The email is short and to the point. I also appreciate that Lilian doesn’t just assume I’m available.
Dear Lilian,
Yes, I am still very interested in a position with your company. I’m available any weekday between noon and two.
I can pretend I’m taking an extended lunch break when I interview, since I don’t want Jack to know I’m planning to quit until I have a firm offer. Given how poorly he reacted to what happened on Saturday, I don’t think anything good will come of his knowing about my intention to leave.
I should send more résumés out. I have a feeling today’s going to be my lucky day. More companies might be interested in my skill set.
I pull up more listings from a bunch of job sites and submit my résumé. I have the right college degree and experience. Whywouldn’ta company want me?
My phone pings. Maybe Lilian’s getting back to me with possible dates?
–Georgia: Guess what? I’m back in town!
–Me: Hey! Welcome back!
–Georgia: We should do lunch! Are you available?
–Me: Now? Sure! What are you in the mood for?
–Georgia: Sushi! Please!
I laugh. I know just the place, and it’s only a couple of blocks from the gym.
–Me: How about Zen Asia at noon?
–Georgia: Done!
–Me: I’ll head over at five till so we can get a table.
Zen Asia is always busy, and it’s impossible to get a table if you get there even a minute after twelve. I check my work emails to make sure Elaine hasn’t dumped any last-minute items in my lap. She has a habit of doing that right before lunch, which can be irritating. But at least she doesn’t do it often.
Around eleven thirty, I sling my purse over my shoulder and head out of the back office against a tide of people wanting to squeeze a quick workout in during their lunch break. Dana’s on a treadmill, running steadily. If she’s still upset about Saturday, you wouldn’t know it. One of her friends is filming her from behind, so the viewer can only see her butt. Dana’s Nike leggings are so tight, the fabric sticks to her glutes perfectly, molding even to her ass crack. I note James and Tim observing carefully from one of the power racks.
I walk across the gym, basically invisible. But then, I’m not in a skintight outfit, and I don’t have a toned body like Dana’s. My pink top and purple skirt are loose. My shoes are sensible mary janes in black.
“Hey.”
I turn and see Arturo in his trainer’s outfit. His mouth is smiling, but his eyes are tentatively searching mine. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s concerned about my reaction to him, except I have no plans to treat him any differently based on what happened on Saturday.
I give him a friendly smile, like always. “Hi.”
The tension in his shoulders eases. “You heading out to lunch?”
“Yep.”
“Wanna eat together?” He flashes a dimple.
“Sorry. Not possible today.”
The skin around his eyes tightens, although he maintains his smile. “Is it because of Nicholas?”
“No. I’m meeting my best friend. Girls only.”
Besides, although I don’t plan to change my behavior around Arturo, that doesn’t mean I’ll spend more time than I have to with him. The fact that he’s a famous movie star’s son makes me wary. Like…why does he want to hang out with me when he could be with anybody? Petra for one would be totally interested, and they spend more time together on the floor than we ever could.
Despite the interruption, I reach Zen Asia before noon and snag the last table. The guy behind me groans in disappointment.
