It was seven a.m., and I was awoken by the sound of my computer alerting me that I was being summoned for a video chat. I tried to open my eyes, but I hardly got any sleep because my mind and thoughts were racing, chasing each other about my upcoming interview. I grabbed my laptop and opened it.

"Hey, girl. Oh, you look like crap, Addison. Didn't you sleep well?" Emma frowned.

"Thanks, Emma, and no, I didn't. I tried calling you last night, but it kept going to voicemail," I spoke.

"Sorry. I had my phone turned off. I was a bit busy."

I could tell by the way she said it she was with someone.

"What's his name?" I smirked.

"If you must know, his name is George, and he's fabulous.” She smiled as she threw her arms up in the air. "So, what's going on with you, Addison? I feel like we haven’t talked much lately.”

"Well.” I smiled. “I landed an interview Monday at noon with London Arc Corporation."

Emma's jaw dropped.

"What? How did you manage that one? They just don't hire anybody," she spoke.

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, friend.”

“No…no…no, that's not what I meant,” she spoke as she sipped her coffee. “What I’m saying is that London Arc Corporation usually only hires people who have been in the industry for years, not new graduates. But I’m super excited that you’re coming to the city. I’m going to cancel all plans and prepare for your stay. You are staying with us, right?” She narrowed her eye at me.

"Of course, I’m staying with you.” I smiled.

"Hooray!” She jumped up. "Jasper," she yelled. "Addison is coming to New York Monday and staying with us."

Suddenly, Jasper, Emma’s roommate and my best friend, appeared on my screen with a towel wrapped around his waist and a toothbrush hanging from his mouth.

"Hey, Addison, totally awesome you're coming to visit. I’ll plan us something special.” He gave me a thumbs-up.

“I can’t wait to see you, Jasper!” I grinned.

"Call me Monday when you're done with your interview,” Emma spoke. “And Jasper and I will meet you over by the building.”

"I will. I can’t believe this!” I exclaimed.

“Me either. You getting this job and moving to New York would be totally amazing!”

“I didn’t get it yet, so let’s not get too excited.”

“I think you will. Who in their right mind could resist your charm?” She grinned. “I have to go. George is picking me up and we’re going to breakfast.”

“Wait. I want to hear all about this George guy!”

“I’ll tell you all about him when you get here.”

I closed my laptop, got out of bed, and started packing a small bag for my trip.

****

I looked in the mirror, trying to figure out what to do with my long blonde locks. Curly or straight was the question. I decided to go wavy. I put on my black pencil skirt and a sheer white blouse with a cami underneath. I threw my black pumps in my bag and put on my flats, so I wasn't uncomfortable driving. Edward grabbed my bag and headed toward my car.

"Addison Rose," my mother looked at me with that look only a mother can get, "you be careful driving and text or call me when you get into New York."

"I will, Mom.” I smiled as I gave her a warm hug.

It would never matter how old I was, Madeline Reid would always be protective and overbearing with me. She always had been, but more so after Charlie died. Edward threw my bag in the back seat of my Escape and walked over to me and my mom.

"Goodbye, darlin’. Drive safe and good luck," he said with his southern drawl as he hugged me.

“I will, Edward. Bye, Mom.” I gave her a small wave.

It was a beautiful warm sunny day; the perfect day for a road trip. With the window down and the sunroof open, I was listening to my favorite band, Maroon 5, when my cell phone rang.

"Hello," I answered.

"Miss Belle, this is Veronica Moore with London Arc Corporation."

My stomach sank, and all I could think was that they changed their mind and were canceling the interview.

“Hi,” I nervously spoke.

"When you arrive, please pull up in front of the building and our valet will park your car for you. See you soon, Miss Belle.” Click.

I pulled my phone from my ear and looked at it. She was always so quick to end our calls. Excitement flowed through me as I turned the radio up and started tapping the steering wheel to the beat of the music, smiling and thinking about how this opportunity could change my life forever.

Once I finally found the LAC building, I pulled up and quickly put on my heels just as a man dressed in a black suit walked over to the driver’s side and opened the door.

