“Yeah, I was. It’s like I’m living in my own rom-com. There’s definitely some unspoken tension between us, and the fact that we’re both dog parents makes it even better. It’s a match made in heaven, maybe two matches. Her dog is a Newfie, named Milo. He and Sable are quite taken with each other, and we joke that they’re dog boyfriend and girlfriend.”

I roll my eyes at his cheesy comments.

After chatting with my brother for a few more minutes, we say our goodbyes and I return to my job search. Even when I was working at Digiprint Communications, I would keep my eyes peeled for new opportunities. Deep down, I knew that I wouldn’t last there, especially with the constant pressure from Donald to sleep with him.

After finishing my meal, I wash my plate and glass then put the remaining pizza in the fridge for tomorrow’s leftovers. I shut off my laptop, pick up my phone, and head to the bedroom to prepare for bed. It’s getting late and even though I don’t have a job to go to the next day, I want to start my job hunt early. I change into my pajamas, brush my teeth, and wash my face. I’m just about to climb into bed and read for a bit before sleeping when my phone beeps on the nightstand.

Excitement bubbles up inside me as I see that I’ve received an alert on a brand-new job posting.

I begin to read through it. The company is called Chase Media.

There’s a blurb with some details about the company, and I quickly read it.

Chase Media is a leading media company with a focus on digital publishing and content creation. Our mission is to provide high-quality, engaging content to our readers across a variety of platforms, from websites and social media to mobile apps and podcasts. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach to storytelling and our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work.

They are looking for a personal assistant to the CEO. They want all the usual requirements: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational and time management skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, etc.

I keep reading.

Positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to support the CEO.

That’s an interesting way to word things. I wonder what they mean by “whatever it takes”? I can’t help but think about Donald when I read that line.

Ability to anticipate the needs and preferences of the CEO before they arise and proactively take steps to address them.

I’m getting more and more curious…

And then the kicker…

Involvement in strategic planning and decision-making processes for the company as a whole, in order to provide valuable input and insights from the perspective of the CEO’s right-hand person.

This sounds like a position of substantial responsibility. It sounds much better than my last job although I’m still a little concerned about that “whatever it takes” comment…

I’ll figure it out if I get the job. I click reply and send my CV.

Putting my phone back on the nightstand, I pick up my book and settle back into the pillows. I’m just getting to the part where Lucy gets into Narnia for the first time when my phone beeps again. I’ve lovedThe Chronicles of Narniasince I was a child and know the story by heart, so I’m not too annoyed by the interruption.

I check my phone and see that it’s an email from Mr. Parker Slater. He wants to interview me as soon as possible and asks if I’m available to meet him at 9 a.m. the next day.

Without hesitating, I reply to Mr. Slater’s email stating that I am available and would be pleased to meet with him the following day. I quickly type out my response, eager to confirm the interview and hopefully secure the job.

My heart races with excitement as I realize this could be my chance to start a new career.

I think I won’t be able to sleep after all this excitement but as I sink into my bed, my body tired and my mind exhausted, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. I sleep soundly through the night, and my dreams are filled with visions of new beginnings and exciting opportunities to come.

Chapter 4

Jocelyn

“Ijustarrived!”Isay into my phone.

The sound of my black high-heeled shoes clicking against the tiled floor of the Chase Media building echoes around me.

While getting ready for my interview this morning, I realized that I had heard about this company before during my time at Digiprint Communications. As far as I could recall, Digiprint and Chase Media were competitors. If I were to get the job and word got out to Digiprint, they would undoubtedly be furious.

Getting this job was crucial for my livelihood and the thought of how much it would aggravate Donald only fueled my desire even further. With that in mind, I switch my phone from my left ear to my right as I step into the elevator. I press the button for the tenth floor as instructed in the email I had received earlier that morning.

“Are you running late?” asks my brother. He is panting on the other end of the line. I can tell he is at the gym—he likes to multitask by calling me while he works out.