It’s contagious, and I hate that I love it.
By the time we make it inside, I’m dizzy and trying not to hurl from the rush of blood to my head. Dominik puts me down, holding me up while I adjust to being back on my feet.
“That was fun,” he remarks, placing a kiss on the back of my head.
“Yeah, for you. What’s all this?”
I take a quick look around the dark, open space. It doesn’t even resemble Madison Square Garden. It’s just a huge concretebox. Plastic tarps hang all around, and bundles of building supplies are randomly scattered in the middle of the floor.
Dominik takes my hand and leads me through the plastic drapes. We enter a massive, open space that seems to stretch for miles. I never realized they had this much square footage here. Maybe it has always been here but just sectioned off?
“This is an upcoming extension they’re currently developing. It’s meant to be a versatile space, catering to all sorts of things like concerts, sports events, and private or public gatherings. It’s still in the planning stages, and they’re looking for an architectural team to lead the project.”
I’m standing here, and my mind is already brimming with potential ideas for a blank canvas like this. It would be so much fun to work on a project of this size.
“That’s really cool. Will it affect your games or the playoffs?”
Dom shakes his head, reaching inside his coat pocket and pulling out a piece of paper.
“You asked me why we’re here. I wanted you to see the place so you could get excited for the future.”
I blink at him, waiting for him to say more. But instead, he just hands me the paper and waits. I unfold it, trying to make sense of what I’m looking at.
It appears to be a job application.
With my name on it…
For… Wait…
“This is filled out. With all my personal information,” I whisper, quickly scanning the rest of the page.
“When I heard they were seeking external applicants, I knew I had to get your name in front of the panel. But I also knew if I told you about it, you’d never do it yourself.”
I stare up at Dominik, dumbfounded.
He continues when I don’t speak. “So, I filled it out and sent it off. I just wanted to show you where you might be workingsoon. It’s always been your dream, Zo, and I want you to be happy.”
My eyes fall back down to the paper.
My name is on a job application to be part of the architectural and design team for the remodel of the extension at Madison Square Garden. Something I would have never even found out on my own, nor would I have applied because I know I won’t get it.
So now, I get to wait for more disappointing news.
“You had no right.” I fist the papers and shove them into his chest.
“You’re pissed?”
“Of course I’m pissed. You didn’t ask me if I wanted this. You didn’t even tell me. Who does that?”
“Someone who knows you better than you know yourself.” He takes a step toward me.
“You don’t know me.”
“I know every part of you. You can try to deny it, Zoe, but I don’t believe you. I knowyoudon’t even believe you. I’m sorry you feel like I overstepped, but don’t stand here and tell me I don’t fucking know you. We’re inevitable. Basic chemistry.”
I open my mouth to respond, but my jaw snaps shut when I realize I don’t know what to say.
“Do you want me to pull your name out?” he grits out angrily.
