Page 6 of Something Like Sunflowers

And pray they like the smell of caramel macchiato.

Chapter 4

Devyn

Oh, Devyn! I absolutely love your sunflower nails. I’m so happy we’re finally meeting in person! And I’m thrilled we might get another fashionista around here. There are a few of us, but there are equally as many non-creatives in the business place. And we love them, we really do, but what can ya say? They aren’t always flaunting the most interesting of seasonal wardrobes, now, are they?”

Molly Preston stands behind her desk in a bespoke Tiffany blue, pinstripe, two-piece suit with ruffle lapels. Pinned neatly to her left lapel is a small gold CC emblem, and a pink belt with matching Tiffany blue cattle printed across the leather is secured neatly around her waistline.

Molly Preston is breathtaking. She’s not only one of the three co-owners of Classy Country, she’s also the lead investor’s only daughter. She’s two years younger than I am, and plenty richer.

I want to be her friend. I might want to be her.

I smile widely as we shake hands across the desk. Positioned before me is a picture of a little girl with blonde curls and a Classy Country T-shirt that’s so big on her, it’s practically touching the floor. She’s holding Molly’s hand as they laugh, and a pang of jealousy hits me.

“She’s cute. Is she your little sister?” I don’t know why I ask her this. I know how old we both are. I also know it’s not her sister. It still hurts when she confirms it, though.

“My daughter, actually,” she says, blinking. “I was an only child, I’m afraid. I always wished I’d had a sister or brother. Do you have any siblings?”

My shoulders ease with relief at this question. Partly because she did me a solid by not making my daughter/sister question more awkward than it had to be. And because it’s something I have an honest answer for. Something I don’t have to fake.

“I do, actually.” I say, sitting up straighter. “A brother. His name’s Dustin. We’re nothing alike. He’s the caveman, stern, broody type. Barely speaks, but always seems to be in my business.” I roll my eyes and offer a laugh.

“Oh? Younger?”

“Older, actually. By two years. He was always giving me a hard time growing up. Super protective. Like, he was on the rodeo team, and God forbid one of those cowboys even looked at me too long.”

“Wait, back up to the rodeo team and cowboys. What school did you go to? We just had football and cheerleading at mine.”

I forget sometimes that rodeo teams aren’t normal outside of Pine Forest and our surrounding counties.

“Pine Forest High?” I shrug. “Rodeos are kind of the highlight of the town there. Think Friday night football craze, but with more horses and less padding.”

“And your brother…I guess he wouldn’t let you play in any cowboy games with his rodeo pals?” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I sputter a bit at the implications there. If only you knew.

“He tried his best.” I smirk and leave it at that. Where it should rightfully stay.

“Okay, cowgirl.” Molly blushes and fans herself. “I’m a sucker for a good romance, and that sounds exactly like a book I’m reading. A super overprotective brother and his hot best friend. I’m going to DM you the name of it after the interview. You never know when you might get lucky and need the instruction manual.” She winks, and we both laugh.

Molly’s warmth is contagious, and her passion for books and fashion makes me feel at home. It reminds me of what it was like having actual friends back in Pine Forest.

Before everything changed.

I suddenly want to know more about her, to get this job and become friends with her. With people like her. Whatever I need to do, I’ll do it. And anyway, she seems super on board with me joining the team, so I only need to convince a couple more execs, and moments like this—potential friendships— might not be so fleeting anymore.

The stress I felt from my encounter with Bella sheds from my body like a fur coat, and I can finally feel the air surrounding me again. I’m no longer nervous while Molly paints a picture of what this life could be like for me. Who I could become.

“Claudette and James should be here any moment, along with the other candidate,” Molly says, eyeing the hot pink watch on her wrist that I am low-key in love with. “But before they come, I wanted to ask you something.”

My nerves creep in again with the formality of her question, but it’s okay. I remind myself she’s been friendly so far, so snapping the hair-tie on my wrist, I keep my walls down with her for now.

“Shoot,” I manage.

“We, I mean, I love your personality and your fashion choices.” She stops and briefly eyes the stain on my dress, raising an eyebrow.

“Coffee mishap.” I scrunch my nose. This seems to make sense to her, and she continues, “I think your creative energy would fit in well here at Classy Country. And with your social media following, you’d be sure to have a huge success in launching your own fund-raisers and events…”

She pauses and purses her lips like she isn’t sure how to phrase the rest of her statement. Wasn’t it supposed to be a question? Regardless, she’s stalling, and I sense a “but” coming.

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