The conversation with Grayson and Jax took a backseat to Lyn’s distress. And it felt like we’d worked things out anyway. I needed to adjust my perspective on how to act around them. I extracted myself from my seat and approached Lyn, in case hugs were needed. “What happened?”
Lyn pinched the bridge of her nose and took a few deep breaths. “It was that asshole who wants to buy the building. I want to blast out a warning to any woman considering dating him that he doesn’t know how to takenofor an answer. Fucking troglodyte.”
“I can pound his face in for you,” Jax offered.
Lyn let out a tiny laugh. “I’m good, thanks. But I’ll keep the offer in mind.” She looked at Grayson. “You’re still coming over in a few days for Cosplay Christmas, aren’t you?”
In other words, she wanted to change the subject. I respected that.
Grayson nodded. “Absolutely. I’m Sadie’s to use and abuse while the entire internet watches.”
Hello, new fantasies. I needed to redraw the lines between the vivid images my brain liked to provide me with, and reality.
Chapter Five
I’d never been morenervous about a job interview in my life. Not that I’d had to deal with them since my channel took off a couple years ago and I started earning enough to pay the bills.
But today wasn’t just about a job. It was aboutthejob. The career I dreamed about. I looked myself over one more time in the mirror. The violet in my hair was vibrant, no roots showing. My makeup was on point. And my outfit was the perfect way to present myself. It was a business suit with subtle hints of evening gown worked into the trim and blouse. Professional but creative, to show off what I could do when I was given freedom.
I took several calming breaths, and sat in front of my laptop. The call wasn’t for ten minutes, but I didn’t know what else to do besides pace until I wore a path in the carpet. I’d already posted several pictures online of the outfit, with a teaser that I hoped to share good news soon.
I fiddled with my phone, which I’d set to silent. There were three text messages. The first two were from Anne and Chase, wishing me luck. I’d read the third a ridiculous number of times. It was agood luckmessage as well, but Jax sent it and Grayson chimed in. For someone who insisted one-time sex wouldn’t change anything, I couldn’t stop thinking it had changed everything.
Did I mind? I didn’t know what to think beyond knowing I couldn’t hook up with them again, and wishing I could.
Falling into that merry-go-round of thought would wait. It was almost time. I positioned myself in front of my camera. The lighting and position in my new room were perfect—I’d tested both with a couple of livestreams since yesterday. Any still-packed boxes were tucked away, and just enough of my room was visible to imply my personality, without saying too much.
My stomach dropped into my shoes when my video chat software rang. One more deep breath, then I answered.
The woman who appeared on my screen wasn’t the one I was expecting. She introduced herself as Kayla, Ms. G’s Assistant. Perhaps this was a few minutes of screening, or she would keep me company until my Ms. G was available. A designer with her skill and reputation had to have a packed schedule.
I gave Kayla my warmest smile and let everything fall away except the person I was on camera. “It’s so great to talk to you. I’ve really been looking forward to this conversation. You and Ms. G and the entire staff do such amazing work. The outfits in the newest fantasy adaptation were one-of-a-kind incredible.” I stopped myself before I dove into fangirl gushing. I wanted them to know I was familiar with their designs, but didn’t want to talk so much they couldn’t.
Kayla’s smile brightened. “We’re glad you reached out to us as well. It’s always wonderful to connect with fresh talent. Your work is amazing. Not quite up to the standard we require from our designers, but you do have potential.”
Mentally, I wavered. Feedback was good, especially from someone of this caliber. And they’d agreed to talk to me, so it wasn’t all lip service. “I’m always willing to learn. Teach me and mold me.”