Page 83 of The Problem with Princes
Texie snorts. “Oh, are you for real? That’s the way the world works. Hardly anyone is hired strictly based on their skills and qualifications. It almost always comes down to who you know and what recommendation they give you.”
“You think?”
She nods. “I know. I only got my job because of one of my law professors. It’s what you do with the opportunity once you’re given it. And you’re going to ROCK it, Gee.”
I grab my phone and without thinking pull up his number.
Me: Are you responsible for this job listing?
Nothing. I look at the clock. He wouldn’t be asleep already, would he?
I try again.
Me: Hello?Are you there? I hope you’re not out on a hot date.
I almost delete the message, because what if he is on a date? I push the thought away. After being a coffee pusher all day, my self-esteem is currently lagging a bit.
Texie grabs my phone. “Are you texting him? It’s like eleven pm there. He’s probably asleep.”
I grab it back, worried he’ll reply, and I’ll miss it.
I look downand a flock of something that flocks, flutters around my stomach. I see the dancing dots. He’s typing back. How can those dancing dots still make me feel so heady? We’ve been talking for months.
HPT: And good evening to you, too.
Another speech bubble appears right after the first.
HPT: What job listing?
Me: The job with the government? It matches my skill set exactly. Almost as if the job was created based on my Monster profile. Did you have anything to do with it?
HPT: I don’t really have any pull with your government. But it sounds like a good move for you.
Me: It isn’t with my government, goofus. It’s with YOUR government.
He sent a gif of Michael Scott from theOfficesaying, ‘Why don’t you explain this to me like I’m five?’
Me: I know your father has been trying to get you more involved. Am I really supposed to believe you have no idea about this?
HPT: Okay. I know about it. I only pointed them to your profile on Monster. Everything after that is on you.
Me: Really?
HPT: Really.
Me: Thanks. I appreciate that.
HPT: Although, after talking to you last night, it sounds like they may be too late.
Me: I’ll seriously look at their offer. It has ‘perks’ my current job doesn’t. Winky face emoji.
HPT: This isn’t replacing our call, is it?
Me: It better not. Or I may have to fly over there and give you what for.
He sends a gif of a pickle saying, ‘what a predicament’.
HPT: You’re not being a tease again, are you?
