hone screen bathing my sma

mpressed with your interview. We'd like to offer you the

it. After months of grueling applications, endless rejection emails, and moments of se

e as my hands tremble slight

s opportunity! I accept a

nd the apartment, eager to share the news, but Julia isn't back yet from her evening shift. My f

does a flicker of anxiety. It's the kind of nervous anticipation that

deciding that a walk might help me clear my head. The crisp evening air greets me as I step out

glow of fireflies. I take a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs. The toweri

ervous?" I mut

tirelessly for. Still, change, even the

reheating leftover pizza. Her dark hair is tied bac

ugh the door, my exci

rinning at my expression. "Whoa,

tically yell, waving my

ing me into a tight hug. "Oh my god, Callie

ulia's excitement mirrors my own, and it feels good to have someone who truly believes in me. I want to tell her abou

irmly, handing me a slice of p

d nerves, and by the time I craw

-

trying not to fidget. I am wearing the blouse, skirt and shoes Orion bought for me yesterday; I feel weird and indebted to him somehow. The re

and poised demeanour are as intimidating as ever, but there's a hint of w

my voice steady despite the

ppointment letter is ready, but you'll need to collect it from Mr. Orion's office

ion. T

wed me for the job but he is my boss also? Fate must be playing a cruel joke

dn't expected to meet the man at th

age to say, my smi

top floor. The elevator ride feels longer than it should, th

malist and pristine, from the glass walls to the artful arrangement of furnitur

ay tentatively,

down my body. I think I see him smile but it is only

ight hair is slicked back. His piercing blue ey

e deep and warm. "Welcome to the team.

steadier than I feel. Sweat breaks

and I do so, trying not t

, sitting across from me. "Impressive

eling the heat rise to my ch

across the desk toward me

g, lean fingers. His nails are trimmed short and they are clean. He wears a gold

back in his chair, studying me. "So, Callio

ways admired your work and the values this co

ly. "You're very articu

e tilts his head,

you s

. My brain scrambles for a response, unsure

," I say

d there's a glint of

htly. "I'd like to have you

ps a beat. I

the request, the intercom b

t appointment is her

h. "Unfortunately, duty calls.

before leaving his office. As the

t just