Chapter 11
Emily
“I started looking around, looking into the work you did, who you were, and…well, Alec can be very persistent when he wants something,” I admit.
“That he can.” He agrees. “Though, I have to admit, I had my doubts that you were going to actually schedule the interview.”
“Sorry about that.” I look anywhere but at him. The conference room we’re meeting in is simple, but impressive at the same time. The tech guru in me takes in all the small features that most people wouldn’t normally see. The mounted cameras angled in each corner of the room, the pull down screen for presentations and the large wall of sound proof windows that allow the occupants to see the rest the office. From the outside, it looked like a normal warehouse but once you enter it’s anything but that. I was instantly impressed with the set up that Dark Water Security had in that moment.
“Tell me about yourself,” he asks.
“What do you want to know?” The simple question immediately puts me on edge.
“What do you do when you’re not working?”
“I practice martial arts and volunteer teaching self-defense classes at a local woman’s shelter.” Okay, this I can handle.
“Really?” He doesn’t hide his surprise. “I thought you…well, pretty much stayed at home. I’m sorry, it’s just that’s sort of how Alec portrayed you—”
“Oh, that’s definitely me too. I don’t like crowds, new places, new things or, well…anything unknown.”
“Yet, here you are,” he points out.
“I know that I sound…well, crazy—”
“No—”
“I do, and that’s okay.” It’s definitely not the first time someone thinks I’m crazy and it won’t be the last. It never takes long for people to pick up on my avoidance of certain things to realize I’m not entirely normal. “It’s something I’m working on. I was doing really well until my dad got sick. Staying home, taking care of him, only leaving when I absolutely needed to—it allowed for my earlier habits to come back. I know I’m asking a lot, but I’d really like a chance. I can do this job. I have no doubts about that.”
“Even with moving across the country?”
“I know it’s not going to be easy, but I need things to change. Staying at home, in my dad’s house, isn’t helping. As unknown as this is, I think change is exactly what I need. Knowing that there isn’t a work from home option here, basically forces me to not slip back into those old habits.”
He doesn’t respond right away, instead he just… stares as me. Instead of being uncomfortable like you would expect it to be, it’s anything but uncomfortable. While he takes me in, I do the same for him. His dark brown hair is cut short, obviously still left over from his time in the service. His broad shoulders give way to his obviously toned arms and chest. Even though he’s fully clothed, you can tell just by looking at him that he works out. When my thoughts start to turn to just how toned he might be, I force myself to look away. Thinking about the man I hope to be my future boss like this can’t be good.
“When can you start?”
“Start? Um…I guess now? I mean, obviously not tonight, but…”
“The morning works.” He laughs. “Are you sure? If you need to go back to San Diego to—”
“No,” I cut him off before he can finish his thought. “I packed enough to stay a few days since I wasn’t sure when you would be able to meet with me. I’ll contact a realtor back home and have someone get the house ready to sell.”
“You’re sure? If you need to go back to handle things, we can delay your start date.”
“No…old habits and all that,” I quietly admit. “I’d much rather stay out here and let someone else handle all of that. I read that sometimes starting over, starting fresh, can help.”
“Yes, sometimes it can.”
“Tomorrow morning then?” I ask.
“Yes, be here around nine. Jose will be here for another two days, so I’d like you two to work together as much as possible before he leaves.”
“Thank you again for the opportunity… and well, for taking a chance.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
We both stand at the same time, gathering our belongings from the table. I find myself watching him again when his back is to me. Although he’s casually dressed in jeans and a button down shirt, there’s no doubt he’s in charge. He has this sense of… power and confidence about him that I can only wish to have one day. When he turns to face me, I quickly look away and pick up my purse.
“Good night, Luke.” I offer my hand at the door.
“Night, Emily. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He takes my hand in his, holding for what I would normally consider too long but it could just all be in my head. He hasn’t given me much of a second glance, so it’s probably all just in my head.
The hotel is located only a few blocks from Dark Water Security offices and offers extended stay options which is why I chose this one. By the time I get up to my room my nerves are shot. Over the last three days I’ve questioned this decision more than I have anything in my entire life. Is this the right thing to do? Is this the right job for me? Is this the right place for me? Am I even able to do this?
In the end though what I said to Luke is true: I need a change. I need a reason to get out of bed each day now that my dad is gone. I need to walk into a room and not picture him sitting there dying. I need… a fresh start. I’ve never been a fan of change and this is probably the biggest change I’ve ever made, but it’s something I think I need.
Dark Water Security sounds like it’ll be a good fit for me. I get to use the skills that I’ve spent years perfecting while still making a difference. Alec and Luke… they seem like they would be good to work for. They’re both nice and so far seem pretty understanding. As long as I can keep my craziness under control, I think I’ll fit in… at least to a certain degree considering I don’t have a military background.