Ava

One month in Seattle, and I'm finally starting to get the hang of this whole "new city, new me" thing. I mean, sure, I miss the sun (seriously, does it ever stop raining here?), but there's something about the charm of this place that's growing on me. The cozy coffee shops, the art galleries, the way everyone seems to rock flannel like it's a fashion statement… it's all starting to feel like home.

I've been setting up our place, exploring the city, trying to soak up as much of the local vibe as I can. Just last weekend, Jim and I found this adorable little bookstore tucked away in a quiet corner of Capitol Hill. It was like stepping into a time machine, with all these rare editions and hidden gems.

I fall a little more in love with the city every day. I mean, where else can you find that kind of old-school charm mixed with hipster vibes?

But as much as I'm enjoying getting to know my new home, I have to admit the transition hasn't been easy. Leaving DelMonte, my family, and my friends behind was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. There are moments when the homesickness hits me hard.

I miss the sound of the ocean, the feel of sand between my toes. I miss the constant intensity of working for the DeLucas, the rush of never knowing what insane shit will go down next. Most of all, I miss my people - my ride-or-die parents, my crazy friends, Maty's fiery spirit…

Then I remember I've got Jim by my side, and suddenly everything feels a little more manageable.

But today is the day I've been both looking forward to and low-key dreading for weeks now: my interview at Venture Inc. When Alessio first told me about the job opportunity, I was equal parts thrilled and scared shitless. I mean, Venture Inc. is legendary in the tech world. They've backed some of the biggest and baddest startups of the last decade, and their founders are known for being a trio of geniuses.

The fact that Alessio thinks I have what it takes to join their ranks is the biggest compliment ever. I know he wouldn't have recommended me if he didn't believe in me.

I've spent the last few weeks preparing like a woman possessed, poring over industry reports until my eyes glaze over and practicing my corporate lingo. I splurged on a new power suit, the kind of sleek, tailored set that makes me feel like Olivia Pope. But now, standing in front of the mirror and taking in my reflection, I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach.

What if I walk into that room and make a complete fool of myself?

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies having a damn rave in my stomach. I can't let my nerves get the best of me. Not today. Not when everything I've worked for, everything I've risked, is riding on this moment.

I square my shoulders, tilt my chin up like the boss bitch I am. You got this, Ava. Time to go in there and show them what you're made of.

The ride to Venture Inc.'s offices is a blur of anxious thoughts and mental pep talks. Before I know it, my ride-share is pulling up in front of a towering glass and steel building, all sleek lines and modern angles. It's imposing as hell, and for a second, I feel my resolve waver. Who am I kidding? I'm just a small-town girl playing dress-up in the big city.

But then I think of the scared but determined young woman who walked into DeLuca Enterprises five years ago, ready to take on the world, one caffeine-fueled all-nighter at a time.

I've come so far since then. I've grown and learned so much, both about business and myself. So I know I have what it takes. All I have to do is walk in there and own it.

With a deep breath and a silent prayer, I step out of the car and make my way into the belly of the beast. The lobby is all gleaming marble and soaring ceilings, with a sleek reception desk manned by a blonde who looks like she just stepped out of a damn Vogue photoshoot. She greets me with a polite smile and hands me a visitor badge before directing me to the elevators with a perfectly manicured hand.

As I step inside and punch the button for the top floor, I feel a trickle of sweat snake down my spine. This is it. The moment of truth. The point of no return. The - okay, I'm starting to sound like an action movie trailer. Get it together, Ava!

The doors slide open, revealing a spacious, light-filled reception area that looks like something straight out of an interior design magazine. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the Seattle skyline, and the walls are adorned with vibrant abstract art that probably costs more than my entire college tuition. It's modern and minimalist, but with a pleasant touch of warmth.

The receptionist, a bubbly redhead with a megawatt smile that could power a small city, practically bounces over to greet me. "You must be Ava!" she chirps, ushering me into a glass-walled conference room that looks like it was designed by the NASA. "The guys are just finishing up another meeting, but they'll be with you in a jiffy!"

