Chapter 234

Chapter 234
Hannah

The next few weeks fell into a grueling routine: mornings at Moonbeam, afternoons in class or at Melissa's studio, and evenings working on my portfolio or catching up on assignments. I barely had time to breathe, let alone dwell on Leonardo and what might have been.
"Hannah! Table four needs a refill on the Americano," Jerry called out on a particularly busy morning.
I grabbed the carafe and made my way through the crowded café, narrowly avoiding collision with a customer who abruptly stood up. When I reached table four, I nearly dropped the coffee.
Michael Parker sat there, absorbed in something on his laptop, a half-eaten muffin pushed to the side. He hadn't noticed me yet, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scrolled through what looked like a spreadsheet.
For a wild moment, I considered turning around and asking someone else to handle his table. But before I could retreat, he glanced up.
"Hannah?" His surprised expression quickly transformed into a warm smile. "I didn't know you were working here again."
"Just started back recently," I said, gesturing with the coffee pot. "Refill?"
"Please." He pushed his mug toward me. "How have you been? It's been a while since the birthday party."
I poured his coffee, grateful for the simple task that gave me something to focus on besides his smile. "Good! Busy with classes and job searching. How about you? Business still booming?"
"Can't complain." He took a sip of his coffee. "Actually, I'm glad I ran into you. I've been meaning to call."
My heart skipped a beat. "Oh?"
"Yeah. Our marketing department is looking for a junior copywriter. Entry-level position, but great experience. I thought of you immediately."
"Me?" I nearly spilled coffee on the table. "But I don't have any professional experience."
"You have a post-grad in marketing," he pointed out. "And I happen to know you're an excellent writer. Remember that campaign proposal you did for your senior project? The one about sustainable fashion?"
I blinked, surprised he remembered. "That was just a class assignment."
"It was brilliant," Michael insisted. "And exactly the kind of fresh perspective we need."
I glanced nervously at the counter, where Jerry was eyeing me impatiently. "I should get back to work."
Michael nodded, understanding. "Look, no pressure, but stop by my office sometime this week if you're interested."
"I... thank you," I managed. "That's really kind of you."
"It's not kindness," he said firmly. "It's good business sense. You're talented, Hannah."
A customer called out for service, breaking the moment. I gave Michael an apologetic smile before hurrying back to the counter.
For the rest of my shift, I kept stealing glances at his table, but he was completely absorbed in his work, only looking up to thank me when I brought him a fresh muffin on the house.
As I wiped down the espresso machine at the end of my shift, Michael finally closed his laptop and stood to leave. He caught my eye and approached the counter.
"Think about what I said," he reminded me, sliding a business card across the counter. "The position won't stay open long."
I picked up the card, running my thumb over Parker Industries' embossed logo. "I'll think about it."
"Good." He hesitated, then added, "It would be nice to see more of you, Hannah."
Before I could formulate a response, he was gone, the bell above the door chiming softly as he left.
That night, I lay in bed staring at Michael's business card, turning it over and over in my fingers. A position at Parker Industries would be perfect: steady income, benefits, and relevant experience. But working closely with Michael? That complicated things.
After tossing and turning for hours, I made my decision. I'd worked too hard to let an uncomfortable personal situation derail my career opportunities. I'd visit Michael's office tomorrow and inquire about the position professionally. Nothing more.
The next day, I stood outside the imposing glass tower that housed Parker Industries, my heart hammering against my ribs. I'd chosen my outfit carefully, a sleek pencil skirt and blazer that screamed "professional" rather than "former sugar baby."
The receptionist directed me to the 32nd floor, where Michael's executive assistant greeted me with a polite smile.
"He's expecting you," she said, leading me down a hallway lined with modern art. "He's just finishing up a call."
She showed me into a spacious corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Michael stood with his back to the door, phone pressed to his ear as he gazed out at the skyline.
"I understand the concerns, but we need those numbers by Friday," he was saying, his voice carrying that authoritative tone I rarely heard. "Make it happen."
He ended the call and turned, his serious expression melting into a smile when he saw me.
"Hannah! You came." He crossed the room to greet me, his hand warm as it clasped mine. "I'm glad."
"Thanks for the invitation," I said, aiming for a professional tone despite the butterflies in my stomach. "Your office is impressive."
He smiled and gestured toward a seating area. "Please, sit. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water?"
"I've had enough coffee for one day," I said with a small smile. "Water would be great."
Michael pressed a button on his desk phone and requested two waters. "So, you're interested in the position?"
"I am," I nodded. "It sounds like a great opportunity."
"It is." Michael leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Entry-level, but with real growth potential. The marketing department is expanding rapidly as we push into new markets."
His assistant delivered our waters, and Michael waited until she left before continuing.
"Look, Hannah, I'll be straight with you. The job would normally require at least a year of experience, but I can make a case for you based on your academic record and portfolio. If you're serious about this, I can set up an interview with the marketing director this week."
I took a sip of water, considering his offer. "I appreciate that, Michael, but I don't want special treatment. If I'm not qualified—"
"You are qualified," he interrupted. "Your post-grad work is exceptional, and you have a fresh perspective our team needs. All I'm offering is to get you in the door. You'll have to impress them on your own merits from there."
Put that way, it didn't sound like charity. And I desperately needed the stability this job could provide.
"Okay," I agreed finally. "I'd appreciate an introduction."
Michael's face lit up. "Great! I'll have my assistant set everything up."
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "This means a lot to me."
"Don't thank me yet," he warned with a playful smile. "Margot can be tough in interviews. She'll grill you on everything from marketing theory to your favorite social media platforms."
"I'll be prepared," I promised.
Michael nodded, looking pleased. "I know you will be."