Page 76 of Broken Like This by Bethany

“Ace! I am so proud of you.”

“Well, take it easy. Nothing has even happened yet.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever you say.”

“Enough about me. How was the interview?”

I try not to squeal with excitement. “I think it was good. Like, really good.”

“I knew it! I knew you’d kick ass.”

Gushing, I say, “It felt like I belonged there. And I told her about my past and how it inspired me to get into this line of work. I don’t know. It just feels like what I’m meant to do, and I think that became obvious to the director, so… I don’t want to be overconfident, but I think there’s a good chance I’ll get it.”

“I think you will.”

“Aaron?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

“Back at ya.”

“All right, I gotta head out so I can get to class. I’ll see you at lunch.”

“See you then, Rae. Bye.”

I hang up and send a quick text to Sarah letting her know how it went before I drive to campus. As I pull onto the road, I take a quick breath. Today’s a good day.

Aaron

I plop down at the end of the lunch table, where everyone besides Sarah and Rae are already eating. I haven’t seen or talked to most of them since last night. It’s hard not to feel embarrassed. I’ve thought a lot about what Rae and I talked about last night. I need to show myself some respect. And that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m also trying to have some compassion for myself. It’s not easy. I was acting like an asshole last night. I owe Miles an apology, though I don’t particularly want to make it here at the table.

Joel’s gaze lands on me. “He lives.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. I waver between wanting to defend myself and letting him give me shit. Somehow, I feel like a different person today than I was last night. I feel like myself again.

“Yes. It’s good to see you survived—how many shots was it of tequila last night?” Miles shakes his head.

Just then, Rae walks up and flicks Joel on the back of the head and then Miles. I stifle a laugh. They both look at her as she walks around the other side of the table, dropping into the chair closest to me.

“What was that for?” Joel asks.

She leans across the table with a wicked smile on her face. She’s extra sassy today, and I love it.

“Those were to go with the note I left you this morning. Couldn’t really leave them, so I had to give them to you now.”

Amanda raises her hand. “Next time, I’ll pass them on for you.” She winks at Rae, who reaches over and fist bumps her.

My eyes drift to Rae. “What note?”

She gives me a wild smile, then looks at Miles and Joel. “I was just reminding them to be nice.” She flares her eyes at them, but they don’t push her.

“Rae baby!” Sarah calls as she walks over with her tray. She plops down next to her. “So, it went well? Tell me!”

Amanda’s eyes go wide. “Ooh, the interview? It was good?”

Rae laughs. “Yeah. It was awesome. I’m trying not to get too excited.”

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