. Ready Hannah?”

“Yes, boss.” She barked at me. “Do I gather from your comments that I won’t be eating dinner tonight?”

“No.” I said slowly. “You gather that you won’t be eating dinner in a restaurant and going to watch Phantom of the Opera afterwards. We’ll order room service and work while we eat.”

“Yippee.” She rolled her eyes and I grabbed her bag. “What are you doing?” She grabbed my arm and stopped me. “I can take that up myself.”

“I know you can, but I thought I’d be nice.”

“You don’t need to be nice to me.” Her warm fingers gripped my arm. “You’re my boss.”

“So bosses can’t be nice?”

“I want to carry my own bag.” She stood there stiffly and I sighed.

“Fine.” I shrugged and let go of it. “Let’s go.” I walked ahead of her and I could hear her doubling up her pace to keep up with my quick strides.

“There’s no need to walk so fast.” She huffed as we reached the elevator. “This isn’t the Olympics.”

“Oh, it’s not?” I said sarcastically.

“No need to take out your stress on me.”

“My stress?” I raised an eyebrow at her, but realized she was right. I was starting to feel anxious inside. This was the biggest moment in my career so far and I’d only just started the job.

“What time do you want me to come to your room to start going over the paperwork?” She asked softly. “I need to have a quick shower and change first.”

“What about in two hours? I guess we can both freshen up and I’ll order some food.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

“Anything you’d like in particular?”

“Surprise me.” She smiled and then paused. “And don’t forget desert.”