Page 42 of If Our Hearts Collide

I feel the rush of nerves flitter through my system. I probably should have had a high-protein snack when I drank my first cup of coffee less than an hour ago.

I allow Angie to lead me into the room where a huge buffet is set up with every food offering imaginable—but in bite-sized portions.

“Wow,” I mumble, taking in the atmosphere of the room.

It’s filled with live plants, instrumental music playing in the background, and the sweet smell of vanilla filling the air. I really could get used to being here. The girls really nailed the aesthetics.

I circle the room, taking in all of its features, marveling at how calm and collected I feel in this space. No wonder they seem so happy here.

Once I make my round, the girls and I fill up plates, and then Claire and I gather back around a table that is set up with different juices and a pitcher of water. Everything looks fresh and magazine worthy. I love how bright and airy the room feels. It’s weird because it is a closed-in space, but yet the least claustrophobic area of the entire office.

“So, Penny,” Claire says, obviously about to change the subject. “How about you come work for us?”

“Wow, you’re extra blunt today,” Angie calls out over her shoulder, as she grabs a muffin from the buffet.

“It’s hormones. They dissolve my already sheer filter.”

“I, um…” I stutter.

Claire props her hands on her widening hips, underneath the surface of the table. “Okay, fine, I’ll just use guilt.”

My eyes bulge as I think of the direction she is going with her thoughts.

“I’m pregnant,” she states simply.

“That much is obvious.” I laugh.

“Hey now, I realize that I’m looking extra blimp-like but go easy on me. Anyhoo, we are a women empowering women company. Thus, dicks are welcome, but not part of our brand recognition. Unless we use Nic as inspiration and create a Man-Child Box.”

I hiss. “Ouch.”

“I don’t mean that,” Claire says in a rush. “I love your brother, and it is scary just how much. I think me being pregnanthas unleashed more of his overprotective tendencies, and I’m still learning to cope with all that entails.”

“Aww, but you are doing a really good job.”

Part of me wonders if Nic’s need for control over me is stemming from his inability to control aspects of the pregnancy with Claire.

“Anyway, I digress. Back to why you should work for us. You have a gorgeous personality and face, and you have an appeal about you that many people will be able to relate to. Plus, you have modeling experience.”

“Not much,” I interject. “My past experience is a dumpster fire at best.”

Claire waves off my comment, as if I’m just being modest. “I already included you on my latest vision board, as wishful thinking, so you gotta now.”

I let out an awkward laugh.

“Oh, and you are family and we trust you and yada yada.Please.” She is jumping out of her skin. Begging.

It’s not that I have jobs lined up or really a clear path to getting one. Working at Plus None is a great opportunity to be part of something that has the potential to grow. Angie and Claire have already accomplished so much with their start-up in a short amount of time. They would make great role models.

While part of me thinks they are hiring me simply because I’m the youngest sister of their partners, I know that when I’m determined, I also put my heart and soul into a project.

Perhaps there is a real place for me here at the company. Maybe I can even make a difference to other women around the world.

“Penny, come and get more food,” Angie coaxes me back toward the buffet. “You barely took anything. And Claire, quit harassing my favorite sister-in-law. Give her time to think.”

“Hey…” She pouts out her bottom lip. “I thought I was the favorite.”

I appreciate Claire’s ability to keep things lighthearted. It does help to not be so serious all the time.

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