“Exactly our philosophy,” Kara says, practically bouncing. “We’re creating experiences, building relationships.”
The interview flows. They ask about the campaigns I’m proud of and the challenges I’ve faced. I tell them about the unconventional approach that tripled engagement, the community campaign that won an award. I don’t mention Derek or the toxic environment I was forced to work in, but instead, I focus on what I love, the rush of seeing an idea come to life.
“Marley,” Michael says finally, “I have to be honest. We’ve interviewed candidates with more experience, bigger names.” Damn! My heart sinks. “But none of them have your spark. Your passion reminds me of why I got into this business.”
“We want to offer you the position. One hundred and ten thousand to start, full benefits, performance bonuses, and four weeks’ vacation. We’d be lucky to have you.”
My jaw actually drops. Not figuratively, literally. I sit here staring at Michael as if he just offered me ownership of the whole damn building instead of a job.
“One hundred and… what?” I manage, blinking at him like an idiot because surely I heard him wrong. My heart kicks hard against my ribs, a full-body jolt.
That’s almost double what I make working for Derek.
That’s life-changing.
Is this real?
My palms go sweaty, my throat tight. “I-I don’t even know what to say,” I whisper, because I really don’t. My brain is running in circles, trying not to cry in a glass-walled office as if I am a complete idiot. “This is… this is incredible.”
Their smiles say they’re satisfied with my reaction. Inside, I’m screaming. Out loud, I swallow and try to look like a professional woman who totally deserves this and is not two seconds away from pulling a happy dance.
Sophia smiles. “Well, Marley, the job is yours, if you want it.”
My voice cracks. “R-really?”
“Really.”
Fifty thousand more than Derek pays me.
To do work I believe in.
To work with people who value creativity.
“Yes,” I say quietly. “Yes, absolutely!” I declare with a bit more vigor this time.
By the time I’m back in the elevator, I’m floating. My hands shake as I pull out my cell and call Nitro.
He answers on the first ring. “How’d it go?”
“I got it!” My voice breaks on a laugh. “They offered it to me on the spot.”
“Marley…” The pride in his voice makes my chest tight. “Baby, that’s incredible. I fucking knew it.”
“They actually listened to me, Nitro. Likereallylistened.”
“Of course they did. You’re brilliant. Stay there. I’m coming to get you. We’re celebrating.” He ends the call before I can say anything else, so I open the group text chain between Beck, Sage, and me and send a message.
Me:I GOT IT!!!!!
Sage Against the Machine:I knew you would, you brilliant bitch!
Beck The Better Brother:My sister! The best there is. I’m gonna call you, pick up!
And true to his word, seconds later, my cell begins to ring. I let out a small laugh as I swipe the screen to my crazy older brother. “Hey, Beck.”
“Don’t act all coy with me, you whore. I know you wanna scream from the rooftops with me.”
I glance around the foyer of the Blackwell Entertainment building as I make my way out, and I smirk. “I would, but I am still in the building… give me a few seconds.”
