Page 114 of Arranged Obsession
I don’t need anything else but her. Never have before, never will again.
Chapter 38
Bianca
Elevator rides with strangers can be excruciatingly awkward, especially after a job interview. But for some reason, I feel completely comfortable with Jessica Yang. We chat about movies and some TV shows we’re both watching, and she recommends a few podcasts I’ve never heard of.
“Listen, I’m not supposed to say this, but I really enjoyed this interview,” I admit as we walk through the lobby together. “You seem to really get the mission. You’re more than qualified.”
“That’s great to hear,” she says, smoothing back her silky black hair. She’s in a perfect outfit of a cream blouse and dark bottoms. “Honestly, I was a little unsure coming in today, but you completely won me over.”
“I have two other interviews to go through, but at this point, they’re a formality. I want to hire you right here.”
The way Jessica brightens makes me absolutely sure this is the right call. “That’s amazing,” she says, beaming. “I’m so excited. Honestly, we’re going to do some really good things for this city. Iloveyour ideas.”
“And I love your enthusiasm.” I hold out my hand. “What do you say?”
“I absolutely accept.” She shakes my hand firmly. “Just send me an offer letter and let’s make it official.”
I burst out laughing. I’d completely forgotten about all that. “I should probably hire an HR person next.”
“Don’t worry. Once I’m on board, I’ll handle that.”
“Which is exactly what I hoped you’d say.”
We step outside together. It’s a beautiful sunny afternoon. There’s an Uber Black waiting down at the curb, purchased and paid for out of the company account, waiting to take Jessica home. I beat her to the door and hesitate, glancing around as if I might find some Russians running at us with machine guns and bombs.
But nothing happens. There’s no explosion, no screaming. No Elena bursting into a cloud of shredded flesh and blood. Jessica thanks me one last time, says she’s excited, and gets into the back.
I’m shaking slightly as the Uber drives away.
“You okay?”
I jump and turn around, hands flying to my chest as my heart rate doubles. Cormac comes to me, immediately wrapping his arms around me.
“I’m fine,” I say, struggling to catch my breath.
“It’s okay if you’re not.”
“No, really, it’s nothing.” I lean into him with a low sigh. “It just freaks me out every time, you know? After what happened.”
“That’ll fade, but it won’t ever go away.”
“That’s good though, right? I’d be worried if I stopped thinking about it one day.”
“Scars matter. There’s no shame in them.”
I lightly reach up and brush my fingers across his stubble-covered cheek. He bends down to kiss me, and we hold like that for a second.
“I think she’s the one,” I admit as we hold hands and head back to my office. “I offered her the job.”
“Did you really? Congratulations. That’s fantastic.”
“She’s got all the right experience, all the right qualifications, and we clicked, you know? I don’t dread working with her.”
“That’s a big deal.”
“I know, it really is.” I take a deep breath and blow it out. “But it also scares the shit out of me.”
