Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) by C. Michelle Read Free Book Online

take off. Although it’s early in the evening, the sky is already a midnight blue. I observe that Josh’s eyes are mesmeric even in the dark as we drive by the city’s lights.
    Neither one of us is hungry so we proceed to our destination. He doesn’t tell me the location or purpose of our non-date. He junctions on Interstate 80 East, it’s quite a drive. We engage in small talk. He insists I provide him with details of my job and not just tell him that I’m a paper pusher. He listens intently as he merges onto Highway 99 North.
    “During my third year at UC Berkeley, I began working for local government. I worked in the Human Resources department as the assistant to the HR Director. She advised me to apply to all the job postings that I qualified for. I did as I was instructed. Now, I work for a division within the D.A.’s office as a victim advocate. Initially, I worked in claims and dealt with victims who had accrued financial burdens due to crimes committed upon them. Reimbursements for counseling, medical, and moving expenses are some causes for restitution to be established. My responsibilities now consist of being the liaison between sexual offense victims and criminal court while moderating the effects of rehashing the trauma.”
    I pause. Why do I feel awkward talking about my job? I push the discomfort aside and continue.
    “I feel it’s imperative that criminals committing these wrongdoings pay on all accounts. I handle my job to my best ability to ensure defendants are held monetarily accountable and completely responsible for their inhumane actions. It’s the least I can do.” I hesitate again and use that moment to observe Josh. I have most of his attention; his other focus is the road ahead of him. I continue. “Initially, it wasn’t my ideal job, but grew to respect my work. This job can be emotionally and mentally draining at times. After I earned my Master’s degree, I became a pin-up model to maintain balance in my life. It’s a fun, sexy, and exuberant distraction from my overwhelming day job. I enjoy both careers but obtain a different satisfaction at the end of a work day.” I feel myself relaxing the more I open up to him. Weird.
    “What do you mean, it’s the least you can do?” He questions with a crease on his forehead. He’s serious; the intensity in his features only makes him look more appealing. Wow. I didn’t think that was possible.
    I ignore his intrusive question. I definitely won’t be touching that subject. “I just finished rambling. It’s your turn to tell me about your tree hugging tendencies and your company.”
    Josh shows reluctance for a moment. “Fine. E-Con Solutions originated from a small construction company my mother’s boyfriend, John owned. They dated for almost fifteen years. My mother refused to marry despite being in love with him. Since middle school, I used to accompany him on job sites and was sometimes put to work. John was a real craftsman and taught me everything I know.” He stops to look at me; I notice a glimpse of sadness behind his entrancing hazel eyes. “In my early twenties, he passed away and left me his company along with several investments. He didn’t have kids of his own and considered me family. He also insured my mother was well taken care of. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at San Francisco State and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management through an online university. Upon completion of my degrees, I began making several changes to the business. One of the first changes I made was use eco building materials; they’re non-toxic and come from renewable resources. They’re beneficial because they have very minimal impact on the environment or help in conserving energy. I’m very proud of how rapidly my perseverance, hard work, and sweat turned this conventional construction firm into a successful eco-friendly one. I care about our environment and its future.” He shrugs his shoulders.