Page 20 of In Pursuit of Love & Clout

“Really?” I ask eagerly, bouncing on the edge of my seat. “That’s great!”

“I’ll have her call you as soon as possible, and the two of you can set something up. How does that sound?”

“That would be great,” I respond. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“No problem at all, darling. You have a nice day, alright?”

“You, too.”

A warm, fuzzy feeling settles in my stomach. What a nice woman! For the first time in a while, my money situation doesn’t feel so bad. Maybe things will work out after all. I just have to getthis job, and then I’ll be able to get more things to help my social media along.

I getthe call that same afternoon. A woman with a no-nonsense sort of voice greets me on the other end.

“So, I’ve been looking over your application, Sophie—” she says, and I immediately cut in.

“I know there’s not a lot on there, but—”

“No, don’t you worry about that. I actually really liked that you’d been working at the same company for so long. That kind of loyalty is hard to come by these days.”

Yeah,that’swhy I stayed at the grocery store for so long. Loyalty. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“You would obviously need some training, but that’s no problem. You wouldn’t actually do anything that has to do with our clients’ medical care, except for some basic things. Distributing medicine and things like that. This role is mostly a caretaking one. You would keep them company. Help them get dressed and feel put together. Our clients really value that sort of thing; it makes them feel like themselves.”

“That sounds wonderful!”

“I’d like to meet you, of course,” she continues, “see if we’re a good fit together. But if we are, then I think you’d be a great addition to our little team.”

My stomach flutters at her words. “Great! Looking forward to it.”

“Is tomorrow good? I have some time before lunch if you’re available.”

“Tomorrow is perfect,” I say, grinning wide. I have an interview. I have a freaking interview!

“Lovely,” she says. “I’ll see you then.”

I can’t believe it! I might actually get a job; I won’t have to sell all my valuables. I dance toward my closet and try to pick out what to wear for my interview. None of my new clothes are really appropriate, so I look through my old ones. I’ve barely touched them since I started posting pictures online, and it feels a little weird when I try on a dark pair of pants with a button-down shirt. I throw a navy knitted sweater on top, giving me a put-together, preppy sort of look. If I pull my hair up into a ponytail and just do a light sweeping of makeup, I think that makes me look fairly professional.

Pleased with my choice, I put the clothes back in the closet for tomorrow and go sit down on my couch. My pomeranian jumps up on my lap and begins to lick my hands as I pull out my phone. I have a new DM from Sam. He’s been messaging me nonstop ever since I invited him over. I keep my answers short, hoping he’ll take the hint.

For a moment, I wonder if this is what Tanner felt with me before he broke things off. But that was different; we wereactuallydating. Sam’s just a random guy I made out with a little. There’s no need for him to constantly message me like this.

Can I see you again?

It’s not the first time he has asked that question. I keep deflecting, telling him I’m busy. But maybe it’s time to just nip this in the butt. I start to write out a message, only to delete it all again. I don’t know how to do this without being mean. Best to just rip off the bandage. He’s a grown man; he can take it.

Sam, I really enjoyed meeting you, but I’m just not looking for anything right now. I think it’s best if we don’t see each other again, and just let that day be a fond memory for us both. I hope you understand.

Does that sound weird? Maybe that part about it being a fond memory is a bit much. Whatever, at least I’ve made myself clear. A new message appears.

But I think I’ve fallen for you, Sophie.

Oookay. I stare at his message, eyes wide. What the hell? Is he being serious? I don’t even know what to say. Do I even answer him?

You’re not falling for me, Sam. You don’t even know me.

Three little dots show up at once.I’ve never felt so close to another person before. You can’t just throw this away.

That’s a little intense. We spent two, maybe three, hours together. Surely, he’s just exaggerating. But then again, he did seem quite inexperienced. Maybe I’m the first woman to have ever shown him any type of attention. And now he’s imprinted on me or something, like a baby duck. I should let him down easy, but I also don’t want to drag it out. It’s better that he lets go of his little fantasy of me and move on. He’s so sweet, and he good-looking, too. Someone like him shouldn’t have a problem finding a girlfriend.

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