He continued, ‘‘I’m sure you’d be an asset wherever you work. However, we have one more interview to conduct. We’ll contact you as soon as possible.” He walked me to the door, seeing me out.

I got a sinking feeling in my heart as I heard those words. My interview had been great, so I thought. I also thought I was the last candidate, but I wasn’t. I was sure I’d be selected, but it looked unlikely now. I broke into a cold sweat. I wiped the beads of sweat from my forehead as I stepped out of the elevator.

Ryan had told me to wait for him after the interview was over, and he’d drop me off at home. However, I was on the verge of tears, feeling stifled for not getting the job, and all I wanted to do was book an Uber and rush to my apartment. Maybe I could fall asleep and wake up in a better place mentally.

‘‘Hey Michelle, how did your interview go?’’ Ryan called out from behind me. His voice startled me, but I was grateful to see him.

I fought back my tears and feigned a smile, ‘‘It was great, but I don’t think I got the job.’’ I pressed my lips together and tried to maintain my composure.

‘‘Why not?’’ He said as we walked toward the car.

‘‘I don’t know.’’ I shrugged my shoulders. ‘‘They only told me that my interview went well and they would let me know soon if I got the job, as they needed to conduct one more interview. I thought I was the last candidate. I’m sure it is the polite way to reject…’’

‘‘Michelle… shall I?’’ Ryan interrupted.

‘‘No, Ryan. Please don’t. If this doesn’t work out, I’ll just try to find a different job.’’ I was trying hard not to burst into tears in front of Ryan.

When we pulled up to my apartment, my phone beeped, and an email notification popped in.

Dear Michelle Harvey

It was a pleasure meeting you today at the interview. Thank you for your time. Our board members at Pearson’s International Software Company have evaluated your interview, and we are thrilled to inform you that you have been selected for the position of Management Consultant in our company. Many congratulations.

Welcome aboard. Attached is your official letter of offer.

Best wishes,

David Morris CEO

Pearson’s International Software Company

[email protected]

555-555-9595 ext 123

I burst with joy when I read this email and squealed.

‘‘Ryan, I got it… I got it!’’ I hugged him over the console and almost kissed him involuntarily in my ecstatic state and pulled myself away briskly when I realized what I was doing. I tried to look and talk normally after that. ‘‘I can’t believe I got the job, Ryan,’’ I said in utter disbelief.

Ryan, too, acted as if nothing happened and replied, ‘‘I knew it… I knew it, Michelle. I’m so happy and proud of you.’’ His face lit up. ‘‘You have been stressed out since this morning. I think you need to get some rest. I’d love to come in and have a cup of coffee with you to celebrate, but as you know, I’m going on a date with Alison tonight.’’ Ryan grinned mischievously, making me wonder about the reason behind that grin.

‘‘Do you like her?’’ I asked reluctantly.

‘‘Well, I don’t know yet; that is why we are going on a date. But I am hoping she is different from the other girls I’ve been dating lately.” He said with hope in his eyes.

‘‘I hope so. Well, good luck tonight. Let me know how it goes. Bye, Ryan.’’ I got out of the car and walked into my apartment.

When I finally sat down on the couch to take it all in, I picked up my phone to text our college group the happy news that I got the job. Within no time, Lucas called. Lucas is the reason I believe it when people say that they are only a call away.

‘‘Hey, congratulations, Michelle. Just read the good news.’’ His voice was full of joy.

‘‘Thank you, Lucas. You’re always so quick to respond. How is NYC treating you?’’

‘‘It’s great, but I miss Davenport. And you.’’ You could hear he meant it.

‘‘Yeah… Davenport is a forever home, isn’t it?’’ I agreed.

‘‘Yes, it is, but hey, I’ll text you later. I have to go to a meeting. I just wanted to say congratulations, Michelle.”