Forty-Two
Louise
Grumpy Pants
Good luck. Let me know how the interview goes, Princess.
Iblow out a heavy, nervous breath and check my reflection in the rearview mirror one more time. Holy shit. Here goes nothing.
I’ve parked just down the block from Andi’s office in the heart of downtown Petoskey, and I make the short walk across the street. Her office is just a couple doors down fromTurn The Page Booksellers, Tessa’s bookstore that she opened with herbest friend, Jodi Thorp. I wave at Tess as I walk past, and she gives me two thumbs up.
Choosing an outfit this morning was the most stressful thing I’ve done in a hot minute. I know better than to try and wearheelheels…because, well, no one wants to do a job interview in an emergency room, and that’sexactlywhere I’d end up.
But the sound that my kitten heels make as they tap on the concrete sidewalk, I have to admit, is a confidence boost in itself.
The wide legged, black slacks I’d chosen hug my hips, flowing loosely around my thighs and down to the ground. I have an eggplant purple blazer on, paired with a simple black blouse beneath it. Simple, elegant, professional.
God, at least I hope so, anyway.
I find the door that leads to Andi’s office, a collection of other small business offices in the same entryway, and knock on the one that readsEver After Affairs with Andi Brentmoore.
The door opens and I smile wide at Andi, her light pink glasses sitting on the top of her head, pushing her bangs back away from her forehead. “I’m so excited you’re here! Come on in! Would you like a coffee?”
“I would love a coffee, thank you,” I reply, stepping into the office. It breaks away into two other rooms, and I glance around at the space.
“My office is through that door,” she says, pointing to the door on the left. She pops a coffee pod into the instant coffee maker and snaps the lid shut. “The one on the right will be yours, if all goes well. I also have a warehouse that I rent where I store all the necessary items for making a wedding day come alive.” The coffee machine gurgles to life, and she turns to me. “Any cream or sugar? My uh, my husband likes to joke that I don’t actually likecoffee, just French vanilla creamer with a dash of coffee for color.”
I laugh, nodding my head. “I’m the same way.”
“Oh perfect,” she sighs. “I won’t be judged on my coffee habits then.”
Handing me the steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, lightened just the right amount with the flavored creamer, she leads me into her office, directing me into a seat opposite her desk.
She waves at my outfit. “This is super cute, by the way. Perfect for day of weddings.” She gestures down to herself and rolls her lips between her teeth. “I chose comfort today, obviously.”
“It’s a Monday,” I laugh.
She’s wearing a matched lounge set in a muted blush pink that looks buttery soft, and her make up is natural and simple. Her freckles seem to pop out more today on her cheeks than usual.
“God, don’t I know it,” she mumbles, sitting down in her chair and taking a drink of her own coffee. Pulling the glasses off her head, her short sweep bangs fall back over her forehead, and she pops the glasses in place on her nose. “My kids were absolute heathens getting ready for school this morning, and I purposefully never schedule appointments or meetings with brides on Monday’s.” I mentally take note of that little piece of information, stowing it away for later, just in case… She blows out her breath and folds her hands around the mug in front of her. “Anywho. Please, tell me about you. What interested you in this position?”
And, here we go.
By the time I’m walking out of Andi’s office an hour later, I’m fairly bouncing on my feet in excitement.
I got the job!
Climbing into my car, I chew on my lip for a heartbeat before pulling out of my parking spot and heading the few blocks down to the station.
Parking, I hop out, running to the big bay door that’s wide open. Zach, Joel, and another fireman I don’t recognize arestanding just inside, congregated next to a smaller tanker. When Zach spots me, he steps away from them, a wide grin splitting his face as I race toward him.
“Well?” he asks, spreading his arms wide.
“I got it!” I laugh, launching myself at him. He catches me around the waist, hugging me tight to his chest. “I got the job!”
“See?” he says, pushing me away far enough so he can look down at me. My cheeks ache from the ear-to-ear grin I’m wearing. “I knew you would.”
“I can’t even believe it,” I laugh, practically bouncing on the balls of my feet. “Zach. She’s offered to pay for my tuition if I want to go back to school to get my degree in hospitality and event management.” Shaking my head, I open my mouth and close it, open it again. My mind is still reeling. “I honestly don’t even know how to function right now. It’s just… this is insane, right?”
