Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Idrum my fingernails against the side of my thigh, the soft cashmere from my dress doing little to soothe my nerves as I wait patiently for the elevator to lead me up to the fourteenth floor.
I’m not sure what possessed me to apply for jobs this week, but I was shocked to receive an immediate request to interview at Avery Marx, an up-and-coming design firm located in the heart of Manhattan.
I never thought I’d hear back from them considering my only experience is as an intern, and the position is for an associate designer, so, needless to say, I was surprised when they called.
Although I’m going into this with no expectations, I could really use a win this week.
Luciano’s called a couple of times, but I haven’t answered them purely out of spite. He needed time, and now I need time, too.
The more days that passed without contact between us, the more I realized how upsetting his behavior truly was…is.
When I think about my ideal partner, trust is at the top of the list. Without trust, a relationship has nothing, and if this situation has shown me anything, it’s that Luciano doesn’t fully trust me.
For whatever reason, there’s doubt in his mind about who I am as a person, or at least that’s how it seems.
But as much as I want to be angry with him and keep him at arm's length, every piece of my soul craves to be near him. I’m mad, but unfortunately, my heart hasn’t gotten that memo and has already forgiven him.
Not a single ounce of my love for him has faded, and I’m not sure it ever could.
I know in my heart if he simply muttered the words I’m sorry, I’d fold like a lawn chair.
Still, he’s made me wait for any attempt to communicate with him. It’s taken him over a week and a half to contact me. He can wait a few more days for me.
As the elevator door opens, a young woman sitting behind a reception desk glances up at me from her computer. She has a short and drastic bob and is wearing wire-frame glasses that are too large for her features. For whatever reason, though, it works for her.
I step forward and smile. “Hi. Raina Lancaster here to see Avery Marx.”
“I’ll let her know you’re here. Feel free to have a seat.” She gestures to the white plush chairs near the corner of the room.
“Thank you.” When I sink into the soft cushion of the chair closest to the wall, I cross my legs and I tug on the edge of my boot to pull it further up my calf.
My heart gallops in my chest, so I try to calm my breathing and reassure myself that whichever way this goes, things will be fine.
Applying for jobs was an impulse, anyway.
An endorphin rush I was chasing in an attempt to make my heart hurt less.
“Raina?” An incredibly tall woman calls out to me less than five minutes later. She steps through an open office door across from where the reception desk sits, and as she gets closer, she extends her hand. “I’m Avery. Nice to meet you.”
“So nice to meet you!” I shake her hand. “Thank you so much for your time.”
“Please, follow me. Let’s have a seat and chat.”
When the door closes behind us, we both take a seat opposite of each other, and she dives right in. “So, I looked over your resume—it’s very impressive. Can you tell me about your experience with your previous employer?”
“Sure.” I smile and then proceed to tell her my achievements while at Tomè, about the events I spearheaded, and the industry-related skills I mastered during my time of employment.
When I finish, she purses her lips and asks, “Can you tell me why you remained an intern for so long? It seems like you have great talent and are a valuable asset to a team.”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I reply a little too honestly.
“It’s the reason I left, actually. After six years of being an intern, I was more than ready to move up.
However, either my boss didn’t feel the same, or she wasn’t willing to assign me to an open position, because I was never given the opportunity.
So, I decided it was best to part ways.”
“Completely understandable. Frankly, I’m surprised you stayed as long as you did.” She glances at my resume again. “Look, I’m going to be honest with you, Ms. Lancaster. You’re far too qualified for the position you applied for.”
My heart sinks, and I know where she is going with this. At least I can say I tried.
Although, what she ends up saying next shocks me. “How would you feel about a position as assistant creative director instead?”
“I would love that,” I answer without hesitation. I’m beaming—my smile is so wide, it hurts.
“That’s wonderful news! I’d love to have you start with us a week from Monday, if you’re available then.
Sarah, who’s currently in that position, is moving to the West Coast. Ideally, I’d like to get you in here before she leaves so you can see how our team operates and decide whether we would be a good fit for you. ”
I can hardly believe my ears. “Wait, you’re hiring me on the spot?”
“Ms. Lancaster, I know talent when I see it. I've looked at your resume and portfolio, and everything you’ve done so far has been impressive. I’d love to have you on my team.”
“Thank you! Thank you so, so much. I can’t wait to start.” Extending my hand, I shake hers again with a smile on my face, then we both stand.
“I’ll have the necessary employment paperwork couriered to you later this week. If you could fill it out and return it on your first day, that would be great.”
“I will! Thank you.”
I’m riding Cloud Nine as I exit the building, so excited and giddy, I’m practically skipping through the doors, eager to tell the people I love about the opportunity I was just given.
Pulling my phone out of my purse, I instinctively scroll to Luciano’s name, wanting to call him, but I think better of it.
Dialing Vinnie instead, I listen to the phone ring as I stand on the busy New York sidewalk, but she doesn’t answer. She must still be at lunch with her mother.
I call Cecilia next, and she answers on the third ring.
“Guess what?” I blurt the second I hear her greet me.
“What?” she asks with equal enthusiasm.
“I just got out of the interview at Avery Marx, and I got offered a job! But, Cee, not the job I applied for! They want me to be the assistant creative director! I start a week from Monday.”
She shrieks with excitement into the receiver, and I have to pull it away from my ear. “That’s amazing! We need to celebrate!”
“I’m so excited. How about tonight? Dinner?”
“Yes! Let’s try that new French bistro in SoHo.”
“Sounds perfect. I tried to get a hold of Vinnie, but she didn’t answer. Have you talked to her?”
“As far as I know, she’s still at lunch with her mom and Luciano. I’ll send her a text and coordinate with you both about dinner tonight. We’ll get a big bottle of champagne to celebrate and a sparkling water for Vins.”
Happy tears spring to my eyes. I’m so grateful for my amazing friends. “I can’t wait.”
“I’m so proud of you! I’ll text you in a while.”
We hang up, and no sooner does my phone start ringing again.
Luciano’s name flashes across my screen, but I’m not ready to answer.
Right now, I’m happy, and I intend to stay that way, at least for the rest of today.
The heaviness I’ve been carrying around in my heart feels just the slightest bit lighter, so, as much as I want to tell him about this, I send him to voicemail and slide my phone back into my clutch.
I know he’ll be at our biweekly friend dinner tomorrow at Sly and Vinnie’s. I’ll face him then.
Tonight I’m celebrating me and my success, and I’ll be damned if I let my aching heart overwhelm this happiness.