Page 60 of Icebound Attraction

* Hi there! I'm so sorry, but we'll have to postpone our lunch date. I'll explain!

I'm deliberately not giving him any more details so as not to jinx myself if I don't get in. I hope he won't be offended that I canceled in the morning, and that he'll be happy for me when I tell him everything.

I have just enough time to go back to my room, change and get out of here. My thoughts turn to this professional opportunity and, at the same time, I worry about the impact it could have on my life.

Will I have enough time for my private life?

My excitement is barely bearable when I slip on matching pants and blazer.

Cassy came over to help me when I texted the girls to let them know. She hands me a coffee and smiles encouragingly.

“You're worrying for nothing, Emily. It's going to be fine!”

I sigh.

“It's a huge opportunity and I want to make a good impression!”

She nods and looks at me.

“What you've chosen is perfect!”

For once, she validates my outfit, and that's something to set in stone!

I smile gratefully.

“And you're going to rock this interview,” she says with a wink.

The journey to the New York Post office seems interminable, and my nervousness grows with every step. Thousands of people are milling about in the streets, and the city's hustle and bustle reverberates inside me. When I finally reach the front of the building, I take a deep breath.

I sign in at reception and take the opportunity to look around. The atmosphere is electric, smelling of paper all the way down the hall.

When I'm asked to climb the stairs, I feel like I'm going to faint.

Yet the interview goes surprisingly well. The people present are professional and friendly, and my nervousness diminishes as I talk about my experience and passion for journalism.

“We were impressed by your articles, Emily,” says one of the journalists opposite me. “We read student newspapers with great interest to find rare gems like you. We're used to meeting our trainees, which is why we contacted you directly. And we think you'd be an excellent addition to our team.”

The words ring in my ears and my heart beats with excitement. This is more than I expected.

“I... thank you very much,” I reply, my voice trembling slightly.

Once the formalities have been completed, I leave the office with a smile on my face. I take a deep breath and observe the bustle of the city for a moment. The streets of New York suddenly seem brighter, full of possibilities and opportunities. And I'm ready to seize them all.

Once back on campus, I immediately grab my cell phone and text Maddie to let her know I've got the job. Then I also text Liam to explain in more detail what it's all about. His reply warms my heart and I'm relieved he's taking it this way.

* Em! It's fantastic! I’m really happy for you! <3

But at the same time, a thought pops into my head: accepting the internship means that I'll have to devote even more time to my professional career. I made this decision without thinking too much about it - the opportunity was too good to turn down. But now I'm wondering what impact this new step will have on my relationship with Liam.

I hope I'll be able to reconcile everything.

***

The next day, I join the rink, excited. An article about the team is being written for the university newspaper, and I want to gather enough information to write a great article.

But as I watch the training, I can't turn my thoughts away from Liam.

How attractive he is when he is sweating and working out…

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