Page 56 of Deceitful Oath
“That’s me,” I confirm. “Unless you’re the police, a lawyer, or collections.”
A second of silence stretches far too long. I’m about to jump in and explain that it was a bad joke when I hear a deep chuckle from the other side.
“You’re a funny one, huh?”
“To my own detriment,” I say casually. “Who is this, exactly?”
“Right, hello,” he clears his throat. “I’m Enzo. Enzo Riviera…the tech guru?”
“Do people actually call you that or did you name yourself?” I blurt without thinking.
Jesus Christ, Lux, control yourself. This man is calling to hire you.His booming laugh makes me jump and stretch the phone away from my ear.
“Okay, Lux,” he says finally, wheezing out a final chuckle. “I need to meet you. Can you do Friday at noon for an interview?”
I sit up straighter, panicking and smoothing down my hair even though he can’t see me. “Yes, of course. I’ll be there with…”
I trail off, realizing that if I say another weird thing, he might change his mind.
“With bells on?” he finishes for me.
“Precisely,” I smile.
“Not part of the uniform, but I can make an exception,” he teases. I can hear the smile in his voice and immediately decide that Enzo’s exactly the type of man I’d like to work for. We agree on a location and say our goodbyes.
I jump up from the bench and do a little happy dance.If I land this job, it can change everything for me.
Although my heart still hurts, pining for Dominic, this feels like a step in the right direction. I stroll back to Lisa’s room, not even minding the creepy mansion vibes anymore.
***
I wake up on Friday morning feeling better than I have in days. My IUD removal sucked, but the baby is okay. And it was reassuring to see a doctor. I'm just glad that parts over.
Although my cheeks are still tear-streaked when I look in the mirror, I manage to crack a smile. My bruise has also mostly faded.
Dominic may have broken my heart and forgotten that I exist, but I can build my life back up. I might be pregnant and penniless, but I’m still perky and funny and willing to work hard. The first order of business is getting this damn personal assistant job.
I treat myself to a long luxurious shower until Lisa bangs on the door, begging to use the toilet. She glares at me as I stroll out,smelling like her very expensive body wash and shampoo. All is forgiven after I make her a coffee.
She helps me put together a professional but casual outfit, acting as excited as I feel about this interview.
“Good luck,” she yells as I breeze out the door, higher than I’ve felt in a while. “You’re going to kill it!”
I thank my lucky stars when the bus arrives on time, my transit card works, and I get there in one piece.Luck is on my side today,I tell myself. I strut down the street, cheering myself on.
Enzo and I agreed to meet in a small coffee shop in mid-town. Since I’m actually early for once, I get off a stop earlier and walk. The sun shines on my face, a warm summer breeze keeping me cool.
When I get to the business district, I fall in line with bankers, lawyers, and other suited men and women.
People stream out of gleaming high-rise buildings on their way to grab lunch. Others take their lunches outside, lounging on the wide steps of the central library in small groups.
The city feels alive, and for the first time in a long time, I feel likesomebody.Not just “Bad Luck Lux”, the struggling waitress trying to make a living, but like someone who belongs.
Maybe it’s the tiny life growing within me, but I don’t feel alone. And Ishouldfeel alone. Press a hand to my flat stomach and smile a little.
We’ve got this, I think to the little life within me. I daydream for a moment, considering whether the baby will look like me or like its father. However, thinking about Dominic makes my heart ache, and I immediately try to direct my thoughts in another direction.
I spot The Beanery on the other side of the street and check my phone.Five minutes to go. Perfectly on time for once.