Finally, I stop talking, and look up to find Emanuel’s eyes transfixed on me. He steps closer. “You don’t even believe the words that are coming out of your own mouth.”
My gaze narrows on him defiantly. “I do, too!” I insist, sounding like I did when I got into a fight on the schoolyard as a child.
He shakes his head.
Before I know what’s happening, he lunges toward me, pulling my face to his and kissing the life out of me. I moan into his mouth but don’t get the opportunity to fully give in because the kiss ends as abruptly as it began.
“Thatis what’s between us. You’re scared shitless. I know fear like I know the back of my hand. I’ll forgive you this time because that’s the fear talking, but this shit,” he waves his hand between us as I’d done a few moments ago, “isn’t going away anytime soon, and neither am I.” Releasing me, he steps back and gives me one last glare before leaving my apartment.
I startle when the door slams behind him. I’m left standing there, wondering if he’ll make good on his promise, and if what I said was true, why did I want him to?
****
I wake up with a nervous pit in my stomach. It’s Monday morning and I haven’t heard or seen Emanuel since late Saturday night. Aside from that, it’s my first day at my new job. A whole new career change.
I should be used to so much change happening in my life at once. I lost count of the number of different cities and towns I lived in growing up. A change in location meant a change in schools, teachers, and friends. We never settled in any place for too long, so I learned to adapt quickly. But after the relative peace of living in one city for the last ten years, being with the same man, and holding the same job for seven of those previous ten, this sort of upheaval is challenging.
I push myself out of my low sitting, queen-sized bed, over the wooden frame, and onto the carpet. I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Staring into the mirror, I frown at the reflection looking back at me. It might do me some good to do an eye mask before getting my day started, since the bags under my eyes from lack of sleep the last two nights are so evident.
As I go about my morning routine, I keep looking toward my front door, possibly hoping that he’ll come knocking. Shaking those thoughts loose, I finish making my coffee and pouring it into my insulated cup to carry with me to the office. An hour later, I’m looking into my full-length mirror, examining the black trousers and white, button-up blouse I chose to wear for my first day. I paired the outfit with a pair of flat black loafers. Smoothing my shirt out one final time, I feel ready. I head to the kitchen, grab my purse, lunch bag, and coffee, and head out.
I retrieve my silver Kia from the parking garage and turn my GPS on to connect to the bluetooth in my car. Keying in the address of my office, I note it will take approximately twenty-five minutes to get to work, leaving me with fifteen minutes to spare before nine a.m.
“Let’s hope it’s right,” I mumble.
Exactly twenty-four minutes later, I arrive at the office. Taking my work badge out of my pocket, I place it over the machine, and within a half a second the glass panes part, allowing me to pass through from the lobby to the elevator banks of the office building. I nod at the front desk security attendant. He tilts his head acknowledging me.
Luckily, I make it onto the elevator just before it closes. Hearing a sigh behind me, I look over my shoulder to see a tall, slender man who appears to be in his late twenties staring down his nose at me.
“Sorry,” I apologize, thinking I must’ve cut him off or something. I reach out to hit the tenth floor. Once we arrive, I step off the elevator and square my shoulders to ready myself for my new career, but I am almost knocked over by the guy behind me as he rushes past, and of course, into the double doors of the same office I’m preparing to enter. However, I don’t let his rudeness deter me. After opening one of the doors that reads Lux Advertising, I head to the receptionist’s desk on the left hand side.
“Hi, I’m Janine Thompson, it’s my first day,” I say to the smiling receptionist. I briefly admire the high afro puff she’s put her hair into, and the purple, gold, and white silk scarf that adorns the sides of her head.
“Hi! Danny told me you were coming in today. Said you’d probably be early. He’s not in yet but he did give me some of the HR paperwork you need to fill out.” She places a clipboard onto her desk, and I immediately recognize the usual W-4 form, and the form for my banking information for direct deposits. “You can have a seat over there while you fill those out. Here’s a pen.” She places the pen on top of the forms. “Can I get you some water, coffee, or tea while you wait?”
Holding up my cup of coffee, still warm despite my commute, I shake my head. “Got that covered. Thanks.”
I move to the other side of the room, placing my belongings in an empty chair. Sitting in the one next to it, I begin filling out my paperwork. I get to the last page when I hear a deep voice speaking. Lifting my gaze, I smile as my new boss enters the office.
“Janine,” he greets, warmly.
I stand. “Mr. Wilson.” I extend my hand to shake his.
“Please, Danny. You’re an employee now.”
I release a breath. One of the reasons I was so happy to get this job was because of Danny’s enthusiastic and professional nature. He has a reputation in the advertising world for being one of the best, and hiring only the best. Which is why I was almost certain I wasn’t going to get this job when I applied for it. I was floored when I did.
“You finished your paperwork?”
“I did.”
“Good. I’ll take you around to HR in a little bit to show you who those forms go to. Follow me.”
I quicken my pace to keep up with his long strides as we turn down a short hallway to an open floor plan. There are desks on either side, along the wall, separated into cubicles. The desks are separated into pairs where two employees sit on either side facing one another.
“As I explained in your initial interview, each associate is partnered with another associate. You’ll work as a team on your projects and present your ideas to a higher ranking partner or to myself. If we deem your idea quality, you’ll have an opportunity to present it to the client. If the client likes it, you’ll have the opportunity to take lead on the project. If not …” Pausing, he gives me aso much for youlook and pushes the door to his office open.
The lights immediately turn on as we enter. “I’ve decided to partner you with Zeke. He’s been with the company since he graduated from Williamsport University. Very sharp, knows what he’s doing, and a hard worker. I think you two will get along well.” He lifts his phone, pressing a button.
