Terrance sat down across from me and threaded his fingers together on the table’s surface.
“I’m not going to lie,” he started, “when Alex called me to make a recommendation, I was very surprised.”
“Why’s that?”
“He’s my son, but that doesn’t mean he’s my best employee. I’m glad he’s starting to take his job a little more seriously by making credible references.” Terrance pulled open the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a stack of paperwork. He handed them to me. “Feel free to look over these. It’s a comprehensive job description, and it details your starting salary. You can take your time to look them over.”
The starting salary figure jumped out at me from the page. I struggled not to gawk like an idiot. I’d be able to pay off my student loans in no time. A buzz of excitement filled me to the core, a wonderful warmth nestling at the back of my neck. Things were finally working out, I just couldn’t believe it.
“Now,” continued Terrance, “I’ll have one of the paralegals show you to what will be your office, if you choose to accept the terms of your position, and–”
“I get an office?” I asked, incredulous.
“Of course,” he chuckled. “It’s the least we can do for a lawyer with your credentials.”
My heart was singing. I should have applied to work at this firm first. I might have been able to save myself the hassle.
As promised, a very kind paralegal named Sarah showed me around and continued to give me a comprehensive tour. She showed me the office, which was bright and professionally decorated.
“You like it?” she asked me.
“It’s beautiful in here.”
“If you sign on with the firm, they’ll even paint your name on your door.”
I stifled a girlish squeal. My very own office with my very own door with my very own name. I could barely contain my excitement. None of this would have happened if it hadn’t been for Alex.
Alex.
I was counting my lucky stars when it came to him. Alex practically swooped in to save me. I never wanted to be that woman, the kind that needed a man’s help. But there was no denying that things started looking up for me when he entered the picture. And it was a mighty fine looking picture. In my desperate hour, Alex had me feeling confident and strong. He made me feel like he would have my back, no matter what happened to come my way.
As if on cue, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text message from Alex.
[Alex] Can’t wait for you to come home, baby.
I was exhilarated, a bubbly little giggle rising from my chest. My fingers flew over the screen immediately, like they had a mind of their own.
[Tia] Any fun plans in mind?
[Alex] Just making you cum over and over again. Does that count?
I bit my bottom lip and took in a deep breath through my nose. I was already a little wet just thinking about what Alex was going to do to me.
[Alex] And if you’re nice, I’ll treat you to dinner.
[Tia] You were going to treat me to dinner anyways.
[Alex] That’s true.
I was about to text another reply when my phone started to ring. I frowned when I saw the caller ID, immensely confused. I smiled apologetically at the paralegal, who excused herself promptly to give me some privacy.
“Hello?” I greeted.
“Hi, Tia,” replied Jenna. I wondered why she was calling me. We hadn’t spoken since she kicked me out of her apartment.
“Hey, how’s it going?” I was just trying to be polite. I really didn’t know why she was calling.
“Yeah, it’s good.” There was hesitation in her voice, a waviness in her tone that made it sound like she was nervous. “Look, I feel awful about kicking you out.”
Too little, too late, I thought.
“I was just really stressed. You’re really sweet and I did enjoy your company. I just… I shouldn’t have freaked out. I just wanted you to know that.”
I relaxed my shoulders a little bit. Jenna was trying to apologize. “It’s okay. We’re good, Jenna.”
“I hope you managed to find a place on such short notice. I felt really, really awful.”
“Yeah, I found a place. It all worked out.”
Boy, did it work out great.
Jenna sighed over the receiver. “Good. I’m glad. I hope we can still be friends.”
“Definitely,” I answered. I guessed Jenna wasn’t so bad after all. Maybe she just wasn’t roommate material. “Maybe we can hang out some time,” I offered, a truce.
“Sounds great. Talk to you later?”
“Talk to you later.”
The rest of the day went by fairly quickly. I met a number of future colleagues –because let’s face it, I was definitely going to accept this position—but I honestly couldn’t remember their names or faces. I was too distracted by thoughts of Alex, too eager to get back to him. I found myself practically skipping home, excited to tell him all about my day.