"Elena Peters," I said, approaching her. "It's my first day in accounting."
She glanced up, her professional smile never wavering. I knew it all too well, I wore it often in my own position, since I needed to work the front desk alongside actually being an accountant. "Of course. Please sign in here. Roman will escort you upstairs."
As if summoned, a tall, broad-shouldered, older man appeared beside me. He wore a suit that did little to disguise his muscular build, and his eyes scanned me in a way that made me feel a little too scrutinized. Then again, the security around such a big business would probably need to be on their game.
"Ms. Peters," he said with a curt nod. "Welcome to Donati Enterprises. I'm Roman, head of security. I'll take you to accounting."
I followed him to an elevator that required a keycard to operate. He swiped his and pressed the button for the eighth floor before straightening himself.
"You'll receive your security credentials today," he explained as we ascended. "Certain floors require additional clearance. Accounting has standard access."
I nodded, trying to look appropriately impressed but not intimidated. "Is security a big concern here?"
His expression remained frustratingly unreadable. "We value privacy and protection for all our employees and operations."
The elevator doors opened, and he led me down a hallway lined with glass-walled offices. Most were empty despite the start time, but a few employees typed away at their computers or spoke quietly on phones.
"Here we are," Roman said, stopping at an office where an older woman with gray hair pulled into a tight bun sat organizing papers. "Macey, your new protégé has arrived."
Macey looked up, assessing me over reading glasses perched on her nose. "Elena Peters. Right on time. That's a good start."
Roman nodded to us both. "I'll leave you in Macey's capable hands. Welcome aboard, Ms. Peters."
After he left, Macey gestured to the chair across from her desk. "Sit. We have a lot to cover today."
I took the seat, placing my purse on the floor beside me. "I'm excited to get started."
"Excitement fades. Competence doesn't," she replied, but her eyes held a hint of warmth that softened her words. "Donati Enterprises runs a tight ship. Our accounting department handles sensitive information for multiple business ventures. Discretion is as important as accuracy."
"I understand," I said, meaning it. I'd worked with a little confidential financial information before in my last two jobs, the brief stint after I graduated in a city closer to home, and then the office in my hometown, though likely nothing as sensitive as what I might encounter here.
"Good." Macey handed me a thick folder. "Employee handbook, security protocols, and benefits information. Read it all, sign the forms in the back. Your office will be next door to mine for the first few weeks. I'll be here for your first week, after that, I'm retiring, but I'll be available on call. You have a three month probation period, after that, well, we'll see."
Before I could respond, the office door opened, and a woman stepped in. My heart stuttered as I recognized her immediately from the photos Trent had shown me—Meredith Donati, previously Cassaro. My half-sister.
She was even more striking in person. Dark hair fell in soft waves around her face, and her green eyes, nothing like myblue ones, sparkled as she smiled. We shared our father's high cheekbones and straight nose, but where I was all angles, she had a softness to her features.
"You must be Elena," she said, extending a manicured hand. "I'm Meredith. I help manage the department and handle some of our specialized financial areas."
I shook her hand, hoping mine wasn't clammy. "Nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to working here."
"We're glad to have you. Macey's been threatening retirement for years, so we needed someone who could keep up with her standards." Meredith placed a pink box on Macey's desk. "Brought donuts. First day treat."
"You didn't have to," I said, even as my stomach rumbled. I'd been too nervous to eat breakfast before driving here.
"Tradition," she insisted, opening the box to reveal an assortment of perfectly glazed pastries. "Take one before they disappear."
I selected a simple glazed donut while Macey opted for one with chocolate frosting.
"I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got a meeting in five," Meredith said, checking her watch. "I'm sure we'll see more of each other soon. Macey's a tough teacher, but the best we have."
Macey snorted. "Flattery won't make me stay past my retirement date."
Meredith laughed, a light, musical sound that made me jealous. I certainly didn't sound like that.
"Can't blame me for trying. Nice meeting you, Elena."
After she left, I took a small bite of my donut. "She seems nice."
