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"Earth to Calla!" Ava's voice jolted me from my reverie. Her eyes were filled with concern. "You okay there?"
"Sorry," I replied sheepishly, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Just lost in thought."
"About the job?" Cassie asked knowingly, her smile gentle and supportive.
"Kind of," I admitted, taking a deep breath. "It's just... this could really change things for me, you know? It's like all my hard work, all this schooling is finally paying off, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to let go of some of the baggage I've been carrying around."
"Hey," Ava said firmly, reaching across the table to grasp my hand. "This job is an amazing opportunity for you, but don't put your self-worth into it. Whether you get it or not doesn't define you. You're strong, smart, and talented, and you're going to kick ass in that interview."
"Damn straight," Cassie chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "And when you become the boss lady at that office, you better remember us little people!"
"Deal!" I laughed, feeling a surge of gratitude for these incredible women who had become my support system. I was feeling lighter and that I could take on the world. Let's hope the feeling lasts.
Chapter 7
Dominic
Austin strolled in with his usual casual nature, his longer blond hair blowing in the breeze he created for himself.
"Gentlemen," he said, as he nodded towards me, Logan and Hugo.
"Bastard," Hugo replied, nodding at Austin in his charming way. We all snickered because it was what we were all thinking, but only Hugo had the guts to blurt out at the office. Rachel was going to be joining the meeting but hadn't yet, so Hugo could be unprofessional for a moment.
Logan sat up straight. "So, I know we're all here because we're here to support you in your search for Office Manager, Dom, and we've already had five candidates come through. There's really been a mix of talent in all of them. What do you think are the most critical skills that would really be the best support for you?"
I cleared my throat. "You're right. All the past candidates have been good, but not great. They had one part of the skills I needed but missed the other. The biggest one is just understanding how an office works, product ordering, managing my calendar, and financial and marketing skills."
"Whoa," Austin breathed out. "You're looking for a superhuman. Who has all those skills in one body? Plus, it sounds like you're asking them to bend time."
My shoulders slumped. "You might be right. I might have to rethink this. It might end up being the person with the least missing traits. I'm not calling myself superhuman, but I guess I'm needing a clone of myself."
Logan smiled. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, we all think you're superhuman. But we need to be realistic. The financial side of things, is clearly a required skill but the marketing would be a huge bonus. That marketing shit does my head in. I would rather perform a hemispherectomy."
We all nodded with distinct knowledge of what he was talking about. Removing or disconnecting one entire side of the brain was not easy, nor something we would do every day. It was one of the hardest surgeries to perform with a high risk to the patient.
Rachel poked her head in.
"The candidate has arrived. Are you guys ready?" We all smiled in appreciation of Rachel. She was the superhuman one among all of us.
Our chatter fell to silence as we prepared for the candidate. The door opened, and I looked up.
Calla.
Our eyes met, and it was clear that the surprise was mutual. My heart raced at the sight of her. We hadn't communicated since that night, and that was already a few days ago. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, framing her porcelain face like a work of art. She wore a simple yet emerald suit that clung to her curves in all the right places, and her bright green eyes held an intensity that could pierce one's soul.
She had the same, yet different effect on the boys. There was a bit of an audible gasp from Logan, and all the guys turned to look at me. Hugo's eyes screamed out, "What the hell?", but thankfully, he was able to keep it to his eyes.
"Hello, everyone," Calla said as she walked in the room. I could tell she was feeling uncomfortable. Rachel to the rescue.
"Doctors, this is Calla Rosewood. She is here to be interviewed for the position of Office Manager. You have her resume in your folders. Calla, this is our senior leadership team." She pointed at each of us in turn. "This is Dr. Barone, Montrose, Mitchell, and Harrington. In this position, you will be reporting direction to Dr. Dominic Harrington and therefore he will take the lead on the questioning. Dr. Harrington?" Poor Rachel. Oblivious to my thundering heart. My voice was caught in my throat. It didn't help that everyone was looking at me. If I had a broom, I would be sweeping the boys' jaws up off the floor.
Fuck. Me.
I cleared my throat. Fuck, where is my voice?
"Need some water, Dr. Harrington?" Logan asked with a twinkle in his eye. He looked at Calla. "You'll have to excuse Dr. Harrington. He had an early, difficult surgery this morning and hasn't had time to regroup."
I love Logan so fucking much right now.
