Free The Job (Volume One) by Dawn Robertson Page A

to rest tonight… I finally have nothing in the world to worry about.

The rest of the week flew by in the blink of an eye. Brian lingered in the background of everything I did with my children until Drew picked them all up Friday night. I had no choice but to spend the entire weekend with Brian, at his house. Not that I minded lounging on the beach by any means. Sunday we took a trip to the mall and I got a new outfit for my interview this morning. As I sit in my car in the parking lot of the Joseph Roberts Law Firm, I feel confident that making this job interview will be a simple walk in the park.
    Even though I had confidence, I wasn’t stupid enough to think I would walk through he doors and this job would be mine without any effort and my nerves were certainly getting the best of me. Two reassuring texts from Brian and a text from Drew still prying about my relationship with Brian was enough to put a smile on my face.
    Looking at the clock again, I decide to make my way into the office and meet with Denise, the secretary who will be interviewing me for the position. Looking in the mirror one last time, I realize I am finally starting to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I don’t think it is because of a man, but I finally feel like I am beginning to find my way in the world again. I’ve been so lost since Drew walked out, and just being able to not have to worry about simple things is a big stress relief. The perpetual bags under my eyes are finally going away and the light in my eyes is returning.
    Opening the door of the office, I step one foot in with my black and white striped heels; my favorite of my collection by far. Something about a good pair of shoes will make a woman capable to taking over the world. I am met with a smiling face of an older woman sitting behind a big desk in the lobby. Her hair is fully grey and when she looks up at me, she pushes her glasses back up to the bridge of her nose. Pausing in front of her, I wait for her cue and introduce myself.
    “Hi, I’m Madeline Alexander. I am here for an interview.” Smiling in her direction, I try to not let the older woman know how nervous I really am.
    “Very nice to meet you, Miss Alexander. If you will give me about five minutes to wrap up this e-mail, I will be with you. Mr. Roberts will be running a couple minutes late.” I nod and smile again, before finding my seat across the room. For a Monday morning the office is quiet, but given that this is one of many offices in the county, I am not completely surprised. Thumbing through my phone, I look through Facebook and read a couple articles in the local newspaper to kill time. The main office door opens and closes and a man walks in. With his blond hair perfectly styled from the back, and from the way he is dressed, I can only assume he is Joseph Roberts.
    “Good morning, my lovely Denise. How are you on this fine Monday?” He asks, the voice grabbing my attention even further. Something about it is familiar, but I can’t place him. I know him from somewhere, but being unable to see his face is making it hard for me to place him.
    “Your personal assistant interview is here,” She says and nods in my direction. “Madeline Alexander.”
    As he turns around, I instantly place him. A chill runs through my body and my heart slams against my chest. I am paralyzed with fear because I know him. I don’t want to know him. I don’t want a job working in his office, and right now, I want to stand and run out of this office and never come back. But, I can’t.
    I’ll politely decline the job at the end of the interview. At least that is what I tell myself I am going to do. His eyes watch me, barring into me and sizing me up like an animal staring at his prey. He takes a few steps in my direction with a smile spread across his face. Extending his arm in greeting, he introduces himself.
    “Joseph Roberts, very nice to meet you, Madeline.” He says and I hate the sound of my name coming from