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Oops—demerit marks for failing to project confidence. But Lisa laughs lightly, as if she understands.
“I mean,” I say, returning to my professional voice. “I’m interested.”
“Perfect. They’re coming up on launch, so time is of the essence here. Are you free to meet this morning?”
“I… Sure!” I blurt. I look around, as if a fairy godmother or genie will materialize. If my luck has finally turned, I’ll definitely be running into the bodega for a lottery ticket. “Let me know the place, and I’ll be there!”
After a very thoroughshower to remove all hint of cake crumbs from my person, I practically dance across town to the interview. What with all the drama and disappointment of the past weeks, I’m thrilled to have a chance for a new job—and a new me.
And what a job! The universe saw my suffering, and she has hand-delivered me a new opportunity. Abetteropportunity. Luxury spa? Surely, there has to be an employee discount. I imagine myself booking a massage on my lunch break, and I smile at the mere thought.
The spa is based on a chic block of Soho. At least, I have to assume it’ll be the spa, because the whole front of the building is still in construction and covered with scaffolding and plastic sheeting.
“Hello?” I venture into what one day might become a lobby, but for now, is a concrete-floored job site. Still, with the huge windows and soaring ceilings, I can see the potential. I look around curiously, wondering about the management team behind a place like this.
And how I can convince them that I’m ready to upgrade from snooze-worthy PR puff pieces to a massive launch like this.
“Hi, Jennifer!”
I turn.
“Lisa, hi, great to meet you. Cute shoes! Did you have far to come? The subway was a nightmare today, I swear, someone hurled themselves on the tracks outside 14thstreet just to slow the rest of us down. Ready? Follow me!”
Lisa doesn’t pause for breath as she shakes my hand, and trots through the lobby space on impressive four-inch heels. I hurry to keep up, as she heads up a wide wrought-iron flight of stairs to an area of the building that seems finished, with bleached wood floors, airy white walls, and a series of spacious offices divided by iron-paned glass walls, where chic, engaged people are working and chatting inside.
The energy is full of activity and excitement—a world away from the stuffy corporate office I’ve been stuck in all these years.
“It looks great,” I manage to get a word in, as she trots faster.
“Right? Gorgeous design. You can see why I pegged you for the job, after all your work with the Griffin Hotel. And of course, with your extensive background in the wellness space, and high-end travel, it’s the perfect match!”
My what now?
I stumble after Lisa, my mind racing.The Griffin Hotel… Wellness…. High-end…
Crapwaffle.
I put two and two together and come up with… my pesky doppelgänger.
They didn’t mean to recruitmefor the marketing position. They want the Other Jennifer Walker!
My heart sinks to the polished floors. I knew it was too good to be true. “Listen, Lisa,” I start, cringing, “There’s been a mistake.”
She finally stops trotting, in the doorway of a sleek conference room with expansive views of the street. “What do you mean?” she asks.
I swallow. “So, it turns out, when you called me about this job, you called the wrong person—”
But before I can finish coming clean, a voice interrupts me—from inside the conference room.
“Are you kidding me?”
I stop. Because there’s a man rising from his seat at the table.
And not just any man. It’s Manhattan’s finest bar guardian angel, Mr. Impossibly Handsome himself, dressed in designer denim and a casual button-down. He’s striding forwards with his hand outstretched to greet me.
“Jennifer Walker, the woman I’ve been waiting for.”
