LL

ing hair. The lobby is everything I imagined it would be-sleek, modern, and teeming with an air of author

with Ms. Davenport at 9:30," I sa

at her computer screen. "She's expecting you. Ple

h my reflection in the glass wall beside me, my makeup s

appearance? What if I've blown my one chance? The sound of heels clicking against the marble flo

voice commanding yet friendly.

ving me," I reply

me to follow her through a set of doubl

rary art and a large table surrounded by a handful of people, all looking up expe

es me, her tone firm yet welcoming. "She's here to i

e more intimidating than the last. They introduce themselves, but my attention is pulled toward a familiar face at the end of the table-Orion. I do a double take, shocked and surpr

he says, a hint of warmth breakin

ling my cheeks heat up. My heart ra

om him. I sit down, smoothing my skirt over my legs, feeling the

at her notes. "Can you tell us a little about your

ence, and what attracted me to the firm. As I speak, I can see their interest piquin

n eyebrow, as if challenging me. "And what do you think sets GreenY

ce to apply my data skills to help make a real impact, like improving efficiency and sustainability. Your focus on innovati

nod, his expression

eeling the anticipation in the air. Finally, Ms. Davenport stands, thanking me f

I need to speak to Orion. The memory of our encounter gnaws at me, and I know I

m, stopping him at his tracks in the hallway. Thankfully, the others sta

ing in his eyes. "Of course,

. "I wanted to apologize for this morning. I was stressed

it. "You have nothing to apologize for. I wa

feeling the weight of my words. "It was a chaot

to worry about it. In fact, I found it refreshing. You'r

a beat. "Really

ies, a hint of a smil

enport appears, interrupting us. She ca

n says, offering a reassuring nod

think I did well, but will it be enough to secure the job? My thoughts

le staring at the television my phone buzzes with