I chew my lip for a moment, remembering the good times with Jarrett, and the bad, too.
“In the end, for us, it was a communication breakdown. When he got busy, I took it personally. When he was with other girls, I got jealous. And instead of giving him his space and focusing on my own things, I became consumed with what I felt like we were lacking. I looked around at everyone else with their boyfriends here and I was mad I couldn’t have the same.”
“That had to be so hard.”
“It was,” I admit. “And it will be for you, too. But here’s my advice — when you’re feeling sad or lonely or jealous, talk to him. Open up to him and let him in. Don’t let other people get between you.”
“I think we’ve had our fair share of that.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, I think you have, too. But you two are the real deal. I’m telling you, this will just be one chapter, and you and Adam have many more to write together.”
Before Cassie can respond, my phone beeps in my ear to signal another call coming in. I glance at the screen, frowning when I don’t recognize the number.
“Hey, I’ve got another call coming in. Hang on a sec.”
“Actually, I’ve got to run, anyway. But thank you, J-Love. This helped me more than you know.”
“Always here, babe. Talk to you soon.”
We end the call when I switch over, and Kade comes back in the room with two full glasses of water and a bag of white cheddar popcorn just as I answer.
“Hello?”
“May I speak with Ms. Vonnegut?”
“This is she,” I answer, and Kade makes a face at me like I sound ridiculous with the formality.
I throw a piece of popcorn at him.
“Oh, wonderful. Jess, this is Brittany Nova with Celestial Weddings.”
I shoot up from where I’d been reclined on the bed, eyes wide as saucers.
Play it cool, Jess.
“Oh yes, hello! Nice to hear from you. How are you?”
“I’m doing very well, thank you,” she answers on an airy laugh.
Brittany is the owner of Celestial Weddings, and one of the three I interviewed with when I was sick as a dog. Her event planning company is my top choice and has been ever since I graduated. She built everything from the ground up and has thrown some of the most lavish weddings in Miami over the past eight years.
My throat is suddenly very, very dry.
“I’m calling to thank you for coming in for your interview a couple weeks ago, especially since you clearly weren’t feeling well.”
I grimace. “Thank you for still letting me interview and not throwing me out at the first sight.”
“Well, we appreciated that you wore a mask, at least,” she says with a laugh.
I think I manage one in return, but I’m mostly trying not to die of embarrassment.
“We interviewed quite a few stellar candidates, all with considerably more experience than you have as a fresh graduate from Palm South University.”
My chest deflates, along with the hope I had building in my chest.
“On paper, you were the least qualified of the bunch.”
Okay, lady, you don’t have to stick a dagger in my throat.
“But…”
I perk up again, and Kade pinches my leg mouthing what…what…what?
“If I’ve learned one thing in this business, it’s to trust my gut. And there was just something about you when we interviewed you that really stuck with me. I appreciated your tenacity, your passion, and your willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. The fact that you had such a great interview even when you clearly felt like death is impressive, and an admirable trait.”
“Thank you, Ms. Nova.”
“Well, don’t thank me yet. Here’s what I’d like to offer you. I’d like to bring you on part time, just to start. I want to see what you can do. It’ll be thirty hours a week, no benefits, no vacation until after ninety days and you get forty hours after that to use in your first year. At the end of that time, we can revisit your role and see if there’s a permanent spot here for you on our team. What do you say?”
“I say hell fucking yeah!”
I slap a hand over my mouth, groaning at myself as Kade fights back a laugh.
“God, I’m sorry. I mean yes, absolutely, I’d be honored.”
Brittany chuckles. “I think I liked your first response better.”
I smile.
“My assistant will send an email with more information and some paperwork to fill out, but I want you to start as soon as possible. We have twelve weddings next month and I need all hands on deck.”
“I can be there tomorrow morning.”
“Well, since tomorrow’s Saturday, how about we go for Monday, mm?”
I grimace again. “Yes. Of course. Monday.”
“See you, then, Ms. Vonnegut. And welcome to the Celestial team.”
“Thank you, see you,” I say, and then the line goes dead, and I throw my phone and immediately jump up and down on my bed like a loon.