One Long Embrace (Eternal Bachelors Club #5)

“Honestly, it doesn’t bother me.” She made sure her voice sounded firm. Clearly, Jay was embarrassed about the state of his car, and she wasn’t going to make him feel any worse.

Moments later she sat in the passenger seat of the pickup truck, while Jay drove south on Montauk Highway. The drive was pleasant despite the Monday morning traffic.

“Where do you want me to drop you off?” he asked, as they got to the border between Montauk and Amagansett.

“Oh, anywhere, where it’s convenient. Where’s the construction site?”

He slowed the vehicle, pulling up on the main street, which was lined with quaint shops. “It’s northeast of here, on Peconic Bay.”

“Here’s fine then. Do you want me to meet you at the house later?” she asked.

“It’s quite far. You won’t be able to walk from here.”

“I can always take a taxi. What’s the address?”

He pulled a little notepad from his pocket and scribbled down an address. “But don’t feel you have to go all the way out there. You can just call me later and I’ll pick you up in town again.” He handed her the piece of paper. “I’ve written down my cell number.”

She bent across the bench and kissed him. “Thanks.”

“I’ll see you later.”

Tara jumped out of the car and watched him drive off.

She headed for the first coffee shop she saw, bought a latte and installed herself at a table in the corner. Jay’s suggestion to apply for a job under a different name had boosted her confidence. It was the solution to her problems. If a prospective employer didn’t know her family name, her parents wouldn’t be able to interfere. She would get a job on her own merits—or not get it, which was a little scary too. What if she wasn’t good enough after all? What if the instructors in her design program had only praised her ideas because her father contributed generously at the university’s fundraisers? What if she had no talent at all?

Trying to shake off the negative thoughts, Tara dug out her iPad from her handbag and switched it on. She had an impressive portfolio of design ideas for everything from fashion to interior and product design, which she’d built up during her studies. If only she could get it in front of the right person, she would land a job.

While the iPad booted up, she pulled out her cell phone and switched it on. A voicemail was waiting for her. She cringed, sipping from her latte. Did her parents never give up? What were they threatening her with now?

She pressed the button to listen to the recording.

“Hey Tara, it’s Paul. Paul Gilbert. Listen, I have a job opportunity for you. Call me as soon as you get this.”

Her heart nearly stopped. A job opportunity? She remembered that Paul had promised to let her know if any of his friends had any open positions she might be suitable for, but truthfully she hadn’t gotten her hopes up. People promised a lot of things, and considering all that had happened in Paul’s life in the last few days, she hadn’t thought that he even remembered that she was looking for a job.

Excited, she found Paul’s number and dialed it. It rang three times.

“Morning, Tara,” Paul answered, cheerfully.

“Hi Paul! I just got your message.” Then she stopped herself, wondering whether she sounded too eager. The least she could do was ask about him and Holly. “How’s everything? Holly and you? Are you guys all right?”

A chuckle came through the line. “Couldn’t be better. We’re in New York.” There was a muffled sound. Was he kissing Holly? “Together. How’s the gossip mill going in the Hamptons?”

“I wouldn’t know. I left your parents’ house right after the party. I haven’t seen or spoken to anybody since then.”

“Wise choice,” Paul said. “Hey, so you’re still looking for a job I take it?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

“Excellent. This friend of mine, he runs Hannon Boats, needs an interior designer for his new yacht line. You know, mega yachts for the ultra-rich. Is that something you’d be interested in? I mean, you said design, right? But I wasn’t sure which direction—”

“I’d love that!” Tara interrupted him. “I’ve got some great design ideas in my portfolio that I could totally adapt for a yacht. Even in their current state, they would fit nicely.”

“Perfect. Why don’t you send me your portfolio and I’ll put your name in the hat and see if I can get you an interview?”

“You’re the best, Paul!” How lucky was this? Finally, she had a chance! She’d show her parents that she could do it on her own.

“Sounds good.”

“Oh wait, one thing,” she stopped him, having almost forgotten the most important thing.

“Yeah?”

“Can you please do me one favor and not mention my name? I want to remain anonymous. Is that okay?”