CHAPTER FORTY–SIX – The Calm Before the Storm
“Early bird gets the worm, roomie,” Jessie chirped, sliding a plate of bacon and eggs across the counter. “Or in this case, gets first dibs on breakfast.”
Laura took a long sip of coffee, feeling more human with each passing second. “You didn’t have to cook for me, you know,”
Jessie shrugged. “Consider it a “welcome to New York‘ gesture. So, any big plans for the day?”
Laura hesitated, her fork hovering over her plate. “Actually, yeah. I’m thinking of paying a visit to… an old friend.”
“Ooh, mysterious,” Jessie waggled her eyebrows. “This ‘old friend‘ wouldn’t happen to be tall, dark, and handsome, would they?”
Laura felt a blush creeping up her cheeks “Maybe. It’s complicated.”
“Isn’t it always?” Jessie laughed. “Well, good luck with your mystery man. I’ve got a deadline to meet, so I’ll be chained to my computer all day. Try not to have too much fun without me.”
As Jessie retreated to her room, Laura finished her breakfast, her mind racing with possibilities. This was it. She was finally going to see Ryan again
An hour later, Laura stood in front of her closet, scrutinizing her options. She wanted to look good, but not like she was trying too hard. After much deliberation, she settled on a navy blue dress that hugged her curves without being too revealing
Laura applied her makeup with careful precision, then took a final look in the mirror. Her reflection stared back, a mix of excitement and nerves evident in her eyes. She took a deep breath. “You can do this,” she whispered to herself.
The cab ride to Ryan’s building felt interminable. Laura’s heart raced as she rehearsed what she might say to him. When the taxi
finally pulled up to the curb, she had to take a moment to steady herself before stepping out.
The lobby of Ryan’s building was even more opulent than she remembered. Marble floors gleamed beneath a crystal chandelier, and plush leather sofas dotted the space. Laura approached the concierge desk, plastering on her most confident smile.
“Good morning,” she said brightly to the stern–faced woman behind the desk. “I’m here to see Ryan Callis.”
The concierge peered at her over half–moon glasses. “Do you have an appointment?“”
Laura’s smile faltered slightly. “Well, no, but”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t allow you upstairs without an appointment or prior approval from the resident,” the concierge cut her off
“I understand, but if you could just call up to his apartment-”
“Ma’am, I’m not at liberty to confirm or deny if Mr. Callis resides in this building,” the concierge’s tone grew colder. “If you’d like to leave a message, I can pass it along to the appropriate channels.”
Laura felt her frustration mounting. “Look, I know he lives here. We’re… old friends. If you could just let him know Laura McKenna is
here”
“As I’ve said, I cannot-
“Please,” Laura’s voice rose, drawing curious glances from other people in the lobby. “It’s important that I speak with him.”
The concierge’s lips
o lower your voice.
rge’s lips thinned into a tight line. “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to
“I’m not leaving until I see Ryan,” Laura insisted, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and determination.
The concierge picked up a phone, speaking in low tones. Moments later, two burly security guards appeared at Laura’s side.
“Is there a problem here?” one of them asked, his voice deceptively calm.
“No problem,” Laura said quickly. “I just need to see Ryan Callis. It’s urgent.”
The second guard placed a hand on Laura’s armi, “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to come with us.
Laura jerked her arm away. “Don’t touch me! I have every right to be here!!
Her outburst echoed through the lobby. Other residents stopped to state, some pulling out their phones to record the scene.
“Please, don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be,” the first guard said, his tone hardening, “We need you to leave the premises.”
“No!” Laura’s voice cracked. “You don’t understand. I need to see him. Ryan! Ryan, are you there?” She called out, huping against hope that he might hear her.
The cate
The guards exchanged a look, then moved to flank Laura on either side. “Ma’am, we’re going to escort you out now.
Laura felt tears pricking at her eyes as the reality of the situation sank in. She was making a fool of herself, and for what? She allowed the guards to guide her towards the exit, her cheeks burning with humiliation.
As they reached the doors, Laura turned back for one last plea. “Please, if you see Ryan, just tell him Laura was here. Tell him… tell him I’m sorry.”
The guards nodded curtly, then watched as Laura stepped out onto the sidewalk. The glass doors swung shut behind her with a final sounding thud.
Laura stood there for a moment, blinking back tears as passersby hurried past. She’d imagined this moment so many times, but never like this. Never with her being thrown out like some crazed fan.
As the adrenaline of the confrontation faded, a new determination took its place. If she couldn’t reach Ryan directly, she’d find another way. And suddenly, she knew exactly what she had to do
Laura hailed a cab, her mind already racing with plans. “Sivarra Tech headquarters, please,” she told the driver. It was time for Plan B.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of research and preparation. Laura pored over Sivarra Tech’s website, memorizing the company’s mission statement and recent projects. She polished her resume, tailoring it to highlight skills that might be useful for an executive
assistant position
As night fell, Laura finally allowed herself to relax. She’d done all she could to prepare. Tomorrow, she told herself, would be a new day. A better day.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Laura woke before her alarm, nervous energy thrumming through her veins. She’d barely slept, her mind too busy rehearsing potential interview questions.
“Big day?” Jessie asked, eyeing Laura’s crisp blazer and pencil skirt as she emerged from her room.
Laura nodded, trying to keep her nerves from showing. “Job interview. At Sivarra Tech.”
Jessie whistled. “Fancy. Well, knock ‘em dead, roomie. You’ve got this.”
Laura managed a weak smile. “Thanks. I hope so.”
The subway ride to Sivarra Tech’s headquarters felt interminable. Laura clutched her portfolio to her chest, silently repeating affirmations in her head. You’re qualified. You’re confident. You belong here.
As she exited the station, Laura’s heel caught in a grate. She stumbled, nearly falling flat on her face. A kind stranger steadied her, but the near–miss left her rattled.
The
Sivarra Tech building loomed before her, all gleaming glass and sleek lines. Laura took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and pushed through the revolving door.
The Jobby was a hive of activity, people in smart business attire hurrying in every direction. Laura approached the reception desk, pasting on her most professional smile.
“Good morning,” she said, proud of how steady her voice sounded. “I’m here about the executive assistant position.”
