Tess:Good luck today, Mills. No matter what happens, we’re proud of you.
Millie:Thanks, Tess!
Fabes:It’s so rude to send group texts at 5:06 a.m. It should be illegal. I’m going to call my local representative about it.
Fabes:But also, you’re going to do amazing today, Millie. You’re my favorite sister.
Tess:Who’s rude now? You know you were about to get up anyway. Wouldn’t want to miss shirtless Theo on his morning jog.
Mom:Girls, you’re adults now. Be nice.
Mom:Millie, you show those interviewers how amazing you are. We’re so proud of you.
Dad:You were made for that place, and they’re lucky to have you. Call us later.
***
I’ve been a nervous mess since four this morning, when I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. And I want to say that I’ve used that time to prepare for my interview, but I haven’t. With the image of Kyle’s irritatingly smug face circling in my mind all night and this morning, I haven’t been able to concentrate on anything else.
So I’ve put all my anxious energy into getting dressed in the perfect outfit—a pair of fitted slacks, a bright white blouse with little flower details, and a pair of heels that are tall enough to give me a boost of authority without being so high that I’m going to fall in the interview.
When I walk into the kitchen, Lena is in her pajamas, hair wild in every direction while she pours coffee into a mug.
“Boss bitch energy,” she mumbles as she surveys my outfit, trying to sound a lot more awake than she looks.
“Sleepy bitch energy.” I laugh, waving my hand in her direction.
“Of all seven dwarfs, I identify most as Sleepy. Maybe Grumpy this morning.” She pours about a cup of creamer into the mug and gives it a stir before taking a sip. “This’ll help me rally, though. Want some?”
“No, thanks. I think I need Maggie’s today.” I grab my bag and reach my arms out for her.
Lena sets her mug down on the counter and wraps me in a hug. “You look great, your outfit is perfect, and your ass is fantastic.” She smacks it for emphasis before clasping my face between her hands. “Remember who you are. You’re Millie Oaks, and you deserve that job. You’re a badass butterfly who has emerged from her chrysalis, fucking stunning and ready to fly.”
***
My hands shake with nerves as I join the line at Maggie’s. She spots me from behind the espresso machine and waves me over to the pickup area, pulling a bag out from behind the counter.
“Finn called right when we opened this morning,” she says with a sparkly grin. “Said today was an important day and we needed to make this special for you.” She slides the pastry bag my way.
My lips part as I unfold the top of the package to peek inside. The golden-brown almond croissant is still warm in my hands.
Maggie grabs my Americano from the barista at the espresso machine. “He also said you might need this.” She pulls an apron off the kitchen door and hands it over the counter to me. “And I say you needthiswhile you eat so you don’t mess up that gorgeous outfit.”
After thanking Maggie profusely, I make my way to an empty table and sit down. My stomach fills with flutters as I absorb the fact that Finn went through all the effort of calling this morning. I’m not quite sure I deserve it.
Even with everything looming this morning, I force myself to think of Finn and the girls while I enjoy my breakfast, wishing they would come in the door any moment to join me.
Once my croissant and coffee are gone, I return the apron to Maggie, extremely grateful not to have crumbs all over me. Sticking a pair of headphones on my ears, I start a Girl Power playlist Lena made and walk to my office, soaking in as many motivational lyrics as I can.
Micah greets me from his desk as I enter. “You’re looking like an entomology department director today.” He beams.
“Well, thank you.” I drop my headphones into my bag, and my eyes land on a bouquet of flowers and a wrapped package on my desk.
I look to Micah, and he shrugs. “They were here when I came in.”
The small, delicate blooms of purple, pink, yellow, and blue look like they’ve just been plucked from a field of wildflowers. I bend forward and close my eyes to inhale their soft, sweet scent, letting it transport me to the fields I grew up on, where I spread wildflower seeds and ran through the blossoms.
When I open my eyes, they land on the small envelope and two pieces of paper.
