ra'

m was s

he realistic kind-the kind that came after six shots of tequila, a suspicious m

meat straight off the grill, and coworkers who were more like family cheering me on. W

while, I b

e, I was u

the ca

hangover haze like a

wn Nu

e buried in a throw pillow and the taste of bar

d, sounding like

as crisp. Clinical. The kind that said I h

.Ye

igration. We're contacting you re

n the naus

stential, soul-leaving-

.. o

le notices, but we have not received a response or application for renewa

t my head nearl

, no. There must be a mistake! I-I have a job! I j

bmit updated documentation or leave the country. Fa

nded. Just

No "have a

ld, har

my shelf of me holding my first U.S. paycheck like a trophy. I had made

d

as bein

s inside-out, and stumbled into the street. My phone was in one hand, my dignity

swear. Fate. Destiny.

office district, heels clicking uneven

nder

ew b

terrifying, devasta

un

ceberg of the corporate world, was leaning against a lamppost, his dress

the-Ly

htly. "Ciara? Oh, yo

" I whispered, as if utt

ssy, lips parted like he h

Client brought scotch.

a step closer, heels sinking into the sidewa

the night sky. "About firing

comforting and omino

en I s

ing dep

furrowed

card. They're giving me three days before they kick me ou

fused, mildly horrified, a

's when

or slamming

reckless, vodka-fueled

ped.

ed his ey

own a company. You wear suit

you o

ou-" I pointed at him like he was so

ia

rry

le

ets seemed to

slowly. "...What

n. "It's perfect! You need a reliable secretary-check. I need a visa-c

at me, stunned

c I was. "You're all about strategic partnershi

bled. "I don't want to

ugged, "but I'm a

nd down his face. "You want to marry

e times,"

n be very convincing. I'll even make you c

flip right now if you want to!" I attempted to do a

e forced me to just behave

ily if needed just so we can make sure that this whole thing will work. Te

his breath. Then, after an unbearably long

art s

.. was th

my

d I jus