Page 18 of My Ex's Best Friend

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“Ellie told me you didn’t get out of your hoodie for three days,” Tammy says. “And you stopped going to your favorite coffee spot. I know you did because you always send me a picture before you start your day.”

“That was not about Derek,” I say. “It was about my job at the museum. I loved working there and knew deep down that my days there were numbered.”

“Well, it’s a good thing the garbage just took itself out. Now it’s your first day back at the office, and you should concentrate on that.” Tammy smiles. “And you were telling me how this wonderful opportunity just fell into your lap?”

“It must be fate.” I shake my head. “Right after I put in the resignation, they just called me out of the blue telling me to go to an interview the next day. I was still at the museum!”

“Wow, that really does sound like fate, although you know me—I like my theories to have a scientific basis rather than cosmic connections,” Tammy says. “But go on.”

“We hit it off from the start,” I say. “She told me that my history of working with art pieces perfectly fit what they were looking for and that I was the only person who had experience working with contemporary art and pieces from the past five decades.”

“I told you; your tastes were eclectic.”

“Yeah, well, Derek always told me that it was all over the place.”

“That’s because he was jealous.” Tammy shakes her head. “But you got the job.”

I break into a huge grin. “I got the job!”

“What's this new job of yours all about? Can you share any details?"

I grin, feeling a mix of nerves and exhilaration.

"It's a bit of a leap from my old position. I'll be working in a more business-focused role, helping with the strategy and operations side, and working closely with the CEO. The admin told me he comes from a long line of artists. So, it looks like I’ll be finally working at a place where the people know what they’re doing.”

“That is so cool,” Tammy says. “This is a dream come true.”

I brush my hair out of my face. “It really is. I just hope the CEO is kind and considerate, whoever they are.”

Tammy frowns. “You don’t know?”

I shake my head. “There’s no mention of them on the company website or the job listing. I was focused on the interview. Besides, they gave me three questions to ask, and I couldn’t let one of them be, so hey, what’s the CEO like? Is he chill or like a total loser who looks down on women?”

Tammy nods. “Fair enough. Now

let me take a look at you."

I step farther from the phone so she can see all of me and twirl for her.

"Perfect choice! You'll be turning heads for all the right reasons."

I smile, grateful for Tammy's unwavering support. "What about makeup? Is it too much." I bring my phone camera closer to my face.

Tammy's voice takes on a playful tone. "Darling, you're a vision. A touch of makeup is just the right sprinkle of confidence. Trust me, you'll rock it. I'm so thrilled for you, Kiera!"

"Thanks, Tam. It's a bit nerve-wracking, though.”

“You’re going to crush it, girl.” Tammy smiles. “Good luck, and text me the deets later.”

“Will do.” I disconnect the call.

I give myself one last glance in the mirror, ensuring everything is in place before stepping out into the crisp morning air.

For the first time in two weeks, I order myself a coffee. It's a simple act, but it feels like a small victory. The barista hands me the steaming cup, and I take a moment to savor the rich aroma before taking a tentative sip. The bitter warmth dances on my tongue, and I love every bit of it.

I capture a photo of my coffee, the frothy swirls forming an intricate pattern on the surface. The caption I write reads, "First coffee in two weeks! Fresh start vibes.”

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