Whatever You Do Read online

  “I’m sorry, Harper. I don’t know what to say.” She glances around the empty office before meeting my gaze again. “Aiden’s a jerk. You were way too good for him anyway.” I smile, thankful for the standard best-friend line she gives me, even though her expression doesn’t match the conviction in her voice.

  “You don’t have to say anything. Men are assholes. Deep down, I knew this was going to happen. It always ends like this.”

  “Jeez, Harper, cynical much?”

  “I’m not cynical,” I scoff. “It’s not cynical when it’s the truth. Men can’t be trusted. I knew that, and that was why I couldn’t commit to Aiden like he wanted. I’m not ending up in another situation like John.” John was my boyfriend who I had broken up with last year, after thinking he was the love of my life. Turns out he was banging a broad from his gym.

  Brooke nods in understanding and I wonder whether she is remembering the pain and heartbreak I suffered after that betrayal. The pain of my break-up with John made this thing with Aiden look like a sunny walk in the park.

  We sit in a comfortable silence, staring at each other as we take it all in.

  “What’s with the box?” Brooke gestures to the cardboard box I forgot I was clutching on my lap. “Did you stay to collect your things?” She tilts her head inquisitively.

  “Oh, this? No, I got fired this morning and this contains the contents of my desk.” My voice is casual, as if being fired is a minor detail in today’s happenings.

  “What? Harper, I can’t keep up. You need to start from the beginning.”

  So, I do. I tell Brooke everything from waking up this morning, getting fired and practically marched out of Argo, to going to Aiden’s and then walking here.

  She sits there, stunned, staring at me before she finally speaks. “I think you’ve set a new record for what constitutes a bad day.”

  “Right? I have no idea what happened. I know they’ve never liked me, but I always did my job and more.” I don’t tell Brooke their attitude towards me changed when they found out we were good friends.

  “They can’t fire you because they don’t like you.” Brooke raises her voice.

  “I’m sure they made up a plausible reason.”

  “Well, what was it they told you?”

  “Something about not needing to fill my position anymore.”

  “Something about? Weren’t you there?” Brooke says, frustration lining her voice.

  “Yes, I was there. I don’t know; I was so shocked I think I zoned out for a while.”

  “What a load of crap. I’ll get Saxon to have a look over the documentation and see if he can find something not right. Maybe you could take it to the workplace tribunal.” Brooke is determined and I can already see the ideas going around in her head.

  “Sure,” I reply not having as much faith as she does.

  “Do you have any idea what you’re going to do now?” she frowns.

  “I don’t know.” I sigh. “They never started my finance traineeship, and to be honest, I’m not really interested in doing it anymore. I like being a receptionist. I guess I’ll start scouring the newspaper ads.”

  “Or . . .” Brooke starts. “You could finally accept the job I have been offering for the past six months.”

  When Brooke left Argo, she’d begged me to go with her. As much I would’ve loved to, I knew a brand new business did not need two receptionists to pay, and they already had Ruth, Saxon’s PA. I couldn’t put that kind of pressure on them.

  I raise my eyebrows at her, not even having to give the same excuse I have been giving her for the past six months.

  “Now hang on,” she says. “Ruth is nearing retirement, and I know she wants to cut down to two or three days a week but doesn’t want to leave us in the lurch. With Saxon’s investment business growing so steadily, we definitely need the help.”

  “Brooke,” I groan. “I feel bad. I don’t want you to give me a job because we’re friends or because you feel bad for me, if you really don’t need someone.”

  “If you don’t accept the position, I’ll advertise for someone next week.”

  “Really?” She nods. “Well then, hell freaking yeah.” I jump up, my forgotten box dropping to the floor and scattering all my items yet again. I jump up and down, squealing like a kid at Disneyland.

  “Not really how I expected this conversation to go,” Saxon says as he strides back in the office.

  “Harper has finally accepted our offer to come work here,” Brooke explains, smiling as Saxon lifts her from her seat and sits down with her on his lap.

  “Really?” He looks between us, a frown marring his face. “What about Argo?”

