5
KIERA
"Hey, Kiera! First day jitters?" Tammy's voice beams through the phone.
I chuckle nervously. "You got it, Tam. I can’t believe it’s all happening so fast. Just two weeks ago, I was finding out I was being cheated on and wondering what to do with my life and how I was going to look at what’s-his-name’s face.” I thought I would be working at the museum for the foreseeable future. “It’s surreal that I landed this job so quickly.”
“I always knew you were going to land on your feet.” Tammy smiles at me from my phone as she gets dressed alongside me. “But yeah, it is a little strange that everything went so fast.”
I fidget with my blouse before picking up the phone off the stand next to my vanity.
“It kind of is, isn’t it?”
“Is it the same job Ellie made you apply to when you were in your Breakup Vortex?”
Breakup Vortex is a term that my friends came up with after I first broke up with Chris five years ago and didn’t show up to school for a week. Little did they know that it had little to do with Chris and more about what happened afterwards with Jake. I’ve never spoken to another soul about it, not Ellie or Tammy.
So now, they chose to resurrect the term and get to tease me about it.
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“Ellie told me you didn’t get out of your hoodie for three days,” Tammy says. “And you stopped going to your favorite coffee spot. I know you did because you always send me a picture before you start your day.”
“That was not about Derek,” I say. “It was about my job at the museum. I loved working there and knew deep down that my days there were numbered.”
“Well, it’s a good thing the garbage just took itself out. Now it’s your first day back at the office, and you should concentrate on that.” Tammy smiles. “And you were telling me how this wonderful opportunity just fell into your lap?”
“It must be fate.” I shake my head. “Right after I put in the resignation, they just called me out of the blue telling me to go to an interview the next day. I was still at the museum!”
“Wow, that really does sound like fate, although you know me—I like my theories to have a scientific basis rather than cosmic connections,” Tammy says. “But go on.”
“We hit it off from the start,” I say. “She told me that my history of working with art pieces perfectly fit what they were looking for and that I was the only person who had experience working with contemporary art and pieces from the past five decades.”
“I told you; your tastes were eclectic.”
“Yeah, well, Derek always told me that it was all over the place.”
“That’s because he was jealous.” Tammy shakes her head. “But you got the job.”
I break into a huge grin. “I got the job!”
“What's this new job of yours all about? Can you share any details?"
I grin, feeling a mix of nerves and exhilaration.
"It's a bit of a leap from my old position. I'll be working in a more business-focused role, helping with the strategy and operations side, and working closely with the CEO. The admin told me he comes from a long line of artists. So, it looks like I’ll be finally working at a place where the people know what they’re doing.”
“That is so cool,” Tammy says. “This is a dream come true.”
I brush my hair out of my face. “It really is. I just hope the CEO is kind and considerate, whoever they are.”
Tammy frowns. “You don’t know?”
I shake my head. “There’s no mention of them on the company website or the job listing. I was focused on the interview. Besides, they gave me three questions to ask, and I couldn’t let one of them be, so hey, what’s the CEO like? Is he chill or like a total loser who looks down on women?”
Tammy nods. “Fair enough. Now
let me take a look at you."
I step farther from the phone so she can see all of me and twirl for her.
"Perfect choice! You'll be turning heads for all the right reasons."
I smile, grateful for Tammy's unwavering support. "What about makeup? Is it too much." I bring my phone camera closer to my face.
Tammy's voice takes on a playful tone. "Darling, you're a vision. A touch of makeup is just the right sprinkle of confidence. Trust me, you'll rock it. I'm so thrilled for you, Kiera!"
"Thanks, Tam. It's a bit nerve-wracking, though.”
“You’re going to crush it, girl.” Tammy smiles. “Good luck, and text me the deets later.”
“Will do.” I disconnect the call.
I give myself one last glance in the mirror, ensuring everything is in place before stepping out into the crisp morning air.
For the first time in two weeks, I order myself a coffee. It's a simple act, but it feels like a small victory. The barista hands me the steaming cup, and I take a moment to savor the rich aroma before taking a tentative sip. The bitter warmth dances on my tongue, and I love every bit of it.
I capture a photo of my coffee, the frothy swirls forming an intricate pattern on the surface. The caption I write reads, "First coffee in two weeks! Fresh start vibes.”
I send it off to Tammy. Something in my gut tells me it will only get better from here.
Arriving at the new office building, I admire the sleek glass fa?ade reflecting the morning sunlight.
The revolving glass door ushers me into a modern lobby with polished floors and minimalist décor. It's a stark departure from my previous workplace, and I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation as I approach the reception desk.
The area is bathed in natural light, thanks to the expansive windows that offer a glimpse of the city beyond.
As I step into the elevator, I press the button for the twenty-fifth floor, where my new office awaits. The elevator glides smoothly upward, and my nerves mix with excitement.
You’re going to be great, Kiera. You were chosen for a reason. You’re good at what you do.
The doors open, revealing a spacious, modern workspace, and I straighten myself.
The admin who interviewed me, Thea, greets me warmly. "Kiera, welcome! We're so glad to have you on board. Let me show you around."
“Hi, Thea.” I adjust my skirt as I follow her into the office.
The office layout is open and collaborative, with clusters of desks, glass-walled meeting rooms, and a panoramic view of the city skyline. Not to mention the various art pieces hanging on the wall, giving the place character. They definitely know their art here.
Thea leads me to the HR office to complete the final formalities. As I wait, my eyes wander around the room, drawn to the paintings adorning the walls. One in particular catches my attention – a vivid creation signed by Jake's father. It's one of his early works, and I'm surprised to see a family heirloom hanging here.
The realization dawns on me that everything can indeed be bought at a price. The Bennetts don’t lack money, so I’m surprised they just gave it away.
A pang of uncertainty grips me.
What if the CEO I’m about to meet is a Bennett, perhaps even one of Jake's cousins? I've met a few members of Jake's family before, and the idea of working for them feels like navigating a minefield of awkwardness. Especially after what happened between the two of us.
I haven’t seen Jake in so long, but knowing him, I’m pretty sure he took on the hedge fund business from his father. At least I know it can’t be him, but I can’t imagine meeting any of his extended family. And working for them wouldn’t be any better.
I know I haven’t spoken to anybody about what happened. But what if he did? That could put a serious dent in my career.
Before my thoughts can spiral further, Thea returns.
"The CEO is ready to see you now, Kiera."
I nod, taking a deep breath to compose myself. As I follow Thea down the corridor, I can only hope I’m wrong and that I’m not about to be introduced to a Bennett.