Page 30 of Recon Rendezvous

Rolling my eyes, I turn to grab my bag, not even stopping to think about the smile I’m battling to suppress.

Striding out into the sunshine, I fight the desire to do a little shimmy and whoop it up because I just killed my interview with a premier, boutique, brand management firm. I’d even worn pink, my power color. It always gives me the boost I needed, and my dusty pink pantsuit had been perfect.

While the company looked good as hell on paper and I’d wanted to impress them, they’d also needed to impress me. I’d spoken candidly about what I’m looking for, as well as my deal breakers, and things had gone smoothly. There were a few other companies I was interested in but this one seemed perfect for me.

This firm boasts diversity, inclusion, and equity and the CEO is a woman of color. Superior healthcare, abundant time off, and the flexible work model has it at the top of my list.

My previous position allowed me to work with brands I admired, brands that gave back to their communities, and I was proud to not only work with them, but it was rewarding to help them reach their goals and bring their visions to life. After a few lackluster interviews, I’m still hopeful I’ll find that here in Chicago.

If I get this job, it’ll put me one step closer to the very reason I moved here. One step closer to recognizing the dream I’ve hadsince I was a little girl playing with my dolls. This isn’t how I pictured my life, but I’m making the most of what I’ve got, and what I’ve got isn’t half bad.

Popping on my oversized sunglasses, I conclude that a sweet treat is required. I deserve it after dazzling my damn self in there. Remembering passing a chain coffee shop on my way here, I pull my trench tighter and move in that direction. I’m already salivating, internally debating between a caramel macchiato or an iced cinnamon dolce latte when my phone rings.

“Hey, Ana,” I say with a smile. “Tell me something good. Like, you found my dream home.”

She laughs. “Well, I hope so. I just sent you a few new listings, they just came on the market today. Take a look at your email and let me know what you think. I want to get you out to see these ASAP.”

“Oh, that’s great. I'm grabbing a coffee now and I'll take a look and let you know. I didn't think this would be so hard.”

Ana laughs again. “You didn't? Because I'm sure I told you repeatedly that the market here is fiercely competitive. If you even remotely like it, you have to put in an offer in like yesterday.”

“I hear you, but that’s the thing. I haven't liked anything, let alone loved it. But I have faith that we will find something.”

“I have faith too. Fortunately for you, you have enough family here and plenty of places to stay until we do. There's no need for you to rush into a decision.”

“Exactly. So don't fret. I'm not. I don't mind looking at each and every listing or touring fifty apartments. Would it be ideal to find a place and be all moved in before I start my new job? Sure. But that's what movers are for, and painters and all the people you can pay to do those things. I’m not stressing about it.”

She sighs. “What a life you live.”

Ana and I have become friendly pretty quickly and I don’t take offense to her words. I have always been an overachiever, but even I recognize the privilege that I have. My maternal great grandmother left me a sizable inheritance when she passed away while I was in my early twenties. I don’t utilize the funds often, besides investing and allowing the rest to accrue interest, and that interest does come in handy for fun things. Another thing Travis hated; I didn’t need him for anything, and he never let me forget it. But this move, and everything that comes with it, is worth throwing my money around.

“I know, isn't it great?” I say with a laugh. “But no, seriously, take your time. You know all the things I'm looking for and when it happens it'll happen.”

“Thanks, you're one of the calmest people I've ever worked with.”

“You’re welcome. Alright, they're calling my name for my coffee. I'll take a look at these and get back to you today. Thanks, Ana. I really appreciate your help.”

Seated with my iced coffee and a few brownies, I pull up my email and browse the listing Ana sent. Two high rise apartments and one single family home. Each is modern, either a new build or recently renovated and well within my price point.

Moving over to my messaging app, I text the girls in our group chat to see if anyone is interested in checking these places out with me. I’m usually decisive, but I like bouncing my ideas off someone else.

Finally able to relax, the smell of coffee and cinnamon are a comfort as I pull my kindle from my bag, flip to the new book I’d just downloaded, and do a little dance as I return to the steamy scene I’d started reading this morning.

The couple’s banter, their back and forth with each other remind me of Xander and this crazy chemistry that has developed between us. His smooth baritone in my ear the othernight almost got me. That man could seduce a nun in his sleep, but he’s just not what I need right now.

He’s a total fuckboy and I can’t let myself be swayed by those broad shoulders, washboard abs, or his teasing grin. He really does have perfect teeth. Ugh, pretty teeth are my weakness. Hands too, and he’s got nice ones, big, and those long fingers. His entire package is splendiferous, but I refuse to be swayed by another handsome face and empty words. That’s how I lost so many precious years and how I ended up in this predicament in the first place.

Instead, I’ll allow myself to be swept up in this sugary sweet small-town romance where everything works out because these two are perfect for each other. My vibrating phone drags me from the story I’d been lost in for at least an hour. Glancing at the name illuminated on the screen, my stomach roils, and almost makes me regret the delicious coffee and brownies I’d consumed.

Travis’s name flashes on the screen, and I debate ignoring the call, but figure getting it over with would be best, even as my hands heat and start to sweat.

“Hello?”

“London? It’s Travis.”

His tone is brusque, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. “I know. Hello, Travis.”

“How are you? How’s Chicago?”

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