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He nods, his expression growing serious again. “If things don’t work out in Seattle, or if you need anything… You’re family, Ava. Don’t forget that.”
I nod, too choked up to speak.
“Thank you,” I repeat, blinking back tears. “For everything.”
My soon-to-be ex-boss stands up, coming around his desk to shake my hand. “Take care of yourself out there, kid,” he says gruffly. “And give my regards to that boyfriend of yours.”
I laugh a little at that, imagining Jim’s face if he knew he had the approval of a mafia boss.
“Will do, boss,” I promise, giving Alessio a mock salute. “And you take care of Maty and the kids for me, okay?”
Alessio rolls his eyes, but I can see the hint of a smile on his face. “Yeah, yeah,” he grumbles. “Now get out of here before I change my mind and make you stay.”
I grin at him, feeling a rush of affection for this complicated, dangerous man who’s become like a grumpy older brother to me.
And then, with a deep breath and a long look around the office that’s been like a second home for the past five years, I turn and walk out the door.
As I step out into the California sunshine, I close my eyes and breathe in deep, savoring the salty ocean air. This city, with all its beauty and danger… it will always be a part of me.
And who knows what other opportunities will come my way? Alessio’s offer to put in a good word with his Seattle associates is beyond generous. I’ll finally get to make a name for myself in the corporate world without the whole “mafia” thing hanging over my head.
Ava
One month in Seattle, and I’m finally starting to get the hang of this whole “new city, new me” thing. I mean, sure, I miss the sun (seriously, does it ever stop raining here?), but there’s something about the charm of this place that’s growing on me. The cozy coffee shops, the art galleries, the way everyone seems to rock flannel like it’s a fashion statement… it’s all starting to feel like home.
I’ve been setting up our place, exploring the city, trying to soak up as much of the local vibe as I can. Just last weekend, Jim and I found this adorable little bookstore tucked away in a quiet corner of Capitol Hill. It was like stepping into a time machine, with all these rare editions and hidden gems.
I fall a little more in love with the city every day. I mean, where else can you find that kind of old-school charm mixed with hipster vibes?
But as much as I’m enjoying getting to know my new home, I have to admit the transition hasn’t been easy. Leaving DelMonte, my family, and my friends behind was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. There are moments when the homesickness hits me hard.
I miss the sound of the ocean, the feel of sand between my toes. I miss the constant intensity of working for the DeLucas, the rush of never knowing what insane shit will go down next. Most of all, I miss my people - my ride-or-die parents, my crazy friends, Maty’s fiery spirit…
Then I remember I’ve got Jim by my side, and suddenly everything feels a little more manageable.
But today is the day I’ve been both looking forward to and low-key dreading for weeks now: my interview at Venture Inc. When Alessio first told me about the job opportunity, I was equal parts thrilled and scared shitless. I mean, Venture Inc. is legendary in the tech world. They’ve backed some of the biggest and baddest startups of the last decade, and their founders are known for being a trio of geniuses.
The fact that Alessio thinks I have what it takes to join their ranks is the biggest compliment ever. I know he wouldn’t have recommended me if he didn’t believe in me.
I’ve spent the last few weeks preparing like a woman possessed, poring over industry reports until my eyes glaze over and practicing my corporate lingo. I splurged on a new power suit, the kind of sleek, tailored set that makes me feel like Olivia Pope. But now, standing in front of the mirror and taking in my reflection, I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach.
What if I walk into that room and make a complete fool of myself?
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies having a damn rave in my stomach. I can’t let my nerves get the best of me. Not today. Not when everything I’ve worked for, everything I’ve risked, is riding on this moment.
I square my shoulders, tilt my chin up like the boss bitch I am. You got this, Ava. Time to go in there and show them what you’re made of.
The ride to Venture Inc.’s offices is a blur of anxious thoughts and mental pep talks. Before I know it, my ride-share is pulling up in front of a towering glass and steel building, all sleek lines and modern angles. It’s imposing as hell, and for a second, I feel my resolve waver. Who am I kidding? I’m just a small-town girl playing dress-up in the big city.
But then I think of the scared but determined young woman who walked into DeLuca Enterprises five years ago, ready to take on the world, one caffeine-fueled all-nighter at a time.
I’ve come so far since then. I’ve grown and learned so much, both about business and myself. So I know I have what it takes. All I have to do is walk in there and own it.
With a deep breath and a silent prayer, I step out of the car and make my way into the belly of the beast. The lobby is all gleaming marble and soaring ceilings, with a sleek reception desk manned by a blonde who looks like she just stepped out of a damn Vogue photoshoot. She greets me with a polite smile and hands me a visitor badge before directing me to the elevators with a perfectly manicured hand.
As I step inside and punch the button for the top floor, I feel a trickle of sweat snake down my spine. This is it. The moment of truth. The point of no return. The - okay, I’m starting to sound like an action movie trailer. Get it together, Ava!
The doors slide open, revealing a spacious, light-filled reception area that looks like something straight out of an interior design magazine. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the Seattle skyline, and the walls are adorned with vibrant abstract art that probably costs more than my entire college tuition. It’s modern and minimalist, but with a pleasant touch of warmth.
