: Chapter 7

A pair of stormy grays gazed down at me. My heart skipped at the intensity in them. I tried to move, but it felt like I didn’t have any control over my body. I couldn’t do anything but watch those gray pools coming closer.

Then I felt hot breath fanning my neck, sending goosebumps across my skin. My insides squirmed with anticipation.

“Mine…”

Jolting awake, I searched around for him. But there was no one. But, I felt as if someone just called me his…

Running my palms over my face, I sat up. It was just a dream.

He wouldn’t leave me alone, even in my dreams, would he? Three days had passed since that night and my returning to New York, and his words still haunted my sleep.

Shaking my head, I glanced at the time. Shit! It’s already eight!

Scrambling out of the bed, I grabbed my clothes for the interview and ran inside the bathroom. I had two interviews today, and the first one was at nine. If I didn’t get there in time, I’d lose the chance to work at one of my dream work places.

Actually, both of them were important to me. If I got a job at one of them, it’d be a golden ticket for my career as a designer.

And my first destination was Summer Clothing House. One of the most famous fashion houses across the city.

“What? But how’s that possible? I was informed I’d have an interview today at nine.”

The receptionist sent me a professional look of apology. “I’m sorry for the hassle. But we’ve found the perfect candidate for the post, so we had to cancel the interview. Didn’t you receive the email, Miss?”

I frowned. “What email?”

“We’d sent all our expected candidates an email regarding the rescission as an apology,” she informed.

Oh! I’d kept my phone off since I left home that night to avoid my family’s questions and a particular person’s calls and messages. I haven’t even checked my email for some days now.

How could I be so careless?

“Uh, maybe I missed it.” I bit my lip. “All right, my bad luck, I guess.”

“We’re sorry again, miss. Have a good day!”

Nodding, I sent her a tight smile and got out of there. Time to go to my next destination.

I just hoped everything would turn out good this time.

Checking myself one last time in the rearview, I let out a breath, wiping my clammy palms on my skirt.

Come on, Em! You’ve got this!

Chanting the mantra in my head, I got out of the car and looked up at the huge forty-something floor building. A big Coopers Fabrics sign was hung at the top.

I blew out a breath. I really didn’t want this chance to get out of my hands. These two were my dream workplaces, and now one was gone, leaving the latter.

Ignoring the nervous wreck in my tummy, I padded inside. Shoulders squared and chin high in confidence.

But as soon as the crowd in the waiting area came into my view, my confidence melted into a puddle. All of them were sophisticatedly dressed, with CV’s in their hands. Definitely for the interview.

Of course, this was one of the most renowned textile companies in the country. What did I expect?

The receptionist guided me to wait with the others as there was still quite time for my turn to come. And standing among these sharp and talented looking people, my nervousness rose to a new height.

Choosing a vacant seat, I settled in the furthest corner of the waiting area and waited for my turn to arrive.

My phone vibrated in my purse.

Pulling it out, I checked the name.

Warner.

“Hello,” I whispered.

“Em, thank God you finally switched on your phone. Your parents were killing me asking about you. They’re mad that you left all of a sudden and then kept your phone off.”

I glanced down at my nails. The sense of guilt was picking up on me. I hadn’t given them much of an explanation of my sudden leave, and then blocked any way they could connect to me. Just to avoid one person, I hurt so many loved ones.

Since I switched on my phone this morning, I didn’t even check the calls or messages. I’m sure my message box has been flooded.

“Yeah, I’m sorry that you’d to handle my family’s bombarding. I will talk to you later about it. I’m now at Coopers Fabrics for the interview. Do you have anything else to say?”

“It’s nothing, Em. It’s just that I’m worried about your sudden change of heart. Anyway, I called you to give you some good news. I will meet you tonight at your place.” His voice dripped with excitement.

“What good news? And sure, I’m free tonight.” I ignored his first statement.

“That’s a surprise for later tonight. Now I gotta go. All the best for your interview!”

I smiled. “Thanks. See you later.”

Sighing, I put the phone down. What good news he was talking about?

“Emerald Hutton?” A lady in her mid-thirties with a high tight bun and suit looked around for the beholder of the name.

