Question E

[Jonetta]

Ric hired his childhood best friend’s sister Annie Dugan as a receptionist but she sees herself more as an assistant. Her observations about new client Lillian Lavelle we’re remarkably different from his, which turned out to be prophetic. What were your initial impressions of her and did your opinion change any throughout the story?

[Anita]

Annie left a dead-end job looking for something else. She expected to be more of a partner, even though she has no experience. She had a real talent for reading people like Lillian. I was amazed how she grew and got better at it throughout the book.

[Robin]

I agree with Anita. Annie thought she would be Ric's right-hand man in this job...not the receptionist. She knew right away that Lillian was up to something more than what she was professing to Ric.

[Lauren]

I really liked Annie. She's kind, intelligent, and resourceful. She could see past Lillian's physical attributes to the conniving woman beneath.

[Sharon]

I agree with everyone. Annie is an asset, and Ric couldn't see it. He couldn't forget the little girl, and couldn't see the accomplished woman. Lillian knows how to use men. Annie tried to warn Ric, but he only saw the damsel in distress. Men fall for that all the time.

[Jonetta]

Annie was gifted with great instincts and adapted almost immediately in her new role. Her people skills were great, too, and apparently she was a natural athlete. She was a true diamond in the rough. I didn’t know what to make of her in the beginning but it didn’t take long to see her shine. Poor Ric. He had no idea she was miles ahead of him.