Page 49 of Chandelier Enthralled
“Don’t you have to get back to your big story? Maybe a local restaurant changed a menu. Or some gardener has a particularly large vegetable they want showcased.” He circled a finger. “Pet of the week.”
I forced a smile. “Have a great day.”
Walking away was the right decision. Didn’t need to be seen as a problem employee on my first day. Who was I kidding, this was my last day. Staying felt wrong now that I didn’t have my brother’s support.
Back at my desk, I lifted the box, and turned it around and examined the packaging, wondering who it was from. I didn’t trust the mail guy. He could have put something awful in there. As I turned it around to examine it, I saw no return address. I ripped open the brown paper and peeked inside to see a velvet box.
I glanced around to see if anyone was watching me open the thing. Everyone around me seemed super busy.
Cautiously, I lifted the velvet box lid and choked down the sense of awe, regretting how unceremoniously it had been handled.
I removed the object from its velvet base and held it reverently, mesmerized by the stunning snow globe. A delicate chandelier was suspended inside, and it made me smile instantly. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. I gave it a gentle shake, and the gold flakes swirled around the chandelier, sparkling like tiny stars.
Carefully, I checked to see if it was undamaged, turning it around to view the glass from every angle.
Who gave me this?
Carefully, I set it down.
Movement flashed on my right, as a young woman plopped down in the seat next to me, her cubicle super close.
“Wow, that’s gorgeous,” she said. “Boyfriend?”
I forced a smile. “No.”
“Who then?”
“Brothers,” I said, tucking it away. “Probably.”
“Are they single?” She laughed.
Self-consciously, I wrapped it back up and nudged the box to the side.
She turned to face me and held out her hand. “I’m Chloe.”
I shook her hand. “Willa.”
“Didn’t I see you yesterday?”
“Yes.”
“It usually takes weeks for onboarding.”
“I’m not sure why…”
She studied my Dior purse with an intrigued expression. “Do you have a background in journalism?”
“Just graduated from Brown.” I beamed at the thought of making a friend. “You?”
“This is my first job, too.” She thinned her lips. “Put myself through school.”
“Oh, that’s great.” I slumped, a little embarrassed that I hadn’t been more discreet.
She swiveled toward me, looking confident. “You’ll like it here.”
I gave a nod, wanting to say I believed that I would, but also, poised to spring to my feet and scurry off toward HR.
“Want to go for drinks after?” Chloe asked.
