ROSALINE
"Rosaline?" Harry called out to me as he drew closer, and a small laugh broke out of his mouth. He examined me and then looked at the receptionist. "I can't believe it."
I flung my hands to my sides. "Neither can I, Mr. Sinclair. You are everywhere!"
"I wouldn't say that, though," Harry joked. "Else you'd have seen me at the resort. The videos are everywhere!
Memories burned at the back of my mind, and I smiled plainly. "Oh, really? I had no idea those were up on the internet. Jonathan sure is diligent."
"Oh, that he is!" Harry agreed in a joking tone. "Never catches a break."
He hugged me briefly and led me up to his office. As Harry led me through the bustling corridors of the company, my mind raced with a mixture of nerves and anticipation.
My parents had never allowed me to experience an actual interview, which made me nervous to my bones. I'd spent the entire night researching videos and possible questions, but while I was faced with it, my confidence seemed to fly out the window.
Even though I tried to put a font and act like I was cool with it, I couldn't believe that the man I had met at the bar, the same man I had shared countless laughs and conversations with, was now the one in charge of my interview.
Harry might take it easy with me, but it still didn't change the fact that I had to be good enough for this job.
It felt surreal, yet oddly comforting to have a familiar face guiding me through this critical moment. It'd be an absolute bum to lose my very first interview. I felt like I had so much to prove to myself.
"So, Rosaline," Harry began as we entered his office, gesturing for me to take a seat opposite his desk. "I have to admit, I didn't expect to see you here today. I thought the person scheduled to interview you would be handling this, but he took a break. Fortunately, I'm in charge."
I couldn't help but smile at his remark, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me for his honesty. "Well, I guess life has a way of surprising us sometimes," I replied, easing into the chair. "So, let's get the in-depth questions started."
Harry nodded, a warm smile gracing his lips as he leaned back in his chair. "Indeed it does. But I'm glad you're here. I've heard great things about your work experience, and I do not doubt you'll be a valuable addition to our team."
So official. I haven't seen this side of Harry at all. It was different and authoritative. Perhaps I was just swooned by the atmosphere of the place.
"Thank you so much for saying that, Ha--" I paused and gulped hard. "Mr. Sinclair."
"Between us? Harry is just fine."
He continued to peruse my documents, and it'd be a lie if I said I didn't see him look so impressed by it. Harry didn't ask me too many probing questions; instead, he seemed content to reminisce about our previous discussions and talk about the potential for collaboration during the job. It almost sounded like I got the job already.
"You know, Rosaline," Harry said with a twinkle in his eye, "I have a feeling you're going to fit in just fine here. Your passion and dedication are exactly what we need."
I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear at his words, my heart swelling with gratitude for the opportunity he was offering me. "Thank you so much, Harry," I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. "I can't tell you how much this means to me."
He chuckled softly, warmth radiating from him as he reached across the desk to shake my hand. "It's my pleasure, Rosaline. Welcome aboard."
"Thank you, Harry," I shook his hand. "I won't disappoint." I stood up and took a small memo from him. It must contain the basis of the job and my resumption date.
"That's a given. Your work experience speaks for you," he stood up, too. "With that being said, do you mind grabbing lunch together? There's a restaurant with an irresistible menu just across the company that I'd like you to try. Aside from that, we could discuss more of the job."
It couldn't hurt, right? It was just lunch. "I'd love to," I said softly. "Give me a minute, please."
I excused myself for a bathroom break. As I locked myself in the stall, I fumbled for my phone and dialed Ava's number, unable to contain my excitement.
"Hey, Ava!" I squealed as soon as she answered. "You won't believe it, but I got the job!"
There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the line before Ava's voice burst through, filled with confusion. "Wait, what? But why do you need a job, Rosa? Aren't your parents like... loaded?"
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions swirling inside me. "Ava, please," I urged, my voice tinged with frustration. "Just be happy for me. This isn't about money; it's about independence. It's about taking control of my life."
"Is this about Gerald?"
"No. Of course not..." My voice trailed, and I contemplated whether or not to tell her how I was offered Julie's position in the company. "I'm doing this for myself."
There was a pause before Ava's voice softened, understanding seeping into her tone. "I'm sorry, Rosa. Of course, I'm happy for you. It's just... unexpected, you know?"
I nodded even though she couldn't see me, feeling grateful for her support. "Thank you, Ava. I appreciate it. And guess who my coworker will be!?"
"Gerald?"
I rolled my eyes. "Ugh! You're becoming a super fan of this dude! My life doesn't revolve around him!"
"It kind of does..."
"That's not the point," I pressed the phone tightly against my ears. Ava was right. My life did revolve around Gerald. "It's Harry! Can you believe it? He was the one in charge of the interview!"
Ava squealed from the other end. Her expression was so easy to picture. "This has to be a match made in heaven!"
"Or it's just an opportunity, my dear," I countered. "It just means I'd have a friend to walk me through my new job!"
"A friend, huh?"
"Yes, a friend," I giggled. "A really good friend. I'll talk to you later, okay? I have got to go tour my new workplace?"
As I hung up the phone and composed myself, I stared back at the mirror, and a smile crawled up my face. This job was more than just a paycheck; it was my ticket to freedom, my first step towards carving out a life of my own.
Returning to Harry's office with a spring in my step, I found him waiting for me with a warm smile. "Ready to go?" he asked, gesturing towards the door.
I hesitated for a moment, the memory of Gerald's sudden departure still fresh in my mind. But then I remembered the promise of delicious food and the chance to celebrate my new job, and I nodded eagerly.
"Lead the way," I said with a grin, eager to embrace this new chapter of my life with open arms. "It better be worth it!"
"Oh, it sure is!"
*
As Harry and I finished our lunch, I made a move to leave, eager to get back home and process the emotions from the day.
I landed a job on the first trial, and that was definitely something that belonged on my list of achievements. But before I could even stand up, Harry's voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Wait, Rosaline," he said, his expression serious. "Did you drive here?"
I shook my head, realizing that I had indeed arrived in a cab. "No, I took a cab," I replied, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of inconveniencing him.
Harry's brow furrowed with concern. "In that case, let me drop you off. It's the least I can do after everything."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Harry cut me off with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. I insist."
Reluctantly, I nodded, grateful for his kindness. "Thank you, Harry. I really appreciate it."
He led me to his car, and as we drove back to my apartment, a comfortable silence settled between us.
As we pulled up in front of my building, I thanked Harry once again for the ride. "You can head back to work now," I said, trying to hide the tremor in my voice.
But Harry shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "I'll walk you to the door," he insisted, his tone firm.
I tried to protest, but Harry's determination won out, and before I knew it, he was escorting me up to my apartment. As we reached the front door, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness building in the pit of my stomach.
"Thank you so much for today, Harry!"
He nodded slightly. "It's nothing. I'll see you at work. Congratulations on your new job, Rosaline." He retreated and walked out the door.
Opening the door, I stepped into the living room and froze as I saw Gerald sitting on the couch, his eyes widening in surprise as he caught sight of me.
"Rosaline?" he called out, his voice tinged with confusion.
Ignoring him, I brushed past him without a word, my heart pounding in my chest as I made my way toward the bedroom. I needed time to process everything that had happened, to sort through the jumble of emotions twirling inside me.
"Rosaline, I'm talking to you!"
I paused in my tracks and turned to him, my veins churning with disgust at his dismissiveness. "Well, don't!" I snapped at him. "Do not talk to me!"