Page 6 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

Chuckling at her eccentricities, I took the planter to take a good look at my new companion. “Do you always name your plants?”

She beamed. “I do. The landlord won’t allow pets, so the plants are replacements for the cat I would have otherwise. Play music for him. They like it.”

I’d never heard of such a thing as playing music for a plant, but I wouldn’t argue with her. Everyone knew Maddison was the green thumb in the family. And despite growing up on a ranch and helping my mother with our garden, I definitely hadn’t inherited that trait. Usually, plants committed suicide in my presence.

Maddison planted her hands on her hips with a look of satisfaction. She turned to me and hugged me around the neck again. “Can you believe it? We’re finally living together!”

“I’m excited too, but I won’t lie—I’m a little anxious. New York is a big leap from Texas.”

It took less than two hours to unpack. The few clothes I brought with me hung in the minuscule closet with room to spare, and on the bookshelf, my five favorite novels looked lonely for company. The only thing that sat on the nightstand was a small blue lamp that reflected tiny stars when lit in the dark room: Maddison’s one design touch. She had always been eclectic, but I would allow it. The bare walls and minimal furniture made the room feel more like a cave than a sanctuary, but I would turn it into a cozy space in no time.

I had purposely packed minimally because I wanted to start afresh in my new life here. But now, as I stared at my sadly bare room, and realized I needed to fill the space with things that would make me feel at home in this big, unfamiliar city.

Was it too late to go shopping? It wouldn't hurt to go exploring and see a bit more of NYC than the drive from the airport. By foot would be best, I didn’t have the courage to venture out on another taxi excursion yet. The drive from JFK into the city had been a whirlwind of honking, weaving through traffic at fingernail-biting speeds, and yelling from the cab driver.

Maddison had music playing in the kitchen as she cooked, and the sound made me relax a little. We were both only children and had grown up more like sisters than cousins. People had warnedus that living together would put a strain on our friendship, but I wasn’t worried.

Along with having a sibling figure in my life, I could also see how two girls cohabitating in New York City fared.

For now, I was glad not to come home to an empty apartment after job-searching. And who knew, instead of moving out after getting a job, I might stay here until I rise up in my lawyer career and become a top one as I envisioned. Then, I would find Mr. Right, settle down, and have a family.

I sat on my bed and checked my phone for local attractions. My fingers automatically clicked on my email first. Back in Texas, my job at a boutique law firm had required me to be accessible most of the time. Over the last two years, I’d developed the habit of compulsively checking my emails, something my old-fashioned father had scolded me about on more than one occasion.

As I scrolled through the messages, a job posting in a legal newsletter caught my eye. A high-profile law firm, Waltons & Associates, had an opening for a junior associate. Applications would only be accepted until midnight tonight, and any shortlisted candidates would appear at the office for an interview tomorrow.

I paused, biting my lower lip.

My initial plan was to settle in and then start looking for a job. But this one sounded too good to pass up. It offered outstanding benefits, and the pay was more than double my salary at my previous firm. But did I even have a chance of being hired? This was a big New York firm. They were sure to get dozens of applicants—lawyers who had much more experience than me.

For a minute, I felt intimidated, a bitter taste filled my mouth.

I quickly pushed aside that defeatist attitude. Didn’t starting a new life in New York mean taking a few risks? They might pay off.

With that conviction, I made up my mind and applied for the job.

When I was satisfied with the application, I went in search of Maddison. She was dancing in the kitchen, a wooden spoon over her head.

Laughing, I sat at a barstool in front of the kitchen counter. “Whatcha making?” I asked.

“Oh, you know me. Throwing together a dinner out of random ingredients in the cupboards. How do you feel about tomato sauce and ramen?” Maddison asked in a mockingly serious tone.

I let out a short laugh. “Umm, as a combination? I’m not sure. Do you intend to put the ramen flavoring in the tomato sauce?”

“Of course. Keep up. I also thought about frying up an over-easy egg to put on top.” Maddison turned back to the stove and stirred the noodles, steam rising rapidly from the pot.

I shook my head, getting up from the barstool. Maddison may be a green thumb, but a chef, she was not.

“Well, I wouldn’t have thought to put those flavors together, but good luck with that.” I got up. “I’m going shopping before the stores close. You want to come with me?” I asked, still a little intimidated by the Big Apple but knowing I had to get used to it eventually.

“This is Manhattan, cous, a city that never sleeps. The stores don’t really close.” She dipped the wooden spoon into the mixture and licked it, smacked her lips, then shrugged and put the spoon back in the pot. “I wish I could come with you, but I have a rehearsal to practice. If you wait until tomorrow, I’ll join you.”

“That’s okay,” I said. “Right now, I want to get out. It’s exciting to be here, and a walk around would help me get the jitters out of my system.”

“I know the feeling.”

“Plus, I need an outfit, just in case I get a call for a big law firm interview. Fingers crossed, I’ll have one scheduled for tomorrow. Any suggestions for a boutique with smart business attire that aren’t too expensive?”

“Sure thing. I'll share some places with you via your map app.” She wiped her hands on a towel and went to retrieve her phone.

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