lock went better than L

the entire city. Lita sat across from him, her updated resume on his desk, while

a problem with limited resources, he s

uestion. This didn't sound like the m

ved solving problems with limited resources. She chose one, kept it

s office an hour later,

client relations, help manage communications, and learn the business from the inside. It's not a huge ju

n't just a promotion; it was a lifeline. The raise would f

er, she was living i

is keys to the valet as they stepped out of his Merced

business attire." She'd protested, feeling it was too expensive and she didn't dese

imagined entering. Crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, prices on

ed as they walked in

eally ear

ty in luxury cars, wrapped in clothes that cost more than her old rent. The transition was dizzying, too

d her opinion, and trusted her instincts. And he was teaching her about

Hartwell executives laugh, playing the role Marcus needed her to play. Whe

city lights. Did you see Henderson's face when you s

if I was ove

omething warm in his expression. You have good instincts, Lita.

n working toward: recognition, respect, a place w

y. For the opportunity. Fo

oftened. There's something about you. The way you move through cha

the city pass by, saw the old neighborhood in the distance, fel

been purely happ

s face keep appear

ay Marcus sometimes looked at her like she was something precious he'd discovered. She'd

say. Knew he would see dang

et, Marcus

thi

ou

s all is. How fast ev

but a universe away from the tenement where she'd grown u

actly what we need. What we deserve. He paused, the

ade Lita's heart beat faster. Not fear, exactly. A

she said, reaching

ly. Same time tomorrow? The B

be

d, and waited until she was

lk to Damian. Needed to share this confusion, this excitement, this vague sen

led out her phon

t Damian would hear every detail and see manipulation instead of m

examine too closely, didn't want Damian's

hone away and