“This is Ms. Williams from Cardinal Marketing. You interviewed with us about a month ago?” A pause followed her words.
“Yes—of course.” I felt my heart starting to beat in my chest.
They’re calling me back?
“If you’re still looking for a job, Mr. Cardinal would like to schedule a follow-up interview with you. Are you free this afternoon? Two o’clock?” Another pause followed.
“Um—yes. I’m free.” I swallowed hard.
“Okay, great.” Her voice filled with a hint of cheerfulness. “I’ll see you then.”
As soon as I hung up the phone, I cranked up my car and headed back to my apartment so I could get ready. Lola was at work and I wasn’t sure she would even be coming home that evening. Mr. Doctor had stolen her heart just like Cain had stolen mine, except she never even thought about waiting. It didn’t seem to hinder their relationship in the slightest. Obviously, I wasn’t privy to what went on behind closed doors, but she had never been happier.
I guess I’ll hold off on breaking the news to Cain. Maybe I can give him two pieces of good news at once when he gets off work tomorrow.
* * *
“Hello Chloe, it’s good to see you again.” Mr. Cardinal walked around his desk and shook my hand as soon as I stepped into his office.
“You too…” I tilted my head to the side. “I must say, I was surprised to get the call. I didn’t think I would hear from you again after the way my interview went.”
“It wasn’t a bad interview.” He waved off my concern. “I told you that we’d be in touch.”
A month later?
“So, this is a follow-up interview?” I walked over and took a seat when he motioned to it. “That’s what Ms. Williams said on the phone.”
“No.” He shook his head back and forth. “This is a job offer.”
“What?” My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. “Are you serious?!”
“Yes.” He leaned back in his chair after he sat down. “I didn’t have a spot for you when you interviewed with me last month. I needed someone with a little more experience, but I wanted to interview a few people for future opportunities. As it turns out, that opportunity has presented itself now. You were the first one that came to mind, because you handled my question very well—much better than the others did when I called them out on their canned answers.”
“It—really wasn’t a canned answer.” I swallowed hard. “I meant what I said.”
“I know. I saw a spark in your eye when you said it.” He nodded. “That’s why I want to offer you a job—at the new office I’m opening in New York.”
“Wait.” I blinked in surprise. “New York?”
“You said you were open to relocation.” He tilted his head to the side. “Is that not the case anymore?”
“No—I mean, I’m definitely open to relocation, but I thought that was something that would come after I worked here for a little while.” My heart started beating hard in my chest. “I didn’t realize you meant—immediately.”
“Flexibility is crucial in this business. I’ve got two new clients that want someone local, and I go where the money is. You’ll be working under two of my best guys—they’ll manage the accounts and you’ll be working with design team. As the office expands and we get new clients, you’ll have some accounts of your own to manage once you’ve proven yourself.” He nodded quickly.
“Wow…” I looked down for a moment.
This is everything I wanted—and I was fully open to moving before I met Cain.
“There’s a move package if expenses are an issue. I know the cost of living will be a bit higher in New York, so we’ll give you a stipend for rent the first six months. Basically, you choose a reasonable apartment somewhere in the city that you’ll be able to afford on your salary and the company will pay for it. We’ll also handle all the moving expenses.” He leaned forward. “Why do I feel like you’re about to turn me down?”
“Can I think about it?” I grimaced and tensed up. “I promise that everything you’re offering is incredibly generous, but—I just need to think about this.”
“I mean, I can give you twenty-four hours.” Mr. Cardinal shrugged. “After that, I have to start looking at the next candidate.”
Twenty-four hours to make the biggest decision of my life.