  Brooke gives him a look, which I think in couple language means I’ll tell you later. He quirks his eyebrow at her before settling back in the seat and pulling her closer.

  I resume my seat in Saxon’s chair. “Well, that’s one problem solved. Now, to deal with the other one.” I pause. “I think I’m going to try Internet dating.”

  “What?” Brooke screeches as Saxon chuckles. “It’s a bit soon, isn’t it?”

  Brooke stares down at Saxon, and he shrugs before she looks back to me. “I mean, you’re only twenty-six. You have plenty of time to find someone.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You managed to capture and tie down two great catches.” Brooke glances at Saxon again who has a wide, cocky grin on his face. She then looks back to me with an apologetic smile and a shrug.

  She knows I’m right. Not only did she manage to snag Nate in college and spend ten years with him, but she then captured his best friend, too. Seriously, that’s luck.

  Is it luck, though?

  Brooke is pretty special. Not only is she absolutely stunning, with her tanned skin and beautiful long, wavy curls, but she has a golden personality. A heart so full you can’t help but be touched just by being near her.

  No one would ever be stupid enough to cheat on Brooke. To risk losing her. No way. No man is that dumb.

  I wish I knew her secret. What kind of pheromones she was putting off or what magic she was weaving. Or maybe Cupid just really likes Brooke.

  “At least with Internet dating, I can analyse the guy’s profiles before dating them. I can screen them instead of being swept away by their bullshit.”

  Brooke nods, biting her lip. She’s not convinced.

  Sitting here with the two of them, Brooke held tightly in Saxon’s arms, only magnifies the loneliness I’m feeling. I need to get out of here.

  “Well, I better get going.” I slide off the office chair onto the floor to pick up my scattered belongings. “When do you want me to start?” I ask, excitement rolling through me at the thought of embarking on my new job.

  “Why don’t you have the rest of the week off and start fresh on Monday?” Saxon asks.

  “Sounds good to me. Will give me time to get a few things organised.” I don’t tell them I really mean my dating website profile. Judging by their reactions, it may need to be something I keep to myself for a while.

  “Well, I can’t wait to have you working here, Harper. I am so glad you finally agreed. We are going to have so much fun.” Brooke stands and tries to wrap her arms around my box and me.

  “Not too much fun.” Saxon grins at us as he stands from the chair.

  “Shut up.” Brooke hits his arm.

  He grabs Brooke’s wrist and pulls her up against him as he wraps his arms tightly around her waist, holding her close. Brooke doesn’t fight it and stands on her tiptoes to place her arms around his neck.

  “Okay, well, I’ll see you both next week.” I scoot my way around them and head straight out the office door, not waiting for a response. Not that I would’ve gotten one, but I didn’t want to stand around and watch that public display of affection.

  Walking down the hallway, I think about how I have never even been close to having a love equal to what Brooke and Saxon have. I’m sure I have loved wholeheartedly, yet I’ve definitely never received tha
t kind of love in return. I wonder what it would be like. What it would feel like to know you are someone’s world, their first and only priority, and that they would do anything for you.

  Leaning up on Ruth’s front counter top, I frown. “They’re at it again.”

  “Leave them alone.” She chuckles. “It’s so good to see them like that.”

  “Yeah, it is.” I sigh.

  “Just not today, is it?” she says softly, not needing an answer. “Why don’t you come over for dinner this week? You know, I’d love some company, and you haven’t come around for weeks.”

  “That would be perfect.” I smile.

  “Good, then. I’ll see you later, sweetie.”

  “See you then,” I call out over my shoulder as I head towards the exit. The heaviness of today is finally washing over me, and I don’t have it in me to tell Ruth that we’ll be working together again as of next week. I know how excited she is going to be, and I want to wait so I have the energy to share in that excitement with her.

  The thought of Ruth’s reaction has a small sliver of enthusiasm moving through me. Working with Ruth, Brooke, and Saxon again will be fantastic. I couldn’t pick three better people to spend every day with. If you have to work, the best way to do it is with friends.

