Dangerous Love

Chapter Sixteen

When I arrive in front of the publishing house building, I spot one of the last available parking spaces. Lucky, I think. An imposing, two-story brick building rises up in front of me. Looks good, I think. I open the door and go in. Inside, I find myself in a rather elegant foyer with a wooden floor; there are numerous works of art on the walls. Really appealing, I think, but I realize that I'm not here for a book, but for Kate. I continue to a small reception desk behind which sits an older lady with gray hair and colorful glasses. "Good day, my name is Paige Morgan and I'm here to represent Katelyn Wright for an interview." "Who will the interview be with?" she asks kindly. Uh, I shake my head because I don't know. "One moment, Miss Morgan," she says.

 I nod because, to be honest, I have absolutely no idea who the interview is with. Kate didn't tell me anything about it. "Now, Miss Morgan, please go up the stairs and sit on the left. Mr. Henderson will see you soon." I nod shyly and go upstairs. It's really nice here; I can well imagine how pleasant it would be to work in this place. But then I think of him again. I find a black armchair in front of a light wooden door and take out my list of questions, which I read through at least ten times. Suddenly my phone vibrates - a new email from Daniel. From: Mr. Stevens Subject: Dinner Date: August 17, 2017, 8:45 a.m. To: Miss Morgan Miss Morgan, I've heard that you're not in the office today. It seems that you're looking closely at the contract. I'm looking forward to our exciting dinner. 

Daniel Stevens CEO, Stevens International GmbH. As I continue to look through the questions, I ignore the unanswered email. After less than three minutes, the door opens. Miss Wright. I stand up and look up. In front of me is a young-looking man with blond hair, probably in his thirties. "Please, sit down. Thank you." Wait a minute, "Paige," he introduces himself. "Excuse me - how do you know my name?" I ask, surprised. "Please take a seat." He points to a brown leather couch. "I'm sorry, but I don't know you," I answer. With raised eyebrows, he sits down in an armchair in front of me. "On Sunday night in the club, do you remember?" "No, I'm sorry," I say, horrified. "I gave you flowers too." "They are from you?" He nods. "As I said, I'm sorry, I really don't know you." Who are you?" I ask again. "Jack Henderson, one of the publishers." "That surprises me." "Well, Paige," he explains, "I would prefer if you called me Miss Morgan, it makes me a little uncomfortable." "A little unfortunate," he says. "Of course, Miss Morgan." "I am here as a representative for Miss Wright, as she is unfortunately ill." "Oh, I am sorry to hear that." If it is all right with you, I would like to start with the questions now. "With pleasure." "As clumsy as I am, I drop the long list of questions and I can't even react as quickly as he initially hands them to me. "Thank you very much," I say, and he begins to smile. "So, Mr. Henderson, how has a young man like you managed to publish so many books? That depends on my good instincts. That also includes a fine feeling for people. 

I nod. Have you ever written your own book? When I was 15, I started writing a story, but I haven't finished it yet. Oh, and why didn't you continue writing? There was a situation that made it a bit difficult. I nod. How do you deal with new authors who have only modest successes to show? Of course, this is a bit of a challenge for us,but we are doing everything we can to give them support and advice to help their book succeed as well. Miss Morgan, what do you think? he asks curiously. "Please, Ms. Henderson, let's stick to the questions." "Why can't I get your opinion on that?" "I'd prefer if we stuck to the questions," I reply. 

Still, I'd like to hear your perspective on it. Why is this guy so pushy? I'm about to say something when my cell phone rings. "Just pick it up," he says. I nod as I pull it out and see that Mr. Stevens is calling. Oh no, why now? I slowly pick it up. "Miss Morgan, why didn't you respond to my email?" His tone is serious. "Um, I can't right now," I say. Miss Morgan, Mr. Henderson replies. "Paige, where are you?" Daniel asks, and his tone is anything but friendly. "Uh, Kate sent me for an interview. It's going on right now." "Where exactly?" he wants to know. "At a publishing house." Can we please hang up?" I ask, and without saying anything else he hangs up. I feel uncomfortable. "Excuse me." "What did you say, Mr. Henderson?" I ask. Was that your boyfriend? I answered him more or less.