Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Adriana

Four Months Later

On Sunday night, I’m checking my email. “Well, shit.” saying aloud in amazement reading my computer screen.

Never did I think that I’d be a final applicant for the personal assistant position I initially applied for two months ago. The first two interviews happened rather swiftly, and I was starting to lose hope I’d get the third.

The agency informed me they would disclose the employer’s name only during the final interview, provided that I’m asked to come back. Reading the name of who my potential boss could be, has me freaking out! I stop myself to look back at the email. Attached is a flight confirmation showing I fly to New York in three days.

This agency sure does move fast. Don’t freak out, you’ve got this.

Making a mental list of all the things needing to be done to ensure I’m ready for this trip. At the top is a call to my best friend, Dani.

I pull out my cell phone and dial her number. Every time I call her during these challenging months, she answers immediately.

“Bestie!” Dani answers the phone.

“Bitch! Guess what?!”

“Well, hello to you too, bitch!” Dani says, reminding me to use my manners. “What?! Just tell me, I fucking hate this game.”

“Hi, Hello, Bonjour, Hola!” I tease. “I’m coming to New York for THE final interview!”

“Bitch, stop it. You’re lying! But please tell me you aren’t.” Dani says with hope in her voice.

“I’m one thousand percent serious. I just got the email. My flight is on Wednesday and leave on Friday. Will I get to see you while I’m in town? And would you be able to pick me up from LGA?”

“Of course! I’m not out of town this week and I will move mountains to see you! It’s been at least four years since we’ve seen each other in person. Can you stay with me, or are they putting you up somewhere?”

I’m reminded of our last face-to-face meeting by her words. Damn, it really has been four years. The last time was when she came out to Colorado for work and stayed a few extra days to hang out.

“Sheesh D, you’re right. They only paid for my airfare. So, if you don’t mind having me, I’d love to stay with you. If needed, I could spring for a hotel, though?”

“If you don’t stay with me, we won’t be best friends anymore!”

“I love you! I will text you the flight info so you know when I’ll be landing. ”

“You better or you’ll be catching a cab since I won’t know when to come get you.”

“Sending it now. Thank you bestie. Love you tons!”

“Adding it to my calendar. Love you too babes, see you soon!” Dani says before hanging up.

I can’t express how thankful I’m for crossing paths with Dani six years ago. We became instant best friends through our mutual love and support for a small online boutique called, The Infinity Boutique By KAIT .

We’ve only met in person a handful of times, but we Facetime at least once a week and text almost daily.

Dani and I also share our height. We’re both 5’3. But we differ where she has shoulder length chocolate brown hair, while mine is raven stark black and halfway down my back. Dani is lean as she loves to work out and I’m okay with my curves in all the right places. She has just the slightest tan year-round that makes her bright blue eyes pop. She is a year younger than me and she’s my soul sister. With a crazy personality and a ridiculous heart of gold, she always calls me out on my bullshit and it’s why I haven’t gotten rid of her yet. Not that she would let me if I tried.

I don’t have any family since losing both my parents within the last six years and they were both only children. Dani really is the only friend that I have. I used to spend time with a few coworkers, but now that our work interactions have decreased, they only reach out to me when they require a reference for a job interview.

I guess I really am a lone wolf here in Colorado.

After the curveball life has thrown me these last four months, being in the same state as my best friend will be a game changer for my morale.

Next on the to-do list is being prepared. Going straight to my closet to start packing, I gather clothing options so Dani can help me choose what to wear and hang them in my garment bag.What’s a best friend if they don’t help you pick out an interview outfit?

Thankfully, if anything is forgotten, she will probably have it or know where we can go grab it quickly by staying with her. Staring at my closet, I add a few more items….better to have too many options than not enough.

Finishing packing for the night, I feel extremely giddy and hopeful that my life is about to change drastically for the better in three short days. My current situation has made me realize I want more out of my life. My parents always told me I deserve the world, and it’s time to start believing them, even if it’s on unsteady feet.

I’m amazing, unstoppable, and inevitable. I’m ready to be onto bigger and better things.

Here’s to living life on a prayer.

The last three days have passed in the blink of an eye. The butterflies floating in my stomach almost have me nauseous as my Uber driver pulls up to drop me off at Denver International.

Lucky for me, I planned ahead and arrived a few hours early. Getting my luggage checked and going through TSA only took me a little over an hour. It’s early in the morning and being able to grab a cup of coffee is heaven as I wait for my boarding call.

As soon as I finish my cup, they summon my group to board. Getting settled in my seat, my eyelids feel heavy.

I love coffee but it doesn’t always do its job.

Sleep was lacking last night because of the excitement and nerves that started running through my thoughts. I must be more tired than I thought because I fall asleep and only wake up when the pilot announces overhead, “Welcome to New York.”.