  Giving Ruth a final wave, I exit the gallery. I take another deep breath of the fresh air and my shoulders sag. I’m way too tired to walk home or catch the bus, and I decide to waste more money I don’t have on a taxi. Although, I do have a new job starting next week. Remembering that, a small smile touches my lips as I wave down a cab.

  As soon as I step in to my one-bedroom apartment, my shoulders relax. It’s not much, with its peeling cream paint on the walls and the shaggy brown carpet from the 80s, but it’s home and has been for the past six years since I moved into the city.

  I dump my now well-travelled cardboard box on the small two-seater dining table on my way to my bedroom. Stripping my black slacks and shirt off as I go, I drop them onto the floor with all the other clothes strewn about.

  Throwing myself onto my unmade bed, I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I need a nap to gain back some of the energy which today’s events stole from me.

  Waking up and rolling over, the room has filled with darkness. I must have slept way longer than the quick nap I had planned.

  Sitting up, I stretch and yawn before sliding off the bed. Feeling around the floor for some jeans and a T-shirt, I throw them on as I make my way to the bathroom.

  Flicking the light on, I wince at my own reflection in the mirror. My short black bob is all over the place, my mascara has run under my eyes, my lipstick is smudged halfway up my cheek, and my face is full of pillow lines. My T-shirt and jeans are all creased and there is dried-up spilt tomato sauce on my shirt.

  I shake my head at what I’m seeing. No wonder men don’t take me seriously. I don’t even take myself seriously. I still live like I did at nineteen—bedroom a mess, fridge full of leftover takeout, DVR recorder full of tacky reality TV.

  Well, I’m not nineteen anymore. I’m twenty-five years old, Goddamn it.

  Storming into the kitchen, I drag the bin to the fridge before ripping the door open. I pull out takeout box after takeout box and discard them into the trash. The containers seem never-ending.

  Once the fridge is finally empty except for a few condiments in the door, I shut it and head towards to my bedroom. I’ll have to make time tomorrow to go to the grocery store. Not that I have to make the time. Well, this week at least.

  Stepping into my bedroom, I shake my head at the mess. I scoop up all the clothes into my arms before dumping them into the clothesbasket in the wardrobe. I can’t tell what’s clean and what’s dirty, and it’s probably best if I wash it all.

  When the floor has been cleared, I throw my quilt over the mattress and set the pillows neatly against the headboard. Sitting on the bed, I grab my laptop off the bedside table and wait for it to load.

  A sense of calm moves through me. I am taking control, becoming an independent woman, and going to get exactly what I want. I’m no longer sitting around waiting for love to knock on my door. I’m making this happen.

  A huge grin lines my lips as I type www.findtheone.com.

  The rest of the week flies by as I spend my days attached to my laptop, sending pokes, winks, and waves, and answering questions, some genuine, some quite forward. I received a few inappropriate photos and requests for money so I had to make a few reports, but other than that, it’s been . . . interesting.

  When I said to Brooke it’d be great to be able to screen the men, I didn’t realise how much shit I would be sifting through. I shudder to even remember some of the offers that have been made to me this week.

  I spent five hours the first night filling out all the various questions—well, I shouldn’t say various, as all the questions seemed to be the same, just worded in different ways. What is the worst trait your partner could have? What is the trait you least like in a partner? What trait turns you off? I mean, how many ways can you ask the same question? But since finally completing all the boring sign-up work, I haven’t spent much time away from the website.

  I’ve managed to make some time to fill the cupboards and fridge with healthy foods, wash all my clothes and bedding, clean the apartment from top to bottom, and even purchase a few new outfits for my soon-to-be dating future.

  Walking into the gallery for my first day of work, I’m floating on a cloud. I have met some guys with great potential this week and have been chatting seriously with a few.

  “Well, don’t you look much better than when I saw you last week.” Ruth is already at work sitting behind the reception desk, and my smile turns soft.

  “I’m sorry about last week.” I head around the desk to give her a hug, not wanting to rehash last week’s depressing events.

