Page 109 of Obsession Under the Southern Stars

“Yeah.”

“Good luck,” he says.

“You too.”

“May the best man win.” He grins.

“If that’s the case, you’ll definitely get it,” I joke.

He chuckles. “All right. I’d better head down there.”

I watch him walk across the main office, stopping to talk to one of our colleagues, who’s obviously wishing him luck. My smile fades at his bright, hopeful expression. He really wants this position.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I take it out and check the screen. I’ve actually had four texts over the past fifteen minutes. Three are wishing me luck—one from Zoe, one from Fraser, and one from Elora.

Elora’s is a little longer, and my heart skips a beat as I read it.I’ve been thinking about Europe, she says.I think I want to go. Just for a few years. It’ll be incredibly scary, but I’m excited to have an adventure like this.

So, she’s going to bite the bullet and go for it. I feel a sweep of sadness and pleasure at the thought that she feels able to takethe plunge at last. Linc has done that for her, and I’m so thrilled for them both.

I’ve also had a text from a shop called Ashton’s. My lips curve up as I read it. I check the time—I have ninety minutes until my interview. That’s plenty of time to walk into town.

It’s a bright, beautiful morning in the capital, and I stride out as I walk to the shop.

When I’m done there, I buy myself a latte and sip it as I walk slowly back along the waterfront. The brisk breeze tugs at my suit, reminding me of the storm, and making me smile as I think of Zoe. It was nice of her to text me this morning, and Fraser and Elora. It hasn’t escaped my notice that I haven’t heard anything from my father.

For some reason, Zoe’s words in the forest spring into my mind:Don’t forget to put yourself first. That’s the most important thing. It strikes me that maybe she wasn’t talking about Manu, but about my father. Maybe she was saying I shouldn’t go for the job just because he says it’s a good idea. That I need to put my own needs first.

As I reach a seat overlooking the harbor, I sit and sip my coffee thoughtfully.

I sit there for another ten minutes, staring into the distance, before I eventually begin the slow walk back to the office.

*

Zoe

Joel told me his interview was going to start at ten thirty, and that it wouldn’t finish until twelve, and I find it impossible to concentrate all morning.

Hallie is very patient with me and puts up with me pacing up and down in the conservation room. By the time Fraser callsin at eleven thirty with a tray of takeaway coffees, though, I’m feeling jittery, my stomach a bundle of nerves.

“I think coffee’s the last thing she needs,” Hallie says wryly as he hands them out.

“Aw, Joel will be all right.” Fraser perches on a stool as he sips from his cardboard cup. “He was feeling quite confident last night.”

“It’ll be funny to have him in Wellington all the time,” Hallie says. “Will the two of you want to get your own place?”

“I don’t know,” I reply, a little shyly. “We haven’t really talked about that yet. I guess if Elora does go with Linc, it’ll leave me alone in the flat, and I won’t be able to afford the rent on my own.

“Are you pushing for a raise?” Fraser asks.

I laugh. “No, I…” My voice trails off, though, as I look up and see Joel standing in the doorway.

He’s wearing a dark-gray suit, he’s clean shaven, and I think he might have combed his hair earlier today, although it’s all windblown now. I glance at the clock—it’s only 11:40. He slides his hands into his trouser pocket and smiles.

“Is your interview over?” I ask, getting to my feet, heart racing. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” he says. He gestures with his hand toward the door. “Can I talk to you for a minute? There’s a bench over by the Missionary Exhibit.”

“Between the Cowgirl and Doggy Style Exhibits,” Fraser says.

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