Billionaire's Masquerade - Book cover

Billionaire's Masquerade

C. Qualls

Chapter 2

CARLY

I was right about Phillip; he was canned for leaving before being excused. Ronald and Grace are shocked, but I have no idea why. It was obvious in Catharine’s group chat yesterday.

They both rush off to get everything ready for the morning meeting, leaving me with a ton of paperwork.

After lunch, Grace is upset because Matt turned her down. “He was in the break room getting coffee, but he didn’t even acknowledge that I was there. I wonder if he likes blondes.” She gives me a pointed look.

I’m doing a happy dance in my mind but remain neutral and stay focused on my work. She then gets reprimanded for serving Mr. Gilman cold coffee. I hide my smile behind my monitor.

Catharine sends me a chat message saying that she needs to see me in her office. I stop what I’m doing and immediately answer her summons.

“Carly, Mr. Gilman requests that you prepare all of his meetings for the time being. You may have assistance for conference room five, but the rest you are to prepare alone.

“His standards were not met this morning, and he’s in a mood because of it. He has a late meeting scheduled today at four. After the room is ready, fill out your form, then you may leave.”

She hands me a list. I thank her, then begin printing up the documents required.

I check the time and get busy. I only have thirty minutes, but it’s enough time for what is listed. I get the room prepared, then move up to the break room for the required refreshments.

“How’s it going?”

Matt startles me and I jump with “Oh, shit” slipping out of my mouth.

He chuckles and walks to the refrigerator for a water bottle. “That good, huh.”

I gain an ounce of self-control. “Everything is fine, thank you. I’m responsible for preparing the meeting rooms from now on, so I guess that’s a good thing.”

I grab a few water bottles, taking the last four. I move to the cupboard and grab a few more to restock the water.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask while filling the small fridge.

He gives me a nod.

“The other intern, Grace…she said you ignored her this morning, but that doesn’t sound like you. I mean, I just met you so I don’t know you very well, but you’re a nice guy… I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”

He cuts me off. “I’m not a fan of desperation. She was more concerned with flirting than doing her job. That annoys me.”

I nod, then fish out a few snacks that are on the list.

“So, what do you do here, Matt? Do you work for Mr. Gilman?” I ask, making small talk.

He gives me a subtle smirk. “Don’t we all?”

I return all of the packages. “I guess so. I need to get running. It’s good to see you again, Matt.”

He holds the door open for me. “Likewise. See you later, Carly.” He presses the Down button on the elevator, then goes through the double doors.

I wonder if he works directly for Mr. Gilman. I organize a tray so everything looks neat in the center of the room, then hold the door open for Matt and two other gentlemen. One of the men is older and I remember seeing him yesterday. I’m guessing that’s Mr. Gilman.

I close the door, then get to my desk to fill out the form. Grace and Ronald have already left for the day. I really like my job, especially the quick chats with Matt.

I get home and make a quick dinner before Taylor gets home from work. I let the sauce simmer while I shower and change.

Taylor is massaging her feet with a rom-com ready to go. I hand her a plate of spaghetti, and we enjoy the rest of the evening. The rest of the week goes quickly, and I chat with Matt a few times.

***

It’s Monday morning, and the office is buzzing with an announcement for a charity event. Two-hundred-fifty-dollar entrance fee per person for a masquerade at Mr. Gilman’s home.

That sounds so amazing, but way out of my pay grade. I pin the email then get up to the twenty-fourth floor to set up for a meeting.

Matt is waiting for his coffee when I get to the break room. “Did you see the email about the masquerade?” he asks as he leans against the counter.

“I did. Does Mr. Gilman normally throw masquerades?”

He shakes his head. “He does something twice a year. There’s the midsummer party, then another event during the holidays.”

“It looks like fun, but I’m not able to go. It’s a little too expensive for an intern. I’ll have to save up so I can go to the holiday party…that is, if I’m still working here.” I busy myself with the breakfast pastries for the meeting.

He runs his fingers through his soft brown hair. “That’s disappointing. I was hoping to see you there. It’s not for another two weeks—can you get the funds by then?”

I shake my head. “No, there’s no way. My mom is a nurse and it’s just the two of us. She’s already paying for my tuition. My savings went out the window when I bought a car to get to and from work.”