  “It’s okay, darling. How are you feeling?”

  I nod as I pull out of our embrace and beam at her. “It’s fine. I’m totally over it.”

  “Mm-hmm.” She nods. “Any-who, Brooke and Saxon are in the office. Head on through and tell them to buzz me if they want me to start your tutelage straight away.”

  “Thanks, Ruth.” I make my way down the back hallway.

  Entering their office, I see Saxon and Brooke standing by Brooke’s desk. Saxon holds Brooke tightly as he bends to kiss her passionately. Brooke’s hands run through his hair as he takes her mouth. I roll my eyes. God, I hope it’s not going to be like this all day, every day. Rawr, put away the claws, Harper. Jealous much?

  I soon realise I haven’t made myself known as Saxon swiftly lifts Brooke up against him before placing her on her desk. He moves between her legs, taking her mouth once more before I subtly but loudly clear my throat. Well, my intention was to subtly clear my throat, but instead I have a coughing fit.

  Saxon and Brooke turn towards the door, their faces not at all shocked by my presence. Both are flustered, their faces flush, their breaths laboured. I wonder how many times poor Ruth has walked in on such activities.

  “I’m not sure I’m that thrilled about you coming to work here,” Saxon says, narrowing his eyes at me.

  “Saxon,” Brooke scolds as she pushes him away and hops off the table.

  I swing the door closed and look down at the knob. “Oh, there is a lock on this door. Funny that.” I turn to glare at Saxon.

  He throws his head back as he laughs loudly. “Actually,” he says, trying to settle his laughter, “I’m going to have so much fun with you around.” Saxon did always enjoy giving me a hard time.

  “Awesome,” I mumble.

  Saxon leans down and gives Brooke a kiss on her cheek. “I better head out to meet Henry or I’m going to be late.”

  The way Brooke looks up at him in awe and wonder would be sickening if I wasn’t totally green with envy, wanting that same kind of love for myself.

  Well, who knows? Maybe I can find it tonight with . . . shit, what was his name? Jeff, John, James . .
. Carl. That’s it. Carl. There have been so many pokes, picture requests, and emails going back and forth, it’s hard to keep up.

  Saxon squeezes my shoulder as he passes, bringing my attention back to the now.

  “Sorry, hon,” Brooke says. “We were just saying goodbye.”

  “You always say goodbye like that?” I snort.

  “Yes,” she answers seriously, her face scrunched in confusion.

  Awesome. Green, green, green. If I were any more green, I’d be the Hulk.

  “Well, shall we get started?” Brooke shakes her head as if clearing her thoughts and gives me a small nod.

  “Yes, of course. We’ll get you settled in and then we’ll go out for lunch to celebrate. Saxon will be out of the office most the day.”

  Brooke shows me to my office, which is directly next to theirs. I’ll be in here on the three days Ruth is at reception, and I’ll be doing a mixture of work for the gallery and also for the investment and finance accounts Saxon has.

  I’ve spent the majority of the morning behind the front desk with Ruth showing me the ropes. Seeing as all of us have come from Argo, most of the procedures are the same, and there’s not a lot of new stuff to learn in regards to the reception part of the job. I guess I’ll learn more about the art gallery as time progresses and hopefully have it all under wraps before the opening in a few weeks.

  Ruth is showing me the last of the filing as Brooke steps out of the hallway. “Ready, ladies? I made us a reservation.”

  “Oh, yes, I’m starving.” I jump up from my seat and Ruth chuckles as she stands to follow.

  Brooke has picked a restaurant close enough for us to walk. I love downtown and am so glad to still be working in the vicinity. There is something magical about the city. Such a mixture of atmosphere, full with its high-rise buildings, small apartment blocks, restaurants, coffee shops, and even small clothing boutiques. It caters to everyone, from high-cost penthouse apartments as well as low-budget studio rentals.

  We pass my favourite Italian coffee shop and I realise it’s one thing I’ll miss about Argo—my daily lunch delivery from Emilio’s. I smile, remembering I’ve planned my first coffee date there tonight.