Sienna’s parents are friends with Audra and Quentin. She and I went to the same private school. Why are they here? It could be just that they’re here. The more likely probability? Audra has something up her sleeve.
I take a seat in the wingback chair beside my father, looking forward to getting this visit over with.
7
CARLY
Monday morning, I get a text from Alice at Carmichael at 6:35 AM.
Ally and Carly, your taxi will meet you both out front at 8:05 sharp to bring you to work. We look forward to meeting you!
Cheers,
Alice Roberts, Exec. Asst, to Q. Carmichael, Carmichael Consulting Intl.
I’m already showered and dressed and coffee’d up. I’ve got no idea what the day will have in store for me, so I’ve packed a sandwich and stashed it in my bag. My nerves are too shot to eat breakfast, so I pack it with two apples and a granola bar.
I’m getting ready to reply to the message to start a dialogue about how I haven’t met Ally yet and don’t know if I’ve been sent to the wrong apartment when I hear the swish of a text reply.
Okay Thanks!
Different number. That must be Ally. Is she in this building?
I reply, too.
I’m looking forward to it. Thanks, Alice! I’m not sure if there’s a mix-up or not, but I’m not in the same apartment as Ally. I have a roommate named Aiden. I guess we can discuss at the office today? I’m in apt 1710.
A minute later, I get a new message outside of the group chat.
Hi Carly. I’m Ally. Save my number! See you in the lobby. I’m in 1406. I have a diff roommate too. Apparently there was a last-minute change.
I wonder if she got matched with a guy. Maybe we can switch and send her guy up here and me down there.
Me: I’ll be in the lobby @ 8:00. See you then.
Ally: Will do. I’ll be the one with the pink hair and sparkly aura.
I click a smiley face in response and hit send.
She replies with a purple eggplant plus lips, plus raindrops symbol. It’s all together as if one emoji.
I tilt my head. Is this an emoji sentence for giving head?
She messages me again with an Oops and a blushing smiley face.
I reply with:
It’s okay. Really.
Then I put emojis for eye, heart, and an eggplant, and then a licking lips emoji, to show her I have a sense of humor, too.
She replies with:
LOL! Glad you’re not about to report me to HR on my first day. Eeeks!
I already know that Ally is a graphics and creative person and she and I will be collaborating a lot on the social marketing campaigns for the company. Hopefully my new coworker winds up being better than my new roommate.
Alice replies to the group chat.