Chapter One
Xia
CyberCo Tech Enterprises, The Oliver Tech & Energy Centre, Poydras St., New Orleans, Louisiana...
“Good Lord, I heard the chatter about this building, but I never imagined it was this impressive,” Xia Foster muttered under her breath.Straining her neck, she looked up at the thirty-nine-story high property that commanded the downtown skyline.“No wonder it’s reported as one of the finest office towers in the state.”
With her feet dragging, she walked toward the entrance of the predominantly glass and steel building.
“If only this interview was for a proper job fitting my education and expertise here at CyberCo Tech Enterprises instead of pouring pints at the CEO’s little side gig.”
Her shoulders slumping completed the vision of a woman who had reached rock bottom.Well, not just yet, but she was pretty close.She’d just paid her penthouse apartment’s bond payment and had barely enough left for groceries and necessities for the month.Being out of work for six months had all but emptied her savings account.“At least my car is paid off; otherwise, I would’ve lost that too.”
The reality was, she still might...if she didn’t find a job soon.
Walking through the revolving glass doors, Xia’s mind drifted back to her glory days at GlobalTech Solutions.She had swiftly climbed the corporate ladder after completing her MBA from Tulane University, where she graduated summa cum laude.Before that, she had earned her Bachelor’s in Marketing and Communications from LSU.
At GlobalTech, she led the marketing team that had launched its revolutionary cloud computing platform.The campaign had exceeded targets by 200%, earning her the coveted Marketing Excellence Award.Under her leadership, the team had secured three Fortune 500 clients and expanded into international markets.
“Please clear your desk at the end of the day.Unfortunately, we’ve had to make some tough decisions.You were one of them, and we can’t afford to keep you on.You’ll receive the same severance package as the rest of the staff, but this is officially your last day.”
The words still echoed in her head.No warning, no prior explanation beyond corporate restructuring.Just a cardboard box and a severance package.
The following months became a blur of interviews.Tech startups said she demanded too high a salary.Mid-sized companies feared she would leave when something better came along.Small businesses couldn’t match her level of expertise.
“We’re looking for someone with less...experience,” they said with polite smiles that didn't reach their eyes.
The late-night drinking spree two weeks ago with her best friend since school, Cheri Butler, blared through her mind, mocking her for even considering this move, but as the saying went, desperate times made for desperate measures.
Xia wobbled on the barstool as she reached for the shot glass.Neither of them made a habit of drinking like this, but tonight the demons were winning.She noticed the slight tremor in Cheri’s usually steady hands.There was darkness lurking behind her friend’s forced smile.Something was off.She made a mental note to ask about it when they were both sober.
“People are fucking assholes,” Cheri growled, slamming down her fifth tequila shot.Her normally perfect posture gave way to a slight slump.“You’re a brilliant market strategist.”She jabbed her finger in Xia’s general direction, missing twice before managing to poke her nose.“But I’ve got a solution.”
Xia giggled as the room spun slightly.“Shoot.I’ll take anything at this point; I’m that desperate.”She squinted, trying to focus.“Except clean bedpans.No fucking way, not even for the most sought-after Trauma Specialist in New Orleans.”
Cheri straightened, suddenly serious.“No bedpans, but those people?Salt of the earth.”She hiccupped.“We should all aspire to be like them.”
“Well s-said, sister.”Xia’s tongue refused to cooperate.She gripped the edge of the bar to steady herself.“Still waiting on this solution of yours.”
“Right!So, Club Decadent Skies.”Cheri’s eyes lit up as she leaned forward conspiratorially.“You know I joined as a member of the club recently.Not that I’ve had time to go on one of their sky trips,” she said with a pout.“Their GoldenEye Airbuses fly from New York, Miami, and L.A.And now?”She paused for dramatic effect.“They’re launching a new club from New Orleans!”She rolled her eyes dramatically.“Finally, I’ll be able to get value from my membership.”
Xia’s head dropped to the bar with a soft thud.“Nice one...rub it in, why doncha?You told me what those memberships cost.I can’t afford it.Not anymore.You know that.”
“No, no, listen!”Cheri grabbed her shoulder.“I heard they’re hiring!Inflight staff positions.”
“What kind?”Xia lifted her head.“I’m not becoming some club sub.”
“Of course not.They’re looking for bartenders, waiters, coordinators, flight attendants...”Cheri’s voice trailed off as she tried to remember more positions.
Xia’s face crumpled along with the brief hope that had flared inside her.“I need a real job, Cheri.Part-time won’t cut it.Two more months and the car goes up for sale.”
“But that’s just it.”Cheri gripped both her shoulders.“They pay top dollar, danger pay for flying, and double the rate for weekend trips.”She waited until Xia met her eyes.“You can still job hunt, but this could keep you afloat.”
“Danger pay?”Xia’s eyebrows shot up.
“Something about liability insurance for working long hours in the air.”Cheri shrugged, nearly losing her balance.“The owner is a friend of my cousin, so I can put in a good word for you.Just promise you’ll think about it?”
Xia looked around the impressive lobby, with Cheri’s words keeping her from turning tail.The tequila had long since worn off, but her situation hadn’t changed, and the reality of her future remained stark.
