“A shitty one,” Roman responds, before settling himself in the driver's seat.
They left no room for argument, but the longer I sit in the front seat, the more I wish I’d fought back. Though it was entertaining to watch Theo squeeze his tall frame into the back seat of the Mustang.
Faint music plays; some R&B playlist streams through the music app on Roman’s phone. I take the awkward silence as an opportunity to look out the window at the scenery as we drive by.
Where Theo is a warm summer day, Roman exudesthe energy of a cold winter’s night. I’ve always preferred sunshine.
A small shiver runs through my body as the AC blasts through the vents in the car. I hope Theo talks to Roman soon, since I’m not quite sure how to bring up the idea of him helping me find a job.
“Hey, I know we’ve only just met, and you don’t care to ever talk to me or look in my direction, but I was wondering…can you help me get a job?”Yeah, that’s a great plan.
I have yet to respond to the job offer sitting in my inbox, and I only have one more day until they need an answer. I should probably respond, but something keeps me from hitting the Send button.
As if sensing my internal spiral, Theo leans forward in the back seat. He places his large hand on the side of my seat, and I get a momentary flashback to where his fingers have been.
“So, Roman, how’s work? You’ve been on your phone a lot. Business must be good then?” he asks, looking at Roman, who doesn’t take his eyes off the road.
Roman sighs, almost appearing to relax at the thought of work. “It’s been fine. Business as usual,” he responds, checking his rearview mirror briefly before snapping his eyes back to the road in front of him.
“Is your seat belt on?” he asks Theo. The leather on the steering wheel makes a cracking noise as he squeezes it tighter. The cobra engraved on the center of the steering wheel looks just as intimidating as Roman himself.
“Yeah, obviously,” Theo responds by snapping his seat belt against his chest. Apparently, he snaps it toohard because he rubs the spot, mouthing the word “ow” to me, and I let out a giggle.
Theo turns his attention back to Roman. “Did I tell you that Sienna graduated with her degree in architecture?” Theo winks at me, and I draw my brows together in confusion.
He can’t possibly be bringing this upnowwhen I’m in the car with them. I thought he was going to talk to Roman alone. I shake my head slightly, begging Theo not to have this conversation in front of me.
A muffled “hmm” is all the response Roman bothers to give.
To my dismay, Theo continues, “Yep, that’s right. Architecture. With my business degree, we might as well start our own construction company.” He smiles at Roman.
“Very funny,” Roman responds, looking at Theo through the rearview mirror briefly before snapping his eyes back to the road.
“You’re not amused by that idea? Is that because you have a job already waiting for me at Dad’s company?” Theo pokes Roman in the shoulder.
Roman scoffs. “IfI give you a job atmycompany, it’ll be when you’ve proven yourself worthy of working atmycompany. We’ve already been over this, Theo, and I won’t discuss this further when we have a guest.”
A final statement by Roman, but Theo pushes on anyway.
“Okay, fine. But Sienna’s been looking for a job too. You know how it is nowadays. Every company wants tenyears of experience for ‘entry-level’ positions.” Theo makes air quotes with his fingers.
“We don’t have in-house architects. You know we hire out for all of that,” Roman responds.
“Yeah but maybe you could pull some strings, set her up with an interview over at Rose City Designs. I’m sure Graham would be more than willing to lend us a favor.” Theo turns to me. “Graham is Roman’s best friend. They work together a lot.” My heart rate picks up at Theo’s words.
“Wait, Graham Emerson is your best friend?” I say, joining in on the conversation. Theo mentioned that Roman had connections to Rose City Designs, but he never mentioned he wasbest friendswith the owner and CEO.
Even though they are my dream company, I didn’t apply with them because I never thought I’d have a shot right out of college. Working for them wasn’t written into my plan until I was in my late twenties, after I had gained enough experience to have a shot at an interview. Getting an interview now could fast-track my career. The thought makes the offer from JR Construction look entirely unappealing.
I get a curt nod from Roman, who seems entirely unamused by this conversation.
“I absolutely love their designs. I attend the Parade of Homes every year and always fall in love with their homes. There’s a sophistication but practicality to their designs that really brings character to the modern-day home.” I fade out my sentence when I realize that I’mexplaining Graham’s company practices to his best friend as if he doesn’t already know.
My cheeks heat from embarrassment at my sudden rambling. I notice Roman’s shoulders shake for a split second, mirroring a slight chuckle, though it’s gone in a flash.
“I’ll let Graham know you’re a fan of his work. That fucker loves hearing anything that inflates his ego.”
“Great, it’s settled then. You’ll talk to Graham about a job for Sienna, and you’ll continue to consider letting me work at Dad’s company,” Theo chimes in from the back seat.
