Ember leads us to an empty booth in the back. There is no need to look at the menu, we always get the same thing. Large Pepperoni and banana pepper with breadsticks. The waitress arrives and we order our drinks and food at the same time.
“So, Mom is still working like crazy,” she says as the waitress returns with our drinks.
“I thought I heard her and Aunt Ruth talking about a candidate?”
Ember nods her head. “Yeah, I guess the new doctor that’s starting at Aunt Ruth’s office next week recommended her. It’s a friend of his fiancée or something like that.”
“I hope she’s a good fit. I hate that Mom is working so many hours, along with the time she also spends doing paperwork for the department,” I reply.
“Me too. I offered to help out, so I may be splitting my time between there and the shop for a while.”
“No problem. We need to work on finding a replacement for you anyway. You start your new job in a couple months. I’m really proud of you by the way,” I tell her.
I see tears pool in her eyes. “Thank you, Blaise.”
Our pizza arrives and disappears just as quick. I, for one, have not eaten since early this morning and Ember loves her pizza. I drive her back to the shop to get her car and wait to make sure she gets off okay, before I head home as well. It’s been a long ass day.
My cell rings as I pull into my driveway. Glancing at the screen, I see it’s Mom calling. “Hey,” I answer.
“Blaise, are you busy tomorrow?” she asks me.
“I don’t have anything at the shop until the afternoon, what’s up? Is everything okay?” I ask, concerned.
“Oh, yes, everything is fine. I just merged some files, which need to be carried downstairs to storage, and I was wondering if you could stop by the office and help me?”
“Sure, I don’t want you throwing your back out like you did last time. You should have asked then,” I remind her.
“Psh, well, I’m asking now. Your father is on call so I can’t ask him, and Asher said he has an appointment at the shop first thing,” she rambles on.
“Mom, it’s fine. I’ll be there; it’s no trouble at all. What time do you need me?”
“How about nine? I’ll bring breakfast for you. This way it won’t keep your entire day locked up.”
“Even better, I’ll be there at nine,” I tell her.
“Thank you. I love you. See you tomorrow,” she says, and the line goes dead.
“So, today’s the big day. Are you ready?” Leah says, walking into my room.
“Yep, ready as I’ll ever be.” I continue tucking my shirt into my skirt before grabbing my blazer from the bed. “I dread the question, what brings you to Tennessee? I know they can’t ask personal questions; I just hope I can keep my emotions in check to not look like a blubbering idiot during the interview,” I tell her.
Leah stands up and adjusts the collar on my shirt. “Relax, Tate. You’ll do great. As a matter of fact, I already have our night out to celebrate all planned,” she says, pointing to her head.
I laugh at her. “Don’t put the cart before the horse. Let me get through my interview first.”
“Nah, you got this. I wouldn’t be surprised if they hire you on the spot,” she retorts.
I don’t argue with her; I don’t really have the mentally capability at this point. I barely slept last night, worried about the interview. I need this job; it’s crucial to my plan of starting over. The plan to learn how to live without them.
“Well, how do I look?” I ask as I spin around, allowing her to take in my appearance.
“Professional and beautiful as ever. Good luck today,” she says, giving me a hug.
With that, I’m out the door and on my way to my first job interview that actually coincides with my education. I’m a college graduate. I take a deep breath to hold back the tears. I reach my car door and stop. I tilt my head back to the sky. “I know you’re up there watching over me. I miss you every day and I love you,” I whisper. Wiping the lone tear that escapes, I climb in behind the wheel and head toward what I hope will be the start to my future.
I arrive at the city offices fifteen minutes early. I actually drove here yesterday, just to make sure I knew where I was going. Leah rode along with me. I’m glad Brent talked me into having my car shipped. It was kind of expensive, but worth it. I would not have wanted to make that drive by myself. Grabbing my purse and my portfolio, I make my way to the front door. Just as I’m about to reach for the handle, a very muscular, very tattooed arm reaches in front of me.
“Allow me,” he says with a deep voice. He has a small southern drawl to him as well. I can feel how close he is to me, so I don’t risk turning around and getting myself into an awkward situation. Instead, I slightly step to the side, allowing him to open the door.
“Thank you,” I say softly. I don’t bother to wait for him or look back. I continue on my journey to the receptionist desk.
“Good morning, may I help you?” the receptionist asks. I notice she glances over my shoulder and her smile grows even bigger.
“Good morning. I have an appointment at nine with Mayor Hamilton,” I tell her.
“Oh, you must be Tatum. Have a seat, dear. He’s running a little late. Can I get you anything, coffee?” she asks politely.
I shake my head no. “No, thank you,” I reply, and walk to the other side of the reception area to find a seat.
“Well, hello, my handsome son,” I hear the receptionist say.
“Hey, right back. You ready for me?” I hear that deep, masculine voice say. My curiosity is killing me, but I don’t want to be obvious. I open my portfolio and raise it, pretending to study what’s written in front of me. Instead, I let my eyes wonder to him.
Holy shit!
Standing before me is the most beautiful, yes beautiful, man I have ever seen. Tall, dark, and handsome, covered in colorful intricate artwork. He appears to be about six foot three or so. Close to Brent’s height. His hair is jet black and a little long, but not so long that he looks like he lets himself go. Chiseled cheekbones encased in a five o’clock shadow. My eyes travel down to his arms. At first, all I notice is his tattoos, but now that I’m really taking him in, I see all that ink is displayed on a shit ton of muscle. I know it’s rude to stare, but I can’t look away. Wow!
“Tatum.” I hear my name being called. I jerk my head up to find the kind receptionist, and tattoo guy who appears to be her son, watching me.
I clear my throat in an attempt to gain my composure. “Yes.” I’m able to respond without sounding breathless, how I’m not real sure.
“Mr. Hamilton can see you now. Right this way,” she says. Stepping around her desk, she stops in front of me and waits for me to stand up and follow her.
As I stand, I make eye contact with the tattooed Adonis. His eyes, they captivate me. Silver eyes. A color unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Shining so bright they appear to sparkle when he smiles. Which he’s doing at me this very minute. I offer him a shy smile in return and quickly turn to follow his mom to Mr. Hamilton’s office. I can’t help the smile that crosses my face. At least he helped rid me of my nerves.
I follow Mr. Hamilton’s receptionist down the hall. She stops at the last door and knocks. “Mr. Hamilton, I have Tatum Thompson for you,” she tells him.