I deposited an armful of empty glasses and snatched up the waiting orders.
Heavy bass pulsed through my body as I weaved through the crowded dance floor, a tray of drinks balanced expertly on my palm.Neon lights flashed and swirled, illuminating the sea of swaying bodies.Sweat and perfume hung in the air, cloying and heady.
I ducked and dodged through the throngs of people with a dancer’s grace.It was a skill honed over years of working at Eclipse, where the dance floor was always packed and the music never stopped.
As I edged through the crowd, a group of rowdy bachelorettes caught my attention.They were shrieking and laughing, waving their hands in the air as if they didn’t have a care in the world.I couldn’t help smiling at their infectious energy.
But I couldn’t stay and watch for long.The tray was heavy, and I didn’t want to spill anything.With a nod to the bachelorettes, I continued on my way, the bass still pounding in my ears.
In the VIP section, I handed off the drinks to the group of well-dressed businessmen lounging on the plush couches, their laughter rising above the music.I plastered on my most charming smile.
“Gentlemen, your drinks,” I set down the glasses with practiced grace.They nodded appreciatively, their eyes lingering on my fitted black dress.I brushed off their advances with a coy smirk, anticipating a generous tip.
A ringing phone at the businessmen’s table pierced through the music.
“Hugh, can you grab that?”
The smell of garlic and rosemary wafted through the apartment as I stirred the bubbling pasta sauce.My phone continued to ring from the living room, vibrating against the wooden table.
“Hugh?”
No response.His eyes remained glued to the TV, thumbs mashing the controller.
I sighed, wiping my hands on a dish towel.This was the third time I’d asked.
The phone went to voicemail.A familiar ache settled in my chest.I turned the heat down under the sauce and leaned against the counter, crossing my arms.
Hugh glanced up.“What’s that?”
I bit my tongue, irritation simmering.We’d been over this.I wanted a partner, not a roommate.Someone who’d grab the phone when I asked, pull me into his arms for a kiss just because, gaze into my eyes like I was the only thing that mattered.
But Hugh seemed content with our stagnant relationship.And as much as it pained me to admit it, I was tired of trying to change him.
“Never mind,” I said, forcing a smile.“It’s probably just my mom.”
He grunted in response and went back to his game.
As I stirred the noodles and poured glasses of wine, thoughts of my future invaded my mind.It wasn’t just Hugh and our relationship—or lack thereof.It was about what I really wanted out of life—a fulfilling career, meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose—all documented in painstaking detail in my battered planner.
The oven timer went off, breaking through my thoughts.“Dinner’s ready!”
“Smells good.”Hugh said, pausing his game to come to the table.
We ate mostly in silence, only making small talk about work or current events.Afterwards, we cleared the table and settled on the couch, Hugh playing his game and me reading on my Kindle.Unspoken tension hung between us.
“I need more,” I said before I could stop myself.
Hugh looked at me, taken aback.My phone trilled again.Hugh’s gaze slid from it to me.I snatched up the phone and stomped into the kitchen.
“Callie!”he called.
We needed to finish the conversation, but it would have to wait.
As I headed back to the bar, my phone buzzed against my thigh.I ducked into a quiet corner and fished it out of my hidden pocket.An email notification: “Price Industries Internship - First Day Instructions.”
My heart leaped into my throat as I scanned the message, barely registering the words of praise and welcome.I had done it.Months of juggling grad school assignments and shifts at Eclipse had finally paid off.This internship was my ticket into the corporate world.My dream career was within reach.So close I could taste it.
A woman’s voice came through the line, crisp and professional.“May I speak with Callie Winters, please?”
