“You want the honest answer or the best friend’s answer?”
“I don’t see how those two are different when it’s you,” I reply.
My best friend chuckles and continues moving her fingers on my hair and scalp. “True. Anyway, things got complicated the moment you stole a freaking bike. I still can’t even believe you did that, Soph. We were so worried about you.”
“But I’m fine now. I just acted on impulse. It won’t happen again.”
“Better make sure of it.”
8
SOPH
Currently playing: Strong by London Grammar
Iwait for King to join the call, nervously tapping the desk next to the computer in my parents’ office. It has been almost two weeks since the accident, and we haven’t had a chance to talk, because King needed to cancel our scheduled call due to a last-minute business trip.
I'm about to take another sip of my coconut milk latte when King’s smiling face appears on the screen. If his photos online were gorgeous, the man who looks at me through his camera is something out of this world.What's up with those Kingston genes?
“Thanks for agreeing to have this meeting today, Soph—wait, can I call you that?” I nod to confirm, and he continues. “Cool. As you might have heard, the business has been insanely busy with our latest location in Seattle, and it seems like I can't even relax for five minutes before someone needs something.”
“I understand. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me,” I say.
“Okay, let’s get started, we have plenty to talk about.” He looks down at what I assume are his notes. “So, I thought we should have a relaxed conversation to get to know each other. I’ve never enjoyed stiff job interviews where applicants don’t feel comfortable. What do you think?”
“I would like that, as I’m pretty nervous myself, if I’m being honest.”
He smiles reassuringly. “Time to chill, Soph. I’m one of those bosses who don’t care much about formalities and social norms. How’s your arm, by the way?”
I relax my posture by resting my uninjured arm on the table before speaking. “It still hurts at times, but I’m lucky it wasn’t anything more serious. My doctors recommended using a sling for up to six weeks to allow my muscles and other soft tissue to rest and heal after the operation.”
“Glad to hear you’re doing better—let me check something real quick.” He looks down again, and his lips move like he’s counting something. “So, if you start working in around two weeks, depending on how quickly we get the paperwork done, you would still have to wear your sling for a week or two after starting?”
“Yeah, that sounds about right. I have another consultation next week. Luckily, it’s my left arm and not my right arm. I can still use the computer, write notes, and such. Just one-handed, which slows me down but doesn’t stop me.”
“Good. So, time to be honest, Soph. Do you think you will be ready to work in two weeks?”
“That would actually be great. I don’t like to be between four walls doing nothing. I need more in life. My other injuries are also healing well, so if everything goes well, I’ll be ready to startat the beginning of October,” I tell him. I know some of my friends, like Rose, enjoy being home and doing whatever they want within the four walls. But that ain’t me. I get bored if I’m ill even for a few days, so the last few days have been awful.
King nods and writes something down. “Funnily enough, Jax is like that too. He doesn’t like to be still for more than a few minutes, always coming up with new projects or something else to do.”
It’s a smart move to drop his cousin’s name in the conversation. I hope I didn’t flinch, as that would show how much I dislike the idea of working with Jax. “Well, at least we have something in common then.”
“I’m sure you’ve plenty more, too. But let’s talk more about you. I like to start with something you feel passionate about.”
I smile at him. “I like that.”
“So, I have a question for you; if you were to choose a song that shaped who you are today, which one would you pick?”
“Only one?”
“Well, let’s start withonesong—any song. I won’t judge…at least not much.”
I laugh at his comment. “It’s actually pretty easy to choose, believe it or not. My pick is “Strong” by London Grammar.”
“And why is that?”
“It reminded me that it’s okay to be vulnerable too. That I don’t have to be strong every day,” I tell him. I feel like I can be open with him, even if he’s interviewing me for a job.