He grabs his cup and I take over the Keurig. I check the time, then change my mind. I need to wait. “I’ll be back up later for Mr. Gilman’s coffee.”

He takes the pod from me. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get it for him. He really needs to lay off the coffee anyway. He told me so this morning.”

I bite my lip. I will get in trouble if I screw up.

“I promise. I’ve got the coffee situation down. You can trust me, Carly.” He gives me a wink.

I nod and grab the tray to place on the cart. “Thank you, Matt. I guess I’ll see you down there.”

He smiles and opens the door for me. He presses the elevator button and waits with me for the car. “Yeah. I’ll be down there.”

The doors open and he helps me in before disappearing when the doors close. I get the room ready and hold the door as everyone piles into the room. He gives me a smirk and a thank-you before I close the door and get back to my desk.

Grace goes nuts talking on and on about the masquerade. I ignore her and focus on my work. Ronald sends me a chat message.

RonaldAre you going to the Masquerade?
CarlyUnfortunately no.
RonaldThat’s too bad. I was going to see if you would be my date. Some other time.

I look up at Ronald. He’s handsome, with hair so dark it’s almost black. He has a bit of stubble and hazel eyes. He’s attractive and usually quiet. We’ve never really had a conversation between just the two of us.

CarlyMaybe.

Grace shows me a few gowns she’s found online, asking for my opinion.

“Are you going to match a mask to the gown?”

“Of course. Oh, I think I have a winner. Look at this one.”

She sends me the link. It’s beautiful. It looks like the Black Swan from Swan ~Lake~. The mask has feathers to match the ones in the gown.

“That one would go perfectly with your hair,” I tell her.

I’m not really into looking at gowns for her, but the fantasy wins over my curiosity. I look through a few gowns, then reality sets in and I close out the site and get back to work.

Ronald joins me with a tray in the cafeteria. “Do you mind if I join you?”

I move my bag. “No, not at all. So, how do you like it here so far?”

He shrugs then takes a large bite of his food. He chews twice then holds it in his cheek while he speaks. “It’s not too bad so far. What about you?”

I internally cringe as he sloppily eats. I cover my mouth before I swallow, then answer him. “I like it. It’s pretty straightforward. Everyone I’ve met so far seems nice.”

He’s a sloppy eater, but otherwise he seems like a nice enough guy. Grace joins us and begins talking about her gown for the masquerade. Although I’m happy for the fun they get to have, deep down, I’m envious.

I hit the bathroom before returning to my duties. I stop short when I see a black envelope perfectly centered and waiting for me on my desk. I knit my brows and look it over as I take my seat.

Inside is an official invitation to get into the masquerade and a gift card for a really nice department store, one that is associated with Gilman International.

My mouth drops open, and I look around to see where these could have come from. Other people have black envelopes on their desks or in their bags as well.

“Oh good. You got your ticket,” Catharine comments as she piles manila folders into our baskets.

Grace has hers as well. Ronald doesn’t have his. I wonder if they got the wrong desk.

“This isn’t mine.”

Catharine picks up the envelope. “Sure it is. Your name is written on the front.”

I retrieve it from her and turn it over. Sure enough, my name is written in elegant gold script. How can that be? What is going on? I didn’t pay the entrance fee.

Catharine leaves us to get to our duties. I put the envelope in my bag and focus on work.

***

Taylor is excited about the masquerade. She checks the balance on the gift card while I cook up some carne asada for burritos.

“Holy shit!”

I rush out of the galley kitchen, spoon in hand. “What? What is it?”

She turns her phone around and I drop the spoon. “Five hundred dollars. Holy shit!”

I plop on the couch beside her, and we both look at each other, still in shock from the amount on the card.

She regains her senses first and starts skimming through the ball gowns. She smacks my leg. “Don’t burn the meat.”

“Oh, shit.” I rush back to the kitchen just in time to turn off the burner. “Get in here and eat. Then we can pick out a gown together.”

Taylor joins me at the table with a plate of food. “Of course, I’ll do your hair and makeup. I’m going to make you look like a fairy tale princess. Even I won’t be able to recognize you.”

We both laugh, then rush to finish dinner so we can find the perfect dress.

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