I show her the screen.There’s a photo of us from last night holding hands, smiling.The picture mirrors exactly how I feel when I’m with her.
She scans the article, giggling when she sees a familiar name.“Russell even made it in?”
“Apparently, his silent approval was newsworthy.”
“Well,” she teases, nudging me.“Guess we won’t be gossip material for much longer.We’ll be too boring.”
I kiss her forehead.“Doubtful.”
I sit up reluctantly, already missing the warmth of her body against mine.I stretch before swinging my legs over the side of the bed.“Let me make you some coffee.”
She hums with approval.“I might give my mom a quick call to check in on her.”
“Good idea.Meet me in the kitchen?”
“Sure.”
I kiss her before pulling on some clothes, walking through the house, and stepping out onto the deck.Keith’s already sipping his coffee, the early morning sun seeping through the curtains.It’s peaceful.But the thought of sharing mornings like this with her in my own place will be better.
“Need some more coffee?”I ask, knowing I fell asleep before I could text him about Amelia staying over.
He nods.“Sure.”
As I move back inside, I hesitate before adding, “Amelia stayed the night.”
Keith glances up, a grin tugging at his lips.“No problem.Am I in your way?”
I shake my head.“Not at all.”
His smile widens.“I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”I move to pour two cups of coffee, waiting for Amelia to join me, and I realize something.Everything in my life feels just right.
Chapter 36
Amelia
Itakeadeepbreath, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I log onto the computer after working a full day at the Pulse Bulletin.My heart pounds, a tight knot forming in my chest, but I push through the nerves, trying to steady myself.This interview with Lincoln Media is a big opportunity, one that could change everything.
The name of the interviewer, Mya, flashes on the screen, but my excitement is already being overshadowed by doubt.What can I bring to the table?What do they see in me?But then I remind myself that Adrian wouldn’t have recommended me if he didn’t believe in my potential.And they wouldn’t have agreed to interview me if they weren’t open to the idea.I have to believe that I have something to offer, that I can do this.Plus, even Luna has agreed to be a reference for me, and I know that says a lot.
I glance around behind me, the space temporarily transformed into something cleaner and more professional.My mom and Hazel took the kids to the park to give me some silence, promising to keep them occupied for as long as necessary.It means the world to me.
Straightening in my chair, I tuck my hair behind my ears.I chose a black blazer over a simple blouse, pairing it with comfortable pants.Just in case they catch a glimpse of my full outfit.
This morning, Adrian had sent me a message wishing me luck.
Adrian:You’ll do great.Call me when it’s done.I love you.x
His support calms me more than I expected as I reread the text.The monitor flickers, and then she’s there.A woman with sleek brown hair, wearing a sophisticated long sleeve burgundy blouse.Her background is a pristine, modern office, the kind of place I imagined city offices looked like.
“Hi, Miss Richards.How are you today?”she asks, her voice warm.
I smile, though my fingers grip the armrest of my chair.“I’m good, thank you.How are you?”
“Good, good.I’m Mya, the HR recruiter for Lincoln Media.I’ll be walking you through today’s discussion regarding the full-time fashion and lifestyle editor position.”
I nod, keeping my expression composed, even as my pulse quickens.
