“All true.” He smiled. “But when I called Brenda and asked for the best auditor she had, your boss didn’t name your co-workers. She named you.” An assessing stare met her stunned gaze. “Do you feel Mrs. Velasquez made an error in judgment?”
Natalie hesitated to answer. Not because she didn’t think she was capable of handling an account as big as Frost Avionics. It would be a challenge, sure, but she’d conquered worse.
Much,muchworse.
See, Nat? Told you it was good news.
The words Hunter would’ve spoken rolled through her like a bittersweet balm; soothing yet heartbreaking, all at the same time. Because Hunter was no longer here to say them.
If he were, though…if he hadn’t died on that damn mountainside…he’d be right. This was good news. Great, even!
Because if she could do this job as well as she’d handled every other one before it—and there was no reason for her to think that she couldn’t—this could potentially lead to an honest-to-goodness promotion.
Senior Audit Specialist Natalie Garrison.
She had to admit, it did have a certain ring to it. So yep. Great news!
For you, yeah. Poor Peter…not so much.
A sliver of guilt left her chest feeling a bit tight. Of course, she’d much rather the friendly father of three still be alive and well. Ofcourseshe would.
But the unfortunate fact of the matter was Peter was dead, and someone had to take over his accounts. If it wasn’t her, it would probably be that smooth talker, Vance.
According to the breakroom gossip she’d tried to ignore, Vance had a wife and toddler at home…and a revolving door of mistresses on the side. While Natalie got along with pretty much everyone in her office, she’d never been one to play into the drama that came with whispered watercooler conversations.
She came to work, did her job, and treated her co-workers all with the same level of professional respect and genuine politeness she felt every human being deserved. Even Vance. But between the rumors and the heebie-jeebies vibe she always got when the auburn-haired Casanova was around, she knew he wasn’t the kind of person she cared to associate herself with.
And she definitely didn’t want to pass up an opportunity like the one that had just dropped into her lap out of some misguided obligation to someone who wouldn’t think twice to snatch it right out of her hands if given the chance.
“No, Sir,” she responded to Mr. Schwartz’s question with a confidence she believed in. “I am absolutely up to the task, and I promise, I won’t let you down.”
“That’s what I was hoping to hear. And I have no doubt you’ll give Frost Avionics the same dedicated effort you’ve shown with your other accounts.” The intimidating man pushed himself to his feet and walked around the edge of his desk. “Stop by Jared’s desk on your way out. He should have a copy of the company’s last two audit reports. Take the rest of the day off, take them home, and read them over. The more familiar you are with their accounts and the manner in which the company’s monies are handled, the better off you’ll be.”
A chance at a promotionandan unexpected day off with pay? Didn’t have to tell her twice.
Natalie stood and accepted his outstretched hand. “I’ll take meticulous notes as I read through them. Anything I think might help the process go more smoothly. For us, as well as the client.”
Mr. Schwartz’s lips lifted in an approving smile. “Excellent.”
The two professionals parted hands as the man in charge motioned for her to go ahead of him. Walking her to the door, he ended their little chat with a parting, “I also had Jared provide you with your point of contact at Frost Avionics. You’ll be working directly with Dennis Atkinson, so when you get to their headquarters in the morning, just ask for him, and they’ll take care of you. Dennis is expecting you at nine sharp, by the way. So make sure you leave home in time to avoid getting stuck in rush hour traffic.”
“Atkinson…” She let the name roll off her tongue as he reached to open the door, her eyes growing wide when she realized why it sounded so familiar. “Wait, isn’t Dennis Atkinson the name of the company’s CFO?”
“That’s him.” The firm’s owner nodded as the two crossed over the marble threshold. “But don’t worry. I’ve known Dennis many years, and he’s truly the most down-to-earth billionaire I’ve ever met. You need anything during your time there, he’ll make sure you have it.”
“Good to know.” They shook hands again. “Thank you, Mr. Schwartz. I really appreciate the opportunity.”
“Well, I’d say good luck, but I know you’re not going to need it. Don’t forget to grab that file on your way out.”
Natalie gave him a parting smile as she promised, “I won’t.” She’d just started toward the desk where the man’s personal assistant was working when she heard…
“Oh, and Natalie?”
“Yes?” She spun on her heels to face him.
“If you come across anything you have questions about, bring them directly to me.”
Her brows dipped low with a slight tilt of her head. “Sir?”