death of me.
Chapter Seven
I wake to the sound of my ringtone—a cacophony of birds chirping. They are loud enough to hear and unpleasant enough to want to answer immediately.
“Hello.”
“Can I speak to Katarina Cross, please?” the woman asks.
I sit up and try to sound wide awake. “Yes, this is Katarina.”
“This is Della Fields from Noble Enterprises, and I’m calling about the internship position. I have your résumé in front of me, and I’d love for you to come talk to us about the opening we posted.”
My heart rate picks up its pace, but I control my excitement and tell her in a calm and professional voice, “That sounds great. What day and time would work best?”
“I know it’s last minute, but can you be here at one o’clock today?”
“Absolutely.” I hop out of bed and start dancing around my room. “Where do I go when I enter the building?”
“Someone at the reception desk will guide you to the human resources department.”
“Perfect, I’ll see you then.” I hang up the phone and jump into the air, waving my arms in celebration. It’s only an interview, but it means one of two things. I have the skills they are looking for, or they are desperate and need warm bodies. Either way, it’s a job opportunity.
Another option enters my mind. Did Damon have anything to do with me getting the call? The idea is silly since I just filled out the application last night. I can’t imagine him even knowing I applied for the internship. I dance across the hall to tell Emma.
“I’ve got an interview at Noble Enterprises!” I scream in delight as I sashay around her room.
“What time is it?” she grumbles and pulls her duvet cover over her head to shield her from the sun peeking through her window.
“It’s nine o’clock, and everything is all right in the world, Em. Get up and have coffee with me, and then help me find the perfect interview outfit.” I dash from her room to the kitchen to make us both a cup of coffee. I slam every drawer and cabinet to make sure she doesn’t fall back to sleep. “Don’t forget, you owe me big, and I’m taking my payment now. Get up!”
Em appears in the kitchen in her flannel pajamas and bunny slippers. She slides into a seat at the table and circles the coffee mug with both hands, before she brings it to her lips. I know she needs that first sip to jump-start her morning.
“Okay, so what time is this interview?” she asks.
“It’s at one o’clock, and I want to make an impression. It’s an internship position for Ahz. I’ll work with their event planner.”
“You know, Kat, I’m familiar with both owners. I can put a good word in for you.” Her head rests on her arm, which stretches across the table. I know this girl, and she’ll need another cup before she’s any use.
“No, I want to do this by myself. I could call Damon, but I won’t because it’s important to earn my successes. Besides, I’m trying to avoid him. Let me tell you the latest.” I top off her cup and sit across the table from her. “He bought Bound, and he’s reading it.” I pause for dramatic effect. “He texted me last night so we could discuss it. It’s as if we were in our own private book club. We texted about bondage and vibrators.”
Em stares at me with a look of confusion on her face, then bursts out laughing. “I don’t know what’s funnier, you talking about vibrators, or Damon reading an erotica novel. I have to give that some thought.” Sipping her coffee, she adds, “At least the conversation is happening via text. Could you imagine having dinner face to face and talking about the latest Rabbit that hit the market as you ask him to pass the bread?”
I hadn’t given it much thought, but Em is right. Texting allows us to be honest and bold with our answers. As open as I am, I’d never have had that conversation in person.
As if talking about him summoned a text from him, the familiar beep of my phone redirects my thoughts.
Only read to page 125. I’ll call you at seven o’clock tonight to get your thoughts.
Damon
I ignore his text and focus on my upcoming interview. Em drags me to my room, where she chooses a fashionable but conservative-looking skirt, a silk blouse, and low-heeled pumps. She advises me to wear my hair down, explaining