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This could change everything. I’ve always wanted to work hard for my money and livelihood, and while I’ve been content with my simple lifestyle, there are certain things I’d love to do. Like buy a house, or go on vacation without having to put half of the trip on a credit card, or buy that stupidly expensive purse I don’t actually need, but really want.
“I’ll do it,” I say.
She grins. “Good. I already told them you’d start as soon as the announcement is made.”
I laugh, but before I can say anything, Joslin continues, “I’ll email you the information for the volunteer position I think you’d be a good fit for later today or tomorrow. I just need to double check a few things. It may be temporary, but it will fill your quota for this year.”
My mouth pops open. “I still have to get twenty hours by the end of the year even though it’s already August?”
“If you want a good annual review, then you do.” Her computer dings again, and instead of keeping her from other work, I offer my sincere thanks and stand.
She nods and mutters more to herself while I see myself out.
I’m grinning from ear to ear when I exit, and Clara smiles at me, handing me more papers. “Congratulations, McKenzie. Sorry I was quiet before. I didn’t want to give anything away.”
I chuckle. “I thought I was getting fired, so you did a great job hiding the truth.”
She gestures to the papers. “Those are the rest of the information you’ll need about your new role in Project Management. Please email me if you have any questions.”
“Will do.”
There’s a skip in my step as I make my way back to my computer, and my mood rises when I find that the program I needed downloaded just as I wanted.
Glen tries to talk to me, but I put my earbuds in. Nobody can ruin this day. I’m going to get my work done, review the papers Clara gave me, and then celebrate with my two best friends Ella and Piper tonight.
* * *
Those dirty little bitches.They stood me up. I’m sitting at our favorite bar with a margarita pitcher in front of me and three glasses, yet there is only one of me.
Ella’s earlier headache turned into a full-blown migraine that has her sleeping next to the toilet, and Piper had to work late. Sure, she just got a promotion herself, so I can understand, but I don’t want to.
I want to laugh and scream and be excited with my girls. Instead, I fill all three glasses on the tabletop and intend to drink each of them myself.
I can at least get drunk before I call for a ride back home. To my studio apartment. With nobody in it. All by myself.
Fuck. I’m supposed to be happy right now. Not moping.
My eyes scan the bar, and I look for anyone else by themselves. Maybe I can invite them to join me. Potential one-night stand or friendly face, it doesn’t make a difference. I just don’t want to be alone.
The room is surrounded by dark wood beams and cream walls with pipe accents followed by twinkle style lights strung all around, making it rather dim in the bar. A perfect setting when you’re drinking and want some privacy, but not so great when you’re looking for a new companion.
I sit a little straighter when I spot a young woman carrying a single drink away from the bar. She scans the crowd, passing over me, and her eyes land on the group three tables over. Damn it.
Then, I spot a sexy man in a suit coming in the door. His eyes are icy blue and the first thing I notice. The next is the scowl creasing his face and taking away from his straight jawline and five o’clock shadow.
He adjusts his forest-green tie and glances around. Our eyes never connect, but I watch him intently. The suit is a perfect fit. Not a seam out of place or a sleeve too short on his well-over-six-foot frame.
My tongue darts out to wet my lips, and I take a long pull of my margarita. Damn. Normally, I’m not attracted to rich, stuffy men and he seems to fit that bill pretty accurately as he takes a seat at the bar—alone—but for him? And tonight? I’m willing to make an exception.
I finish my drink and move to slide out of my metal bar stool, but he pulls a phone from his inner front pocket and starts talking.
Sigh. Maybe I can steal his attention later.
I’m halfway through my second drink and nearly ready to give up on the night when an elderly woman walks into the bar, gasping loudly when the bell over the door rings. Her hand presses against her chest and she glances up at the ceiling before continuing forward.
I chuckle, and our stares meet. I assume she’s here to meet someone, but instead, she comes right over to me.
“Where are your friends?” She points a wrinkly finger to the other two glasses.
