Page 35 of Tomorrow Belongs to Us
I messed up a few times. Tripped over simple things, especially when I was asked about my experience in this job and what qualifications I had. I always seem to lack faith in myself. Not being able to go to college has been a huge hindrance, even though I’ve worked so hard getting similar qualifications in other ways.
Seeing Preston after his interview, with that slimy big grin on his face unsettled me. He thinks he's better than me, just because he's got more qualifications than me. Because he has a college degree and I don't.
The fact is, I've been here longer, and I know more than he does. He's had to ask me about things he isn't sure about. I've never had to go to him. There's something to be said for having experience and getting your hands dirty by doing the actual work.
But I messed up when the interviewer asked me why I didn't go to college and why it took me so long to get my accreditations. I stammered and stuttered, recalling the real reason my life didn’t go according to plan because everything changed for me when I became my mother's carer and head of the family.
Thoughts of Lance completely messed up my head. That was even before I went into the interview room. Maybe if I hadn’t gone to his apartment and we hadn't kissed, I wouldn’t have had that searing hot kiss stuck in my head, replaying on auto all the time.
It happened so quickly. Spontaneously. Just like that. I was only supposed to have returned his pen.
My problem is that a good-looking man is always my downfall.
~~
“How was it?” Preston comes over to my desk later. The creepy cockroach has come to gloat.
“Good.” I start putting away my paperwork.
“Mine was, too,” he says. “How about we go out to celebrate?”
“Celebrate?” I frown as I stare up at him. He's too confident. He knows something. “Did you get it?”
“Not that I know. They're still interviewing people, so we won't know for another week.” He's extremely smug and it grates on my nerves. “Let's at least go for a few drinks?”
“You do know something.” I want to get out of here, away from him.
“I do not!” He squints. “It didn't go well for you?”
Get lost.
“I don't know. I can't tell.” No, it didn't. I don't want to go for drinks, or be with him, or spend time talking about work or looking at his sanctimonious face. If he gets the promotion, I’ll explode in a fit of fury.
I've spoken to the other candidates. Out of the five of us, I'm the only woman, but I have the most experience. I've worked here at this firm the longest. They're college graduates. I shouldn't be riled up about it, and it shouldn't matter, but these things do count more than they should.
“I’m sure you were amazing as always. Lighten up, why don’t you? We just have to sit tight and wait it out. Let's end the week with a bang?”
I fidget with the top button of my blouse. “The week isn’t over yet. It's Thursday, for crying out loud.”
“Or we can go and get something to eat. I’ve heard that Carluccio’s is good.” Preston’s eyes are bright with anticipation.
“Carluccio’s?” I press my lips together, desperate to get him to leave. He doesn’t seem to take the visual cues that I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere with him.
“I can book a table.”
God, no.My insides tightened as if I’m getting ready for a second punch to the gut.
“I'm meeting a friend tonight,” I say breezily, switching off my computer. I had planned to stay late tonight and catch up on my emails, but they no longer seem as important as my escape.
“Thatfriend?” he asks. “The old guy who was waiting for you?”
I smile at him sweetly. “Your jealousy is showing.” I decide to visit Arla on my way home.
~~
“You’ve become a fitness addict,” I say, eyeing Arla’s outfit.
She’s in her bright orange Spandex top and black yoga pants which look as if someone’s thrown up on them. “Are you going to your spin class?”
