o hard to look innovative. I smoothed my navy blazer, noting how it hung l

only to shut Janet up called it stress w

ptionist with a prac

r through glass doors to a conference room w

rector," she introduced

chair opposite, back straigh

done a hundred intervie

ressive," Patricia b

no small feat. Started as a coor

proud of my tra

yourself as a team

red efficiency of someone who a

plied, the rehearse

gns that increased client engagement by an aver

pled dark hair practically fell into the room, clutch

he panted, dropping into

ed, and Javier's demanding new concepts by the end of the day

reative Director. He'd be your dir

extended his hand,

ling Patricia how amazing you are." I shook his hand br

im from the club. "I was just expl

paigns." Thomas nodd

rilliant targeting strategy. Was that your

olunteer participati

dget increase,

dy. See, Patricia?" He w

d her." Patricia

eparture from Vertex? Eight years is a substant

ticed this answer, but it sti

ed my immediate attention. Tho

t kin

tual

o go from here. Past is past, right? Tell me about a pr

nterviews were about proving what I'd alr

zing work but have zero visibility. I've always thought a targeted awareness campaign c

d forward, co

'm talking about. Heart

atricia. "When

y your decision," Pa

" I said, surprising m

he Landmark Hotels pitch on Thursday a

ected, "we haven't discuss

stood, gathering h

g stuff. Daniela, really lookin

sk slipped slightly. "Thomas is... enthusi

passionate," I o

t." Patricia pushed a f

by tomorrow if the terms are acceptable." O

ley: "Case suspended pendi

into reality. I was still staring at the mess

the interview. Sorry for the ambush, g

immediate

es

t you might want to meet everyone before Monday. No pressure, just a cha

e sounded strangle

s," he backped

ve dance session?" The j

ad ended with a hospital

n't t

ist

. Just thought it might help to know some friendly fa

I said finally, alread

the ride th

me either way. And Daniela? Look

ess felt dangerous, a trap I'd fallen into before. The

wed, scanning faces on the street for Alex's features.

apy appointment," Jane

ew." I pushed past he

iently scheduled a

he job." Janet's ange

Inside, I shared the offer d

before. Then Janet asked the question: "H

malcy burst. "Case suspend

Janet's face flu

at he did

alk about it." I pu

Later, after Janet left, I sat in the d

feeling that no matter where I went, the