Free Worth the Challenge by Karen Erickson Page A

on edge, made her feel almost guilty for lounging around a hotel room, doing absolutely nothing. But she had no choice—where would she go? She’d spent most of Saturday on the phone, making arrangements for her father. He definitely needed someone to check in on him, make sure he hadn’t set the house on fire or buried himself under a pile of mulch while she was gone.
    She’d ended up on the phone with him over an hour last night. He’d gone on and on, claiming he was worried about her. Was she prepared for this job she’d so rashly taken on? Did she understand what she was getting herself into?
    His worries insulted her, cut her like a knife. That he had no faith in her hurt more than she cared to admit. Not that she would ever tell him.
    He also complained about being alone. That he needed her home as soon as possible. He was old, but he wasn’t an invalid, she knew this. It was his absent-mindedness that worried her so.
    After wasting too much time placating him, reassuring him that yes, indeed, it would all be just fine, he became inconsolable. Raving, insulting the Worths, the fragrance industry in its entirety. His tirade was baffling. Only after she became firm with him did he finally calm down.
    The guilt that still clung to her hours later for taking this job was almost unbearable.
    Turning off the TV she wasn’t watching anyway, she went to the window, staring at the bustling city below. Things were happening. People were doing things, living their lives, having fun, making experiences happen whether good or bad. She, on the other hand, was stuck in a hotel room, watching life pass her by.
    It made her sad. And she definitely didn’t want to feel sorry for herself.
    Her cell phone rang, startling her from her thoughts, and she went to it, saw the unknown number flash on the screen. Picking the phone up, she answered it, fully prepared for a wrong number.
    “Is this Gabriella Durand?” a friendly female voice asked.
    “Yes,” Ella said cautiously. Great, it was a telemarketer call instead.
    “Oh, I’m so glad I got a hold of you! This is Tessa Worth.”
    Ella was stunned silent. Why in the world would the wife of the CEO of Worth Luxury call her on a Sunday afternoon? “Um, hi.”
    Tessa laughed, a pleasant, tinkling sound, and Ella couldn’t help but smile in response. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m calling you on a Sunday afternoon.”
    “The thought did cross my mind.” Literally.
    “Listen, we just got back into the city. I talked to Rhett this morning and he expressed some concerns.”
    Worry gnawed at her. Was he putting up his sister-in-law to fire her?
    Ella frowned. Well, that made absolutely no sense.
    “Concerns about what?” She was almost afraid to hear the answer.
    “Oh, nothing to worry about. Though I must confess, I think it’s rather sweet, how worried he is about you.” Tessa said this as if she were sharing a juicy confidentiality.
    “Is he afraid I’m going to do a terrible job?” Ella couldn’t help it, the question slipped out before she could even think.
    “Of course not. He’s excited to start working with you.” Tessa paused. “You did receive the itinerary yesterday, correct? It was supposed to be delivered by courier to the hotel.”
    “I did, thank you for checking.” This was getting surreal.
    “Sorry. I used to be Alex’s assistant. Sometimes I find myself slipping into that old role.” Her voice became crisp. “I’m prattling on when really I’m wasting time. What are you doing this afternoon?”
    “Nothing much.” She wasn’t sure what the woman was getting at, but figured it was best to be honest.
    “I’d love to get together with you and take you shopping.”
    Ella frowned. “Shopping?” she asked weakly. That sounded like her every nightmare come to life. “I’m not really…equipped to do any shopping at the moment.”
    “If you’re worried about money, don’t be,” Tessa said gently. “I completely understand,