"Miss Belle, I presume." He smiled as he held out his hand.

“Yes.”

I placed my hand in his and he helped me out of my Escape.

"Thank you," I politely spoke and headed through the front doors of the building.

I stood in the lobby and was overcome by its beauty and architectural design. In the middle of the lobby stood a massive fountain complemented with flowers and greenery all around it. The furniture was antiqued with dark woods and cream coverings to match the walls and intricately carved moldings. Crystal chandeliers graced the ceilings, as did the large columns that stood from floor to ceiling.

"May I help you?" a lovely woman asked as I approached the front desk.

"I'm Addison Belle, and I'm here for an interview with Veronica Moore."

"Ah yes, Miss Belle, please wait a moment while I let Ms. Moore know you're here."

I looked around and studied the structure of the building and the opulence the lobby held.

"Miss Belle," a familiar voice called.

I turned around, and in front of me stood a tall woman with fire engine red hair.

 "Addison Belle." I held out my hand in a professional manner.

The woman before me extended her long, petite, well-manicured hand.

"Veronica Moore. Nice to finally meet you, Miss Belle." She smiled.

Veronica stood about five feet eleven with a petite frame. Her red hair was swept up in a neat tight bun that sat on the top of her head. She wore a beige pencil skirt with a blush-colored blouse and a beige short jacket. Her eyes were the color of jade, which reminded me of cat eyes. She was probably one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen.

We stepped inside the elevator and rode it up to the tenth floor. The doors led to a wide-open area with a long reception desk and many secretarial cubicles. The decor was the same as the lobby, very warm and inviting. Veronica Moore led me to a conference room with a long table that could seat about twenty people. The interview took approximately one hour. When it was over, she stood up and extended her hand.

"Welcome to London Arc Corporation, Miss Belle. If you’re interested in the job, we’d love to have you as part of our family and team.”

"Thank you so much for this opportunity." I smiled as I lightly shook her hand.

I was ecstatic, and I wanted to jump up and down in excitement, but I had to remain composed and professional. I’d save my little happy dance until after I left the building and was out of her sight.

 I got a job, and not just any ordinary job, but a job working for one of the most prestigious architectural companies in the world. I stepped outside the conference room and Veronica showed me to the elevators. The lobby was crowded with people coming and going, and I noticed there was a cafe called "The Coffee Pod,” so I decided to get a coffee, my one natural addiction in life. After standing in a long line of people, it was finally my turn.

 "How can I help you?" the cute barista boy behind the counter asked.

 "I’ll have a medium caramel latte with nonfat milk please.” I smiled.

 I set my purse on the counter and fumbled for my wallet. As twenty shades of red graced my face, I realized I left it in the car. Flustered and embarrassed, I shook my head and apologized.

"Here, this one is on me," a firm voice spoke from behind.

 I turned around and gasped at the man that was standing behind me. He handed the barista boy a ten-dollar bill and told him to keep the change.

 "Oh no. I'm sorry, I can't,” I spoke with embarrassment.

"Sure you can, and you will." He smiled.

My heart started racing and my legs became weak. I didn’t think I'd ever seen a more beautiful man in my life. His dark brown tousled hair with bangs swept to the side, and his bright blue eyes that sparkled like the ocean water on a clear sunny day were just a part of him that made me quiver. His body was lean but muscular, not too muscular, but just the right proportion for his body. His face was perfectly chiseled in the right places and his lips were shaped to perfection. The five o’clock shadow that he sported made my legs tighten.

"Thank you. I will pay you back," I spoke nervously. “I left my wallet in my car before I came in here for an interview."

 "Ah. Do you know how dangerous it is to leave your wallet anywhere but with you in New York?” He smiled. "Did Veronica interview you?" he asked.

"Yes. Do you know her?"

He laughed. "I know Ms. Moore. She’s very good at her job. I actually work here.”

“That’s good because I’ll be working here as well, and I can pay you back.”

I grabbed my coffee and couldn't wait to get out the door. The humiliation would follow me for days.

 "Thank you again. I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I can," I yelled as I turned my back and headed towards the front.