Page 106 of June

“I’d love that,” Caroline replied and leaned in for a kiss.

It wasn’t quick, but it wasn’t the long, slow kind of kiss that Enid loved, either, and they said goodbye just as Enid’s phone dinged, indicating she had a message.

“Who still leaves voicemails?” she said to herself as she pulled her phone back out and opened the message.

“Hi, Enid. This is Sylvie. I hope this is still your number. Anyway, I know things didn’t work out for either of us in Tallahassee, but I’ve landed on my feet at another company in Jacksonville. It took me a bit to get settled in after the move and everything, but now, I’m hiring, and you were the first person I wanted to reach out to. Give me a call when you can.”

Enid didn’t think or hesitate. She still had the desire to get a new, real job on her mind, so she quickly dialed Sylvie’s number and waited impatiently as the phone rang.

“Enid?”

“Yeah, hey. Sorry, I didn’t recognize your number, so I didn’t pick up.”

“It’s my new office number,” Sylvie said. “How have you been?”

“Good. Really good,” Enid replied, half-lying because some thingsweregood, but other things needed work. “You?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Did you check my message or–”

“I did. You moved to Jacksonville?”

“About nine months ago,” Sylvie said. “It wasn’t part of my plan, but I got the job I wanted after being laid off, so I couldn’t exactly be choosy. I have a team of six now, and I’m looking to hire two more people by the end of the quarter, if I can. I know you moved back to New Orleans, right?”

“Yeah. I went back to grad school.”

“Oh. Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. Can you go online?”

“My program is an in-person one, so I’d have to talk to my advisor about switching to the longer program, which has the online option.”

“Would you be willing to do that?” Sylvie asked. “You would have to interview and everything, obviously, but the company is good. We’re growing, too. There’s a possibility of promotions, raises, and bonuses. All that stuff. I’m not sure what you were making before, but I know we can match it if not get you more.”

“But I’d have to move?” Enid asked.

“It’s an in-office position, yes. I know those aren’t all the rage these days, but it’s a new team, so they want everyone to be in the office at least two to three days a week. I can see about them letting me hire a couple of people remotely, but I’m not sure they’ll go for it. Jacksonville is nice, though. I like it enough.”

“I don’t know,” Enid replied. “Don’t get me wrong… I do need a job, and I loved working with you before, but I wasn’t planning on moving again so soon.”

“Let’s do this, then. I’ll send you the link. If you want to apply, do it. We’ll go through the interview process, and if you get it, we’ll talk specifics.”

“Um… Okay,” she replied, knowing she’d be stupid to give up an opportunity like this but not being thrilled at the prospect of having to move so soon after moving back home.

“Great. I’ll email you. Same email address?”

“Yeah,” she said.

“If you have any questions once you see the details, let me know.”

“I will. And thanks, Sylvie,” Enid replied.

CHAPTER 26

“Is Viv okay?” Caroline asked.

“As far as I know. Why?” Jodie asked back.

They were walking down the candy aisle in the campus convenience store. Caroline didn’t really want anything, but Jodie was all about the peer pressure and had suggested she grab a bag of chips and a few candy bars for later, so Caroline was holding their little basket with Jodie’s stuff and her stuff. Viv had her own basket and was in the drink aisle, picking up some soda.

“She said she was cool about what happened, but she’s been weird,” Caroline said softly.

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