“Thank you.” I say, climbing out, carrying my high heels in my hands. I rush upstairs. I want to plug my phone in, get out of this dress and have a shower.
Then I can sit down and read the email from the law firm.
Lifting my legs up and tucking them beneath me I snuggle into my little one-seater chair with a cup of tea. With excitement I open the email and start reading it.
Nerissa,
We are excited to have you starting with us next week -
The email details my working hours, who I should report to when I arrive and a few of the things I can expect to be handling in my first week there.
I read it twice to make sure I don’t miss any information. Then I set my phone aside, grinning, and sip my tea, proud of myself.
I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and I deserve to take a moment and just soak it in. My mom would be proud. I wish she could be here to tell me that herself. But I know what she would say.Nerissa, you have always been the smartest girl, of course they want you to work there, they are lucky to have you.I grin, picturing her smile. She would hug me really tightly and I’d lean my head against her chest.
It’s hard not to have her around. But at least I know I am doing the best I can.
The next week is a whirl wind. I start this coming Monday, and I have a lot to do before then.
As I expected I don’t hear from Tuomo after our very passionate night together. This makes me a little disappointed, but it’s for the best. It’s what I wanted. Of course, it doesn’t stop me from thinking about him. He keeps sneaking into my thoughts, especially at night when it’s quiet and I am trying to fall asleep. I tell myself it’s ok to fantasize as long as I keep my distance from him. It sucks he ghosted me just like all the other guys, but instead of moping around and feeling rejected I focus on what I need to. Getting ready for my new job. On Friday I have lunch with Hayley, followed by a stressful shopping session while we try to choose a few key items for me to wear to work that are versatile enough for me to wear daily with no one noticing it’s the same item. I can’t afford to buy a whole new wardrobe.Especially not before I get paid. So, I need to be crafty. I can barely afford the things we find.
Thank goodness Hayley has an eye for fashion and an excellent ability to save money without compromising style.
Late on Friday afternoon I am standing in my little bachelor apartment with the new clothes spread out on my bed. Hayley is a star. She kept it simple and elegant. And every item she chose matches with the other items to create several unique looks.
That’s it.
I’m ready.
On Monday morning my new life begins, and everything falls in place for my perfect future.
I clear out a shelf in my closet that will now only be reserved for work clothes.
By the time I am done resorting my closet it’s late and I’m ready to crawl into bed.
My phone chimes and I rush over to it, expecting Hayley to be checking in with me.
My heart jumps into my throat when I see Tuomo’s name on the screen.
My hand shakes with nervous excitement.
I didn’t realize how much I wanted to hear from him until this exact moment.
I open the message and read it.
Tuomo: Hello, beautiful girl. I’ve been thinking about you the entire week. All I wanted to say was good luck. You are going to be brilliant.
A massive smile spreads across my face. The message is sweet and thoughtful.
Then I realize what is happening, and I put my phone down.
No, we don’t smile at messages from Tuomo Vece. We ignore them. Because he is not good for us.
I sigh, kicking my shoes off to get into my pajamas. His message is still on my mind when I climb into bed. I shouldn’t be rude. I should at least say thank you.
Picking up my phone I tire a quick response.
Me: Thanks. I’m really excited. I hope you have been well.