Page 55 of Fever

“Follow me,” she said.

I made my way back into a large corner office overlooking the city. The Chicago Chronicle was the biggest local newspaper. Getting a position here could propel my career to its highest level. We sat, and Mrs. Hathaway offered me a cup of coffee. For the thirty minutes of the interview, we talked about my move to Chicago, my current job at the school, and my relationship with Josiah. I found it interesting that Mrs. Hathaway was intrigued by the way Josiah and I met. When I felt the conversation getting too personal, I switched gears and kindly edged our way back to my professional expertise.

I stood and strolled to her after pulling my portfolio out of my briefcase. I offered her a copy of the recommendation letter, which she gladly took.

“This is impressive,” she said, glancing over my credentials. Mrs. Hathaway looked to me. “We have an opening that we need filled immediately. How soon can you start?”

My eyes popped. “I’d need to give notice to my current employer, so I would say two weeks give or take.”

Mrs. Hathaway reached out to shake my hand. “You’re hired. If you have time today, we can start the paperwork and set your official hire date two weeks from now. Would that be a long enough notice to give your employer?”

“Yes. Certainly.”

“Good. You wouldn’t have a problem with a background check, would you?” she asked.

“No, definitely not,” I smiled.

“Fabulous.”

I glanced at the clock on the wall and thought about my second interview. Accepting a gig at the Chicago Chronicle was a no-brainer, but I didn’t want to stand off the second interview I had with the Illinois Tribune. Mrs. Hathaway noticed my mental struggle.

“Is anything wrong?”

“I have another appointment at two. I just need to cancel it.”

“Oh no problem, I’ll have you out of here before then.”

“Oh great!”

I sat down and got comfortable while Mrs. Hathaway left the office to grab a new hire package. While she was away, I shot a quick text message to Josiah.

I got the job!

A second passed before I received a text back.

Congratulations, beautiful. I had no doubt you wouldn’t.

The smile on my face was large and in charge. I squealed inwardly.

What should I do about the second interview? It feels weird to cancel it.

Mrs. Hathaway re-entered the room and handed me so many forms I wondered if I was applying to work at the White House. The phone vibrated in my lap, and I glanced at the screen.

I’ll take care of it. We should celebrate, I’m taking you out to dinner tonight. Eight pm.

I smiled again but didn’t respond. I wanted to get this paperwork filled out and find something sexy to wear for our date. But why? I told myself I needed to be proper when we were in public. It was the perfect situation for me to show how much I cared for him without feeling ridiculous about it.

Leaving the Chicago Chronicle with my spirits high was everything. I got into my car and drove to the mall. I wasn’t too much experienced with dating, so my wardrobe could use a facelift. My phone rang, and I answered quickly.

“Hello,” I sang.

“Hey girl, what’re you up to? I haven’t heard from you in a few days.”

“I’m excellent now that you ask, Carla.”

“Sounds like you’ve got some juice, tell me about it. I could use some inspiration.”

“What’s wrong?”

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