Jiffy? Who the hell says jiffy anymore? Fucking calm down, Ava. The poor woman has done nothing to you. I nod and smile, trying to ignore the way my heart is doing a drum solo in my chest as she slips back out, leaving me alone with my nerves.

I take a moment to compose myself, smoothing my skirt and checking my reflection in the shiny tabletop. I look professional, polished, like a woman who has her shit together and isn't at all internally screaming. But inside, I'm a mess of jitters and racing thoughts.

The door opens, and I look up to see three men stride into the room like they just stepped off a runway. And hot damn, are they a sight for sore eyes.

The first one is the oldest of the trio, a total silver fox. He's got that whole "powerful CEO" vibe going on, with salt-and-pepper hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to see right through me. He's rocking a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that hugs his muscular build in all the right places, and the way he carries himself just screams, "I own this room and everyone in it."

Next to him is a younger guy, maybe in his thirties, with short dirty blond hair and a cocky grin that makes my stomach do a little flip. He's got a laid-back, almost lazily confident air about him, like he knows exactly how hot he is and isn't afraid to use it. He's dressed more casually, in dark jeans that hug his ass like a glove, and a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to reveal thick, veiny forearms with a light smothering of hair.

And then there's the third man. Oh boy. He looks like he was made straight out of my late-night fantasies, all tall, dark, and smoldering. With jet-black hair that's just begging for fingers to run through, and soulful brown eyes that make me feel like I'm the only person in the room. He's got a quiet intensity about him, like a crackling electric current running just beneath the surface. And the way his black suit molds to his solid frame? Sheeyit! I'm feeling a little hot, and it's not just from nerves.

The silver fox steps forward, extending a large, manly hand with a smile that makes my heart beat faster. "Ava, I presume? Alex Kincaid. Pleasure to have you."

I shake his hand, his warmth and strength making me feel all tingly. Oh boy… I'm hoping he can't feel the way my pulse is doing the samba. "The pleasure's all mine, Mr. Kincaid. I can't thank you enough for considering me for this opportunity."

The blond Adonis chuckles, a rich, warm sound that makes me think of honey and sin. "Please, call him Alex. Mr. Kincaid reminds him how old he is. And I'm Ethan. Ethan Wolf." He winks, and I feel my cheeks flush. "We're not big on formality around here."

I can't help but grin at that, feeling some of my nerves dissipate. "Duly noted." Then I turn to the walking wet dream.

He steps forward, his large hand engulfing mine in a firm shake that sends sparks shooting up my arm. "Liam Knox," he says simply, his voice a deep, smooth rumble that I swear I can feel down to my bones.

"Well then, gentlemen," I say, taking back my seat at the conference table and crossing my legs in a move I pray looks more confident than I feel. "Shall we get started?"

The next hour passes in a whirlwind of rapid-fire questions and animated discussion. Alex, Ethan, and Liam take turns grilling me on everything from my experience at DeLuca Enterprises to my thoughts on the future of AI and blockchain. They're razor-sharp and relentless, peppering me with complex scenarios and challenging my assertions. But there's a glint of something like respect in their eyes as I hold my own, shooting back my responses.

It's so exciting being in a room with such brilliant people.

As the interview winds down, I sit back in my chair, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. I've given it my all, laid everything on the table. And no matter what happens next, no matter what they decide, I know I've done myself proud.

Alex leans forward, steepling his fingers under his chin. "Ava," he says, his blue eyes serious but not unkind. "I think I speak for all of us when I say we're incredibly impressed. Your passion, your intelligence… it's exactly what we look for in a member of our team."

Ethan nods, flashing me a grin that's all white teeth and wicked charm. "Seriously, you're a badass. We'd be lucky to have you on board."

I feel a flush of pleasure at their praise, laughing at Ethan's irreverent compliment.

"I… Thank you," I manage, my voice coming out slightly breathless.

Alex smiles, a genuine, warm expression that makes him look years younger. "Well then, Ms. Soto. What do you say? Ready to come on board and help us?"

I feel a grin split my face, so wide it almost hurts. "Where do I sign?"