42
SELENA
FLASHBACK
I don't remember taking the train. I don't remember walking through the doors. I don't remember checking in at reception. I just remember sitting in a waiting room, staring at a wall, feeling absolutely nothing.
One week ago, I was on a bathroom floor. One week ago, I was bleeding out the last piece of myself. One week ago, his voice was still echoing in my head. It lives or dies. I don't care.
I should have cancelled. Should have stayed in bed. Should have done anything other than show up to an interview looking like a ghost. But the rent was due. And I had no money. And this job was the only thing keeping me from completely falling apart. So I showed up.
"Selena Davis?"
I looked up. A woman stood at the door, smiling. "Mr. Thorne will see you now."
I stood. Walked. Didn't feel my feet.
The office was massive. Windows everywhere. A desk that probably cost more than my apartment. And him. Standing by the window. Back to me. Tall. Broad shouldered. Dark suit.
He turned. Our eyes met.
And for one frozen second, something flickered in his gaze. Not recognition, we had never met. Something else. Like he saw me. Really saw me. The emptiness. The grief. The barely standing. Then it was gone.
"Selena Davis." His voice was deep. Warm. "Please, sit."
I sat. He sat across from me.
"Your résumé is impressive."
"Thank you."
"Your experience is exactly what we're looking for."
I nodded.
He leaned back. Studied me. "You haven't smiled once since you walked in."
I blinked. "Is that a problem?"
"No." He tilted his head. "But it makes me wonder what you're running from."
I went still. "I'm not running from anything."
"Everyone in London is running from something." His voice was quiet. Gentle. "The question is whether you're running toward something or just away."
I didn't know what to say. He didn't push.
"The job is yours if you want it."
I stared at him. "Just like that?"
"Just like that." He stood. Offered his hand. "You're qualified. You're capable. Whatever you're carrying, that's your business. But if you want a place to start over, this can be it."
I took his hand. Warm. Steady.
"Thank you."
"See you in a week, Selena."