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"Papers? What kind of papers?" My pulse raced, my thoughts churning with a thousand terrifying possibilities.
"I asked, thinking it might be work-related, but he said it's personal."
A knot twisted in my stomach as I considered the potential contents of those documents. Was it a lawsuit, a restraining order from Amy's parents, or some other nightmare I hadn't even imagined?
ChapterThree
Amy
As the firstlight of Monday morning crept in, the heaviness of exhaustion draped over me like a suffocating blanket, a byproduct of yet another restless night. Drained and weary, my mind was a whirlwind, a chaotic storm of thoughts centered on making amends for my parents' deplorable treatment of Mitch at my graduation. Our friendship was a lifeline, an anchor in uncertain waters, and I longed to explore the uncharted depths of where it might lead. The heartache from his absence gnawed at me, insatiable and unrelenting, and I yearned for answers to the unspoken questions about the future of our relationship.
My reverie was shattered by the tender touch of my mother, her voice a soothing balm as she shook me awake, "Amy, it's time to get up, sweetheart. You don't want to miss your interview this morning."
Bleary-eyed and still half-asleep, I managed a groggy, "Thanks, Mum."
Her eyes, pools of love and warmth, crinkled in a smile as she said, "Your Papa and I are going for a leisurely walk on the beach this morning. The world outside is painted with such beauty today. We'll be thinking of you."
"Okay, Mum. Enjoy!"
Reluctantly abandoning the cocoon of my bed sheets, I sprang out of bed and reached for my phone, immediately drawn to a photograph of Mitch at my graduation. My heart pounded in rhythm with the memories it evoked as I immersed myself in a realm of infinite possibilities. Mitch's smile was intoxicating, a beacon of happiness that enveloped me like his arms. I let my thoughts meander through the 'what ifs,' the tantalizing scenarios that could have been if my parents had given us a chance to explore our budding connection.
Catching sight of my reflection, I gasped at the sight of dark circles under my eyes and a disastrous tangle of hair resembling a bird's nest. I grimaced, wondering what Mitch would think of me in this disheveled state.
Time was of the essence, and I had an interview to conquer.
Rushing to my wardrobe, I snatched a sophisticated blouse and skirt, my hands quivering with a potent mix of excitement and trepidation. I grappled with buttons and zippers, my muttered curses punctuating the urgency of the morning. A quick brush through my hair and a touch of makeup later, I dashed out of my bedroom, a frenetic whirl of energy.
In the kitchen, I grabbed a couple of bagels, only to be met with a tasteless, parched texture. My trembling hand sloshed coffee onto the countertop as I attempted to fill my mug. Swiping at the spill with a curse, I tossed the bagels into the trash in frustration.
Just as I prepared to leave, my phone buzzed, and my heart raced as I read Ariel's name on the screen.
Amy, meet Courtney in the lobby at Rosedale Tech. She'll help you from there. Good luck!
I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding; my anxiety momentarily appeased. Grateful for Ariel's guidance through unfamiliar terrain, I sent off a swift reply.
Thank you :-)
I bolted out of the door, nearly tripping over my own feet in my haste. The thought of running into Mitch at Rosedale Tech made my heart race faster than a Ferrari on the Autobahn. As I pulled up in my reliable Honda SUV, I couldn't help but wonder what he would say if we crossed paths after what had happened with my overbearing parents.
My nerves were frayed as I made my way to the lobby. Ariel's text had been vague, and I had no idea who would be conducting the interview. But I trusted my friend not to put me in a sticky situation. As I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror, I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "You've got this," I told myself, sticking my tongue out at my reflection for good measure.
Inside, Courtney greeted me with a warm hug and congratulated me on my success. I was grateful for her support as we headed toward the elevators, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.
And then I saw him - Daniel, the most enigmatic of the six co-owners of Rosedale Technologies. He greeted me with a warm smile and polite words, and my knees went weak.
"It's nice to see you too," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Daniel led me through the seemingly endless corridor until we reached a massive door marked "HR." Squaring my shoulders, I braced myself for the interview that awaited me.
"Go ahead," Daniel murmured, motioning for me to enter first.
Once I took my seat in the office, my nerves began to spiral out of control. This was a golden opportunity for me, but I couldn't shake off the growing unease that threatened to consume me. All at once, it felt like someone cranked up the heat, and the room seemed to spin wildly. It was as if the walls were closing in, making it difficult to catch my breath. Despite my inner turmoil, I forced a shaky smile onto my face and mustered a meek "Thank you.” All the while, I couldn't help but worry that my anxiety might sabotage everything.
Daniel, sensing my discomfort, asked gently, "Are you alright?"
"Um, I'm just a little nervous," I admitted. "Could you please open the blinds for me?"
"Of course," he replied, walking to the window and adjusted them, allowing in more light. As sunlight flooded the room, I felt the walls recede and my breathing steady. "Is that better?" Daniel inquired.