“It’s me!” Raising my hand, I got up.

“You’re next. Mr. Cooper is waiting for you inside,” she said. Tone professional with no hint of a smile.

Nodding, I grabbed my purse, CV, and followed behind her.

Once we stopped before a pair of white doors, she knocked and waited.

“Come in!” barked a voice from inside. I cringed. God knew who was going to take my interview. I already had a feeling of doom.

Tilting her chin, she gestured to me to go on and left. Taking deep breaths, I entered. Restless butterflies stormed in my stomach.

A small round man in his late fifties sat opposite of the huge desk.

Mr. Cooper. The CEO.

With a big scowl, he continued to sign some papers, muttering something incoherent under his breath. A loud noise echoed in the room as he slightly leaned to his right and then sat straight.

I stopped in my tracks.

“Would you stand there forever? Sit!” he grumbled, without looking at me. He didn’t seem to notice that he just farted before someone.

Trying not to crinkle my nose at the foul odor in the air, I took the chair opposite of his and placed the file of my CV on the desk.

“Hello, Mr. Cooper. I’m Emerald Hutton.” I kept my tone as professional as I could while holding my breath.

“Give me your CV already, will you?” Brushing the arched moustache on his upper lip, he reached out for my file, and I handed it to him.

With narrowed eyes, he scrutinized my CV. Though I’d topped in most of my exams and my other qualifications were also good, I was still at the edge of his judgement. Because the way he was looking at those papers, I got a feeling he was a judge in some time of his life.

“You’re fluent in Spanish and Italian? Or you just added it out of excitement?” His tone was already calling me a fraud.

But I remained calm. “No, Mr. Cooper. I’ve taken courses on Italian and my second language was Spanish at high school. If you want, I could converse with you in one of them.”

“No need.” He waved his hand, grunting. “It’s not that I’d understand anything, anyway. You could blabber to make a fool of me.”

I gritted my teeth, but kept my composure. This grumbling potato was now getting on my nerves.

Who takes interviews like that? I wonder who even made him the CEO of this company.

“You eat well?” For the first time, he looked up.

My brows creased. How did that relate to anything with the job? “I do when I’m hungry. Why?”

He snorted. “Girls of your generation are fond of keeping themselves empty stomached to stay lanky. And if your stomach is empty, so will be your head. How would you create designs if you’re empty in the head?”

Do I still want to work in his company? Sadly, yes.

“No, Mr. Cooper. I prefer to be healthy than be… lanky,” I replied.

He cast a look, observing me. I fidgeted in my seat. Then, he closed my file and slid it to me. “Get out now. And tell Lucinda to send the next headache.”

I raised my brow. Did he just reject me? Then I understood it was his way to say: you may leave now. And I assumed Lucinda was that woman who sent me in, and headache was the next candidate.

Pressing my lips tight, I flashed him an even tighter smile and stood up. The nervousness now turned into fear as I informed Lucinda and then walked away. She said I’d receive an email later to know if I was selected or not. Until then, I would have to wait.

As I got out of the elevator, my shoulder bumped into someone.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Looking up, I found a man near Mr. Cooper’s age standing before me. But he was far from small and round, the opposite, in fact. Tall and fit. Some gray hairs were peeking out of his dark strands.

When he glanced at me, something flashed across his dark, hollow eyes. Tilting his head, he gave me a look over. I didn’t know why, but he looked familiar. And from just looking at him, uneasiness filled me.

“It’s all right, my dear. People often stumble into their way when they don’t see where they’re going. Or… crossing whose path.” The edge of his voice evolved some secrets. Then the ominous look suddenly vanished and replaced a bright smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I hope your interview went well, dear.”

I looked down at my CV. But still, they were in a file.How did he know I came here for an interview?

“Uh, it was good. But how do you know that I came here for an interview?”

He had that look again. “I know a lot of things, young lady.” His orbs flickered over my shoulder. “If you will excuse me, I’m in a hurry right now. I will see you later.” Nodding, he walked into the elevator.

“But…” I turned around, but the doors were already closed. And he was gone.