Exiting the plane, I switch my phone off of airplane mode. Once the signal hits, I see I have a few missed calls and texts from Dani. As I go to call her back, my phone vibrates.

“Hi, Hello, Bonjour, Hola Bestie, I just got off the plane. Do you have a chill button?” I ask, not hiding my laughter.

“Hell no, I don’t. You’re here in my state! Hurry! I’m at the baggage claim, waiting for your ass.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m on my way. See you in a moment, loca.” I hope she can hear my eyes rolling as I hang up.

I’m beyond excited to see my best friend. So much so that I almost start running to meet her but think better of it, deciding to be an adult and just walk briskly.

Following the signs to get to baggage claim and a short escalator ride later, spotting Dani is easy. She’s standing in front of the screen that shows departures and arrivals. Seeing her poster board sign, all I can do is laugh as people passing by are looking at her strangely, like she is not of this world. I get off the escalator and walk over to her.

“Really? Welcome home bitch, now you can never leave.” I say, reading her sign out loud. “You even used the star for the i? You are nuts, but it’s why I love you!” We laugh and wrap each other in a tight hug with tears in my eyes. No one in my life has done something so silly yet, so meaningful.

“I’m just excited that you are actually here! Let’s grab your bag and get moving.” Dani interlocks her arm with mine. “You had a long flight. Are you hungry?”

“Starved and ready to get comfy to start prepping for my interview tomorrow. You’re helping me pick out my interview outfit, by the way.” I inform her.

I spot my luggage on the carousel as it starts to go around and grab it. Walking out of the airport and over to where Dani’s car is in the parking lot. We make haste to get in and head to her place.

“How was the flight?”

“Fine, I guess? I fell asleep.” I look over at her and smile. She really does know me better than I do. “I didn’t sleep all that much last night, either.”

“That’s what I thought. To be fair, I didn’t sleep that much either because I couldn’t wait to see my best friend.”

We bullshit about Dani’s job while we drive, and we arrive at her place twenty minutes later.

Dani lives in a picturesque brownstone in Midtown. It has three floors and suits her. I love coming to visit her. New York City is such a magical place. If you ask her it’s meh. But I guess that’s how most people feel about their hometowns, me included.

We head inside and I’m yet again in awe of the architecture. The original hardwood floors are in pristine condition, the crown molding lines the entire ceiling and there is even some exposed brick in the kitchen.

After taking it all in, I go straight to the extra bedroom Dani calls mine. Just as I finish unpacking my luggage, the doorbell rings, letting me know that our food is here. Meeting Dani in the kitchen, we make our plates before sitting down on the couch in her living room.

“So.” Dani starts. Are you feeling nervous or excited?

“I’m really, really, both! I know I’m such a dork. On one hand, I’m nervous because this is my dream job and honestly it would hurt not to be hired. But on the other hand is my excitement because it’s in a new place, closer to you and feels like the change I’m looking for. This opportunity could really shake things up for me. I’m so tired of feeling stuck in all aspects of my life, you know?”

Dani looks at me and shakes her head up and down since she is swallowing her mouthful of lo mien. “I do and I’m trying not to get too excited because it would be amazing to have my best friend in the same state instead of across the country. It is my wish to see you grow and overcome your blahness. I love you and just want to see you happy. I know that life has been hard, but it’s going to turn around. You are this strong, intelligent woman and deserve the world. I refuse to let you settle for less.” She takes a breath. “So, what time is the interview? Where do you have to go for it, and what are we wearing?” She asks.

“It’s at eleven am, thankfully, so I have time to get ready and make sure I’m prepared. I’m meeting the interviewer at her home. It’s close to Times Square. I think if I leave by ten fifteen am, that’ll ensure I get there about fifteen minutes early. You know how I’m about timing. And when we’re done eating, we will figure that out.”

“Yeah, I know Adri. I will definitely help with picking out the right outfit. When you’re done, let me know and I will head home so we can celebrate and have bestie time! I’m putting it out there,you are moving to NYC!” Dani says adamantly.

We catch up on the few shows that we both watch together. I forgot what it’s like to have a chill night in with a friend. It’s refreshing to just laugh and talk about any and everything under the sun with someone who enjoys your company. This is what has been missing for me back in Colorado these last four months. The feeling of loneliness has been a dark cloud, and the sun is starting to show.

We finish eating and head back to “my” room. I pull out the options that I brought to wear and let Dani look at them.

“Good options, boo. We need you to knock this out of the park. Let’s make you classy, yet fun and professional.” Dani says as she is pulling each clothing item up to look at them.

She picks up the v-neck short sleeve top and looks at me.

“Ma’am. No, this is a little slutty with your boobs.” Dani is laughing so hard.

