Chapter Eight
Hannah
Two days later, I had an email in my inbox from Magda, the head of HR at Sterling Investments. I opened it with trembling fingers, scrolling through it quickly. It had been a while since I'd seen an invitation to an interview, but they seemed pretty standard.
I pressed a hand on my chest, breathing in and out. I was curled on my couch in my tiny apartment in San Diego. The sun shone right on my bare feet, warming me up. Over the past three days, I'd fretted over whether this was a good idea or not.
I wanted a job that started as soon as possible, but I still felt guilty for practically accepting Chase's offer the second he made it. I should've talked with my sister, even Josh, beforehand, but it seemed like a sign when he came up with the idea.
I figured I'd only call my sister if I really heard back from their HR. She was on her honeymoon, after all, and I really didn’t want to bother them, but I couldn't postpone the moment any longer.
I got up from the couch, making myself a coffee. My apartment was a studio and only had one room, but it was in the Gaslamp Quarter, so I was right in the city center. I moved here after my breakup and figured I’d be at the inn most of the time, so I wouldn’t need more space.
I took two sips before pressing my sister's number. She answered right away.
"Hey. It's super early on your side, huh?" she asked.
"Yes, it is. Do you have a minute? I want to talk to you. Sorry to bother you on your honeymoon."
"You never bother me! Wait, is it gossip hour, or is it something serious? I can't tell from your voice. It's still way too early."
"It's not gossip," I said, unless I included the kiss between Chase and me, and I wasn't.
"Okay, spill it."
"Listen, you remember how I told you and Mom that I'm toying with the idea of taking a job again and saving up for renovations?"
"Yeah, and we both think that's a great idea."
"Right. So Chase offered me a job. He said they're always looking for brokers, and I’m in touch with the HR person. I just wanted to check with you and Josh before I agreed to an interview."
My sister was silent for a few seconds and then said, "So when did you two discuss this? Before or after the kiss?"
I nearly swallowed my tongue and almost dropped my coffee on the floor.
"You know about the kiss?"
"Yes. Chase told Josh, and Josh tells me everything. How come you didn't tell me?"
"I was going to, eventually."
"Oh really?"
"Well, the truth is, the more time passed...."
"Josh also said he warned Chase off you."
"What?" My cheeks heated up. Chase had said something to that effect, but I hadn't realized he'd literally warned him.
"Sister dearest, I have to do the same."
I cleared my throat. "This is just about a job offer."
"Hmm, really? Hey, Josh, remember how you warned Chase to stay away from my sister?" she said on the other end of the phone.
"Yeah," I heard Josh reply.
"He's now offered my sister a job."
"Motherfucker," Josh exclaimed.
This is a disaster.
"Blair," I chastised, "please don't give him a hard time. Look, we kissed at the wedding, and it was a onetime thing." A delicious kiss, but my sister didn't need to know that. "We agreed that it will be a strictly professional relationship if I end up working for him. For all you know, I might flunk my interviews."
"I know you won't. You interview really well. Oh, shoot. I might have excited Josh a bit too much. I've got to calm him down. Listen, of course you can do whatever you want. You're a grown woman, okay? And Sterling Investments is one of the best companies you could work at. It would look amazing on your résumé."
"I think so too," I said, happy she was seeing my point of view. I took another sip of coffee. "All right then, I'm going to email HR back right now."
"Go kick ass, Hannah.”
I felt energized after hanging up. I could do this.
I immediately sat down and replied to Magda's email. The interview was tomorrow, so I didn't have a whole lot of time to prepare, but the job would also start at the first of the next month, which was in just ten days. That would mean I would have my first paycheck in the bank quicker than I thought.
The second I sent the email, I realized I should thank Chase. Even though I hoped I’d get the job on my own merits, I still had a foot in the door because of him. I picked up my phone and immediately texted him before I lost my nerve.
Hannah: Hey Chase, Magda just emailed me. Thank you so much for forwarding my contact information and for doing this.
Chase: My pleasure.
I couldn't believe he'd already replied. I was giddy.
What the hell? Turn it down, girl.
Chase : I've gone through your resume. It's impressive. You'll be an asset to the company.
Chase: I can't wait to see you.
My stomach somersaulted.
Hannah: Will you be there?
Chase : No, I'm not in charge of hiring.
Good, because I wasn't sure I could focus if I knew he was around.
Chase : But I'll drop by and wish you good luck.
Hannah: Maybe it’s better if you don’t. Might make others suspicious.
Chase: I’d just stop by to say good luck, not kiss you against the wall.
And there went my concentration already.
Hannah: Chase, remember your promise?
Chase: I do. I wasn't going to break it, but it’s interesting that that's where your mind went.
I grinned, deciding to tease him a bit.
Hannah: Word has it you're not good at keeping your promises. Just spoke to my sister and Josh.
Instead of replying, he called me. I licked my lips and held my breath as I pressed the green button and brought the phone to my ear.
"Whatever Josh said, don't believe him," he said as soon as I answered.
"Really? Your best friend is lying?"
"No, but he doesn't always talk about me in good terms."
"Oh, right, and you don't deserve all that trash talk?”
"What did he say? I need to have a word with Josh. He's my best friend. He can't keep bad-mouthing me."
"He's not, really," I said. "It feels like he's looking out for me, and that's nice. I haven't had that from a guy. He's mostly just emphasizing that you don't do relationships."
He cleared his throat. "He's not wrong."
"Why are you so against them?" I was genuinely curious.
"It's not that I'm against them, I just don't do them. Never have. Part of it was timing, but I can't blame everything on that. I know how to make time for things that are important to me. Marriage just never seemed like a prize, especially after my parents’ divorced."
That would leave scars, I supposed. “Are you on good terms with them?"
"Yes. Very. I’ve got a surprise for them.”
"Oh, what is it?" I asked. “I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.” Really, why should he tell me anything?
"In the divorce, they had to sell the store they both worked so hard to establish, and I’ve got the chance to buy it back."
"Oh, wow. That's amazing," I exclaimed. "Truly." That really was a big gesture. It was endearing. Kind of like me with the inn in a different sort of way.
"That's something you and I have in common," he said. "Roots are important to both of us."
"Yes, they are." It warmed my heart that he felt the same way.
"I bet we have a lot more in common than we think."
Hm, his tone had shifted lightly. It was just a little bit flirty.
"I agree. We're both great dancers. You completely surprised me. I never thought a grump could—”
"A what?"
I laughed at his response. "I mean, you were when I met you. I still think that's the most accurate description of you. But those moves, huh? I never could resist a good dancer."
"You go out dancing often?" His voice changed yet again. It had an edge to it I didn't recognize.
"Sometimes," I said.
"Alone?" That almost sounded like a growl.
"I feel like we slid off topic. We were talking about my interview. I don't want to be rude, but I really do think that people might put two and two together if they see you greeting me or something."
"You're right about that. I promise I won't show up before your interview."
"Thanks."
"So I'm wishing you the best of luck now."
"Thank you," I said. "And have a great evening."
"You too."
I was expecting to feel relieved that he’d agreed not to show up at the interview. But quite the contrary, I was disappointed.