Destiny's POV
I was deep in sleep when I heard the door creak open from the living room. The soft sound of footsteps followed, but I was too groggy to react. A hand began shaking me gently, calling my name. I groaned, turning away, hoping whoever it was would get the hint and leave me alone. I nestled further into my pillow, determined to sleep a bit longer.
Then it happened, an ear piercing scream. My eyes flew open in shock, and I bolted upright in bed. My heart was pounding, my pulse racing as I looked around wildly. On my left, I saw Ava, leaned over the bed with a mischievous grin on her face.
She was the culprit.
"Seriously, Ava?!" I glared at her, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep and the sudden jolt of adrenaline.
She just chuckled, clearly proud of herself. "Well, you weren't waking up. And it's almost four in the afternoon. I figured a scream might do the trick."
I rubbed my hands over my face, groaning. "How was the interview?" she asked, sliding onto the bed with a raised eyebrow.
The memory of the interview came flooding back, the tension of sitting across from Liam Collins, his piercing gaze locking with mine. I didn't want to think about it. Not right now. "It was... fine," I muttered.
"Did you know Liam Collins was the CEO of the company when you applied?" I asked her, not able to hide the edge in my voice.
Ava blinked, surprised. "Wait, Liam? That Liam?" She furrowed her brow, as if piecing things together. "I knew it was for the Collins family business, but I honestly thought it would be the older Mr. Collins. I didn't expect *him*."
I wasn't entirely satisfied with her answer. How could she not know? But I let it slide, nodding absently as I checked the clock. It was only 4:15. "Why are you home so early? The hotel doesn't usually let you out this soon."
"I took off early," Ava replied, bouncing off the bed. "I told you yesterday that we'd go shopping today. So hurry up and get ready."
I sighed, pushing off the covers. "Fine, fine," I mumbled, dragging myself toward the bathroom. The cold water helped wake me up, but it did nothing to wash away the nerves still lingering from the interview. The memory of Liam's scrutinizing gaze haunted me. What did he think of me? Did I blow the chance of working there? Or did I make an impression? I wasn't sure which option scared me more.
I pulled on leggings and a long-sleeved tank top before heading to the living room. Ava was sprawled on the couch, munching on chips and watching TV. When she saw me, she tossed a drink my way. I caught it easily and took a grateful sip.
"You didn't answer me earlier," she said, eyes still on the screen. "How'd the interview really go?"
I hesitated, my heart giving a small flutter as I recalled the intense atmosphere in Liam's office. He'd been so intimidating, so... commanding. I cleared my throat, trying to hide the way my face flushed at the thought of him. "It went well. I'm hoping I get the job. It would really help."
"You'll get it," Ava said confidently, as if the idea of me not getting hired wasn't even a possibility. "Now hurry up, we need to hit the mall!"
-----
We spent the next hour shopping, going through racks of clothes and finding more than I needed. Ava was in full shopping mode, and I found myself pulled into the excitement, despite the thoughts still swirling in the back of my mind.
As we were browsing, my phone rang. I glanced down at the screen and saw the same number from yesterday. My heart skipped a beat. I shot a glance at Ava, who nodded encouragingly, urging me to pick it up. I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Hello, is this Destiny Sky Walker?" A familiar voice greeted me on the other end.
"Yes, this is her. What can I do for you?" I replied, my pulse quickening.
"Hey Destiny, this is Alexis from Collins Company. We met this morning," she said, her tone chipper and upbeat.
My mind raced. Was this the call? "Oh, hi Alexis," I said, trying to sound casual. "What's up?"
"I'm calling to let you know that you've been selected for the assistant role! Congratulations! We need you at the office by 8:45 a.m. on Monday. The boss will be in at nine, and I'll give you a brief tour of the office before he arrives. Again, congrats, Destiny!"
For a moment, I couldn't process the words. Selected? I got the job? "Thank you," I managed, my voice a little dazed. "I'll be there on Monday."
"Great! See you then," Alexis said, hanging up before I could even respond.
I stared at the phone in disbelief. Ava, sensing something was up, shook my shoulder eagerly. "What happened? Who was that?"
"It was the company," I said, my voice still in shock. "They... they said I got the job."
Ava let out a squeal of excitement and hugged me tightly. "I knew you'd get it! I just knew it, Sky!"
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself grinning. "Let's celebrate tonight," I suggested, my spirits lifting. "Call your parents and tell them you're staying at my place. We'll make something special for dinner."
She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Let's finish up here, hit the grocery store, and we can cook up a feast."
With linked arms, we headed to the next shop, my mind still buzzing with the news. I had the job. I'd be working for Liam Collins.
----
After another hour of shopping, we finally made our way to the grocery store, our arms loaded with shopping bags. I was more weighed down than Ava, but now that I had the job, I needed extra clothes, and she'd been more than willing to help me pick out the perfect outfits.
Ten minutes later, we were pushing two carts—one filled with our shopping bags, the other for groceries. "What are we having for dinner?" Ava asked as I grabbed a packet of pasta from the shelf.
"I was thinking spaghetti," I said, tossing it into the cart.
Ava grinned. "Perfect! I can't wait." She licked her lips dramatically, and I couldn't help but laugh.
Behind us, someone cleared their throat. We turned to see a guy around our age, tall with light brown eyes and red hair. He was smiling at us. "Mind if I squeeze through to grab some pasta?" he asked with a playful smirk.
I stepped aside, nodding politely, but Ava just stood there, staring at him. There was something familiar in her gaze.
"Are you Alex Black?" Ava asked suddenly, her voice full of surprise.
The guy blinked, clearly taken aback. "Wait... Ava Sagal?" His eyes widened, and before I knew it, they were hugging in the middle of the aisle, laughing like old friends.
I stood there, feeling awkward as people glanced our way. "Seriously?" I muttered under my breath, but Ava and Alex were too caught up in their reunion to notice.
When they finally broke apart, Ava punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you since high school!"
Alex rubbed his shoulder, pretending to wince. "I've been around. Traveled a bit. Took over my dad's company. You know, life stuff."
Then he turned to me, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to place me. "You must be Destiny."
I blinked. "How did you...?"
He laughed. "Ava never shut up about you back in high school. It wasn't hard to guess."
Ava beamed at me, and I smiled back, still feeling a little off-balance. Alex turned back to her. "If I'd recognized you sooner, I wouldn't have tried to flirt with you."
Ava rolled her eyes, but then he looked at me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "But I'm definitely not sorry for flirting with you, Destiny."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Hey, watch it! That's my best friend you're talking about," Ava said, glaring at him playfully.
Alex lifted his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. So what are you two up to?"
"Destiny got a job today, so we're celebrating with spaghetti at her place. You should join us," Ava offered, her excitement infectious.
I glanced at her, surprised. She looked back at me with hopeful eyes, clearly wanting to catch up with her old friend. I shrugged. "Sure, why not? You can come if you'd like."
Alex grinned. "I'll take you up on that. But I came here with a friend. We were actually planning on having spaghetti tonight too. Mind if we join forces?"
Ava's eyes lit up. "The more, the merrier! Call your friend and tell him to meet us here."
I grabbed a few more packets of pasta and headed toward the checkout. "I'll check out the items. Meet me at the entrance when your friend gets here."
As I waited by the store entrance, I saw Ava and Alex approaching with an extra person in tow. My heart