“You too!” She disappeared in a stall as I walked out. Why did random people feel the need to talk to strangers? And in the bathroom of all places. I couldn’t help but wonder if guys did the same thing. I snorted as I got into the elevator with a packed crowd of people with sour expressions and blue suits.
I cupped my hands in front of me and held my breath. Another interview. Another chance at getting my shit back on track. It had been a little over a week since I’d seen or heard from Alfie, and where I wasn’t at all over him, I knew enough was enough.
My interview on Tuesday, a few days before, had been a holy hell wreck. I’d been late, my hair was a mess, and I’d shuddered several times out of nerves. Nerves?!? I hadn’t been nervous since my first job interview out of college.
Needless to say, dropping a cup of coffee on my potential boss’ very full desk had ended the interview early. Why couldn’t Gary just call? I could slip back into my old life and try to pick up the broken pieces of a misplaced future.
“Excuse me,” someone barked from behind me as the elevator door opened. I glanced down to see that it was my floor too. I got off, and a busty redhead moved past me, making a grunting noise. The bitch obviously was raised on a farm.
I smiled at my own childishness and moved up to the reception desk.
The woman glanced back to whom I assume was her secretary. “We have yet another interview this morning.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not sure this one is at all qualified for the job. She’s pretty green, and there’s a misspelled word on her resume.” She gave a look of disgust and shook her head.
“Yes, ma’am. Molly Anderson. She should be in around ten this morning.” The secretary turned to look at me with an apologetic look on her face. “I’m so sorry about that. How can I help you?”
I glanced down at my wrist watch. I was forty minutes early. Fuck me for trying to make a good impression. I gave a tight smile.
“You mind finding out what word was misspelled on my resume before I leave?” I tilted my head to the side. I was rather docile and easy going by most people’s definition of the words, but today I just felt like kicking a puppy.
Nothing was working out. And it hadn’t for quite some time.
“Oh, no.” The woman paled. “You’re Molly?”
“Yep, and you can cancel my interview. I’m not interested anymore, but I’m sure my colleagues and friends in marketing will be glad to know that you’re a firm that lacks integrity.” I shrugged and turned, deciding it was probably best for me to leave. My ability to control my tongue was stuck behind the building pressure in my chest.
All of a sudden… I wasn’t good enough.
Not good enough to keep Harry. Not good enough to get Alfie. Not good enough to get my fucking job back, or even a new one.
“Wait. Miss Anderson,” the secretary called out as she walked behind me.
I pressed my back to the elevator door as it closed and realized that I’d left my folder with her. She wasn’t chasing me down to stop me and apologize, but to give me my stuff back.
“Fuck it,” I mumbled and closed my eyes. I could get new copies of my transcripts and letters of recommendation. I was out of humility and had nothing left for the day.
A large group of people hovered outside of the elevator when I got off, and working my way through them only aided in putting me in a shittier mood, as if that were possible.
After pushing the exit door a little too hard, I walked out into the pleasant morning weather and let out a long sigh. I wasn’t going to cry.
“Don’t,” I whispered roughly and moved to the edge of the street to hail a cab. It stopped at the good-looking guy to my left instead.
He turned and smiled at me. “Where are you headed?”
“To the south side for breakfast.” I crossed my arms over my chest. He looked pleasant enough.
“Molly?” He tilted his head to the side and waved the cab driver on.
“Um, yeah. Do we know each other?” I searched my memories, trying to remember him. Please, dear Lord, don’t let it be a bar date.
“No. Well, I know you from your pictures, and Alfie talking about you.” He extended his hand. “I’m his best friend,
Logan Mills.”
“Oh! Logan.” I shook his hand as my chest warmed. As stupid as it was, just being around someone who knew Alfie made life seem a little brighter.
“So nice to finally meet you.” He shook my hand and moved back with a grin on his face. “How odd is this that we meet this way.” He glanced up at the tall building behind me. “You work here?”
“What?” I glanced up like a dumbass. As if I’d forgotten which building were behind me. “Oh, no. I was going for an interview, but it didn’t turn out so well.”