The Day We Met

Chapter 1

"We can't keep this a secret any longer."

"No one has found out, and I would like to keep it that way."

"Val, listen to me. I am in love with you, and I am tired of keeping us a secret." His eyes desperately searched mine, trying to make me see it as he does but I knew deep down how wrong it was to be doing this. Danny meant everything to me, and I couldn't give this man up, no matter how hard I've tried.

*** Two years earlier: 

Valentina

As I pulled out the blouse and dress pants, I chose to wear for my job interview this morning, I spoke to my friend on the phone at the same time. "Aren't you excited to have a fresh start?"

"I am, but I feel like I'm a burden staying at my brother's."

"Would you rather have stayed back in Nashville, living closer to the wicked witch of the west?"

Caroline identified my sister, Lia, as the wicked witch of the west. My sister was everything to me at one point. We had a strong relationship, but it all changed once the divorce took place. After we had found out about our mother's secret marriage, my sister and I drifted apart after our father left without saying goodbye. I chose to make the change of moving to Texas, but I had no choice but to stay with my brother. It has been a long time since I have seen Nick, but I had reached my breaking point. It was never a surprise dealing with my temperamental sister, but Nick was my last option.

I hated staying with another family member, but my brother was my only hope for now.

"Just the thought of being 18 and still living with my brother seems... pathetic, I guess. I haven't seen him in 7 years."

"You'll get your own place eventually, it's just temporary."

"Yeah, your right. It's better than being around my sister."

"Agreed. She's a raging bitch, Val. She doesn't deserve to have you in her life. I mean, turning against you after your parents split, what kind of sister is she to do that? Any normal person would stick by their sibling's side."

"That's Lia for you, the only person she cared about was herself."

"Sadly."

"But I have to get going, I don't need to be late."

"Of course, let me know how it goes."

"I will."

I got off the phone with Caroline and grabbed my purse, meeting my brother in the kitchen. "I want to thank you."

"For?"

"Well, after not seeing each for 7 years and..."

"I apologize for that."

"Despite that, I want to thank you for allowing me to stay here."

"Of course, I would do anything for you, Val."

"I really appreciate it."

"If you want to go out to get some drinks later, I am open to do so."

"Definitely. But I should get going."

Nick nodded. "Danny's strict about employees showing up late."

After saying goodbye to him, I got in my car and drove to Esposito & Burnside Advertising. Nervous was an understatement but being a graphic designer was an absolute dream of mine ever since I graduated high school. This was my only chance, and I could not mess anything up.

Once I arrived, I entered the tall glass building and approached a girl sitting at a large desk. "Can I help you?" She asked, her eyes glued to her computer screen.

"Yeah, I am Valentina Martinez and I have an interview with Mr. Esposito at 8:30."

"Ah, yes. Follow me."

"Thank you."

She led me down the long hallway to a large office. "You're the third one within the last two weeks, I hope it works out for you."

"Excuse me?"

The girl shook her head. "Good luck."

I sat on one of the chairs, my heart racing. I had no idea how this would go, but it seems like he is an arrogant employer.

A man entered the office, and I felt my heart drop the moment he opened his mouth. "Ms. Martinez?"

"Yes."

"I am glad to see that you showed up on time."

"Of course, I didn't want to blow a chance of working here."

This man did not belong here, he was far too good looking to not model for a GQ magazine. Looking at the shining gold Rolex on his wrist and his three-piece suit screamed wealth, but any thoughts that I could think of him were snapped the moment I noticed the titanium wedding band on his finger. I was never one to get involved with a man who's married, but there was nothing wrong with just looking.

"I do want to tell you that I am doing Nick a favor, especially at such a late notice. I usually do not even consider hiring someone so soon, but as requested, I am giving you a chance."

"Thank you so much for..."

"However, I have two rules for you."

"Which are?"

"If you are tardy at any time or do not dress nor act according to the work code of conduct, I will have no problem firing you. Are we clear?"

"Crystal."

He nodded. "There is a desk next to Micah Reed for you."

"Thank you so much for giving me a chance."

"Her desk is near the conference room and if you have questions, ask her."

I stood up and exited the office, noticing a brunette sitting at a desk with the name Micah Reed. "Excuse me?"

"Yes?"

"I am Valentina, and I was told to sit next to your desk?"

She smiled. "Yes, I heard Mr. Esposito mention you. Take a seat."

"Hi, you must be the new girl!" A blonde approached me, a smile plastered on her face.

"Umm yes. I am Valentina."

"What kind of name is that?"

"Tatiana!" Micah shot her a glance and scowled. "That is rude!"

"I'm just joking, I promise."

"I sure would hope so, that is not a good start, Tatiana."

Tatiana looked at me and smiled. "Sorry."

"It's fine."

"Isn't he dreamy?"

"Who?"

"Mr. Esposito."

"Tatiana, he's married."

"And? Why should that stop me?"

Micah rolled her eyes. "Don't even bother."

"He's married. You shouldn't even think about it." I noticed a red head approach me. "I'm Katy."

"Nice to meet you as well."

"You should add him! Maybe he'll add you back."

"I don't get myself involved with employees."

"Oh, come on!"

I placed my phone on the desk and shook my head. "I refuse to."