I frowned. Who was he? He talked as if… he knew me somehow. But how?

Whatever, I didn’t want to see him around again. That man radiated some kind of negative energy.

Heaving a sigh, I looked up at the sky once outside. First interview got canceled, and this one was terrible. Though he didn’t give me an answer, his expression didn’t seem to be impressed. Still, I had my fingers crossed. I didn’t want this chance to slip away from my hand.

It wasn’t even noon. And I was already feeling tired.

My phone vibrated again. And this time it was my best friend.

“I’ve found out. She isn’t his girlfriend or anything like that. They’re just friends! And if it still bothers you, then you should know that she’s happily married,” Cassie finished in one breath.

“Cassie, what are you talking about…” Then it hit me. That girl with him at the diner. That redhead. Irritation irked my skin.

Wait… what did she say? They’re just… friends? Not anything else?

Why did I feel so light?

I shook my head.

“Em, you there?”

“Yeah, I’m listening.” I cleared my throat.

“Oh, thank God! I thought you died out of relief.” She teased.

I straightened. “It’s nothing like that. I don’t care if she’s his girlfriend or just a friend. And you called me to inform this?”

I could imagine her rolling her amber eyes.

“Yeah, right! That’s why you vanished after that night. Don’t lie to me, bitch! I know how much you care. So as a best friend, I just did my duty by applying balm on your burn.”

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. “Shut up! I’m not lying. And right now, when I don’t know if I got rejected or selected for the job, I don’t want to talk about that man.”

Now that caught her attention and then I gave her a brief of everything that happened since this morning and all she did was laugh at my misery, wishing me luck with Mr. Fart Cooper.

“So? What good news are you going to give me?” I asked Warner, taking a bite on the pizza he’d brought for us for dinner.

“You tell me first. How did your interview go?” He chewed on his piece.

My shoulders lifted. “Peachy. The first one got canceled and the second one was horrible.”

“Why? What happened? Your CV is excellent. Everyone would want to give you a chance,” he stated.

“Thanks. But Mr. Cooper wasn’t everyone.” Shaking my head, I explained everything. Except that creepy man I bumped into.

He laughed so hard he choked on his food.

“That’s not funny! I’m concerned about my whole career here.” Giving him a glass of water, I glared at him.

“Sorry! It’s just I still can’t believe he farted in front of you.” He chuckled, wiping the tears he got from laughing his ass off. Seeing my serious expression, he sobered up and smiled. “Don’t worry, Em. They will definitely get back to you soon. And trust me, the job will be yours. I know it.”

“I hope so. Anyway, will you tell me your good news now?”

Setting the glass aside, he sat straight. Though his eyes sparkled with exhilaration, he seemed hesitant. “You remember I applied for a job last month?”

I nodded.

“Well, I got accepted to work directly under the general manager there.”

“What? That’s amazing, Warner! Congratulations!” Leaping up from my place, I gave him a tight hug.

“Thank you. But there is another thing…”

Pulling away, I studied him. “What’s it?”

He scratched his head. “This company is in Seattle. So, uh, I’ve to go there and join next week.”

“Of course you should go! Why are you so hesitant about it?” I queried.

He huffed. “That means I’ve to go far away from you, Em. And I can’t do that.”

I grabbed his hand. “I know how you’re feeling. I will miss you too. But just because you will have to shift to another city, you can’t miss this opportunity. It’s always been your dream to work at that company. And now that you finally got the chance, you should definitely take it.”

“But I can’t leave you here alone…”

“I’m not a kid, Warner. I can take care of myself. And we will talk every day, don’t worry. Just pack your bags already!” I punched on his shoulder, making him laugh and engulf me into another hug.

My phone buzzed on the couch, making me pull away.

My heart skipped. Was it an email from them?

Warner eyed me. Giving me an encouraging nod, he pushed me to check it.

With both excitement and nervousness, I picked up my phone, expecting an email of good news. As I saw the screen, my heart stopped in my chest. And then it started racing. It wasn’t anything I expected it would be.

I gave you time. And now your time is over. You can’t escape me anymore. -A