“Well, I brought that to give to you! Because bitch, you’re right, my boobs are too much for that top.” I laugh and nudge her with my shoulder.

Dani decides on a pair of black slacks and a pink button up with three-quarter sleeves and a black blazer to go with it.

With my outfit picked out, we say good night. It’s still early, but the traveling and excitement from today are starting to take its toll on me. Needing to ensure I’m well rested for tomorrow and not jet lagged I anxiously lay down hoping I’m able to fall asleep quickly. Setting the alarm on my phone and playing Candy Crush to relax has my eyes closing. Sleep comes easily.

Waking up a few minutes before my alarm goes off, the first thought that runs through my head is that today is the day! Staring at the ceiling, the weight of my hopes and nerves wash over me. The alarm goes off and I’m quick to silence it.

Getting out of the bed to go to the kitchen when I see a note from Dani letting me know she sent me a gift card for Starbucks in my email to buy breakfast. She also left her “lucky” pair of black Christian Louboutin kitten heels to wear with my outfit.

Sheesh, how did I get so lucky in the best friend department?

Two hours later, it’s 9:45 when my feet are slipping into Dani’s good luck present. Grabbing my tote that has my resume and notebook, I give myself a once over in the mirror before walking out the door.

Damn, I look good. Today is the day that I take the bull by the horns and make the world my bitch.

I have already set my maps to lead me to the closest Starbucks. The storefront appears after a quick five-minute walk through the streets of Midtown. After securing my breakfast, I quickly hail a cab and the driver drops me off near the center of Times Square. It’s as you’d imagine it. There are throngs of people moving in every direction. You can hear a mix of construction, music and the sizzle of fresh hot dogs hitting their griddles when passing the street vendors. The spring air mixes with the scent of the city and it rejuvenates my soul.

Moving a little quicker from the rush of my surroundings, there are ten minutes remaining when I arrive for my interview.

Walking in to speak with the concierge, one can tell this building is fancy. They sit behind a granite desk in a three-piece suit.

“Good Morning Ma’am. How can I help you?” They ask standing up from their chair.

“Good Morning, Adriana Johnson here to see Miss. Heather Evans.”

“Thank you. One moment, please.” He tells me.

Picking up the phone on the desk, he calls her. Deciding to turn away so it doesn’t seem that I’m nosy, I move a few steps away towards the seating area.

He hangs up and informs me, “She’ll be down in a moment to get you.”

A few moments later, a ding from the elevator grabs my attention. The doors open and out comes the most put together woman I’ve ever seen. She walks towards me with a huge smile on her face. Her light brown hair is pin straight with a glossy sheen, her blue eyes stand out against her fair skin. She has on heels that must be at least three inches tall. I stand as she reaches her hand out to me.

“Hi. Adriana?” she asks, taking my hand. I nod. “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Heather Evans. I’m so thrilled to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. I’m thrilled to be here.”

“Why don’t we head upstairs to chat?” She advises, leading me toward the elevator.

The doors open up and we walk in. It’s a quick ride to the fourth floor where Heather lives.

“Here we are.” She says as we reach her door. “Please, don’t mind the mess. We are in the middle of moving to the Westchester County area. I love the city dearly, but am ready for a house with space and a backyard. Are you familiar with the area?”

“I don’t blame you. Having outdoor space is a luxury we normally don’t think about. Is that about half an hour away?”

Heather leads me into her home to the living room. She motions for me to take a seat on the gray couch in front of the fireplace with a large tv mounted above. The lighting from the sun brightens the entire room through the floor to ceiling windows.

“You got it! We had to find somewhere that was close enough to the stadium. So, my first official question is, do you know who I am?” she asks after settling next to me.

“Honestly yes. I’m a huge baseball fan and I love that the Grizzlies made you head of their foundation. Do you know what the main focus will be?”

“I do! And because of this, I’m going to need to have my personal assistant close by pretty much twenty-four, seven.” Hesitantly, she continues, “To be transparent, if the location change isn’t okay, please let me know now and we can just chat since you are here already. Unfortunately, we only found out yesterday and there wasn’t enough time to notify applicants of this change.” She says with the most sincerity.

To be honest, that is not an issue for me. If the opportunity arises, I was just going to stay with my best friend here in the city until I could find my own place.

“Well, that’s not something you would have to worry about. The house we bought has an in-law apartment over the garage. It has two bedrooms, so your best friend could visit and not have to worry about getting back into the city. You know, if this works out and you are okay with that.”

I look at her and could feel the smile on my face. “That would work for me.”

“Great, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. What made you want to apply for this position?”

“While I enjoyed being an administrative assistant, I wanted a job that would also provide me with my self fulfillment. Working in finance didn’t afford me that.”

Heather smiles and goes to speak, but we hear two male voices coming our way.