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You were never good enough.
The only way someone like you gets into an office here is on their knees.
I swallow, realizing I’m almost on the verge of tears. Blinking, I wipe at my eyes and for an instant consider taking a taxi back to my apartment. But I don’t have a job yet, and the difference between a taxi ride and the subway is a day’s worth of food.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I turn and walk toward the station I’ll need to take me back home. As I walk, I force my chin to stay up and to look like I’m not fleeing from the Financial District.
Getting off the subway, I pause before going home, stopping at the little corner market that I’ve gotten to know very well over the past few years. Mrs. Hyunh, the owner, is behind the register when I enter, old-fashioned music playing on the radio she keeps under the counter.
“Oh, Raven!” she greets me, waving a wrinkled hand. “You’re here early.”
“Just a job interview today, Mrs. Hyunh,” I tell her, heading toward the back of the store where I know she keeps the Cup Noodles that are one of my go-to comfort foods. Just before grabbing my favorite, Chili Lime Shrimp, my phone buzzes.
For a stupid moment, hope that it’s a job offer rises in my chest, and then disappointment hits me freshly when I realize it’s not.
It’s Dylan.
Which is a good thing. A great thing. Probably the only thing that could bring the slightest hint of a smile to my face right now.
Do you have a preference for dinner?
My throat tightens as Michael’s words flash in my mind. I have truly invested everything and am losingat every turn. No more interviews, no scheduled meetings, no calls to return. So, should I tell Dylan that I can’t go out with him?
Dylan, I don’t think we should… I start to text before quickly hittingDelete.
If I do that, it will have all been for nothing.
And I did truly have fun with Dylan at the event. At least until I freaked out, but he was understanding about that.
Instead I text back,I am open to whatever you’d prefer. I hope your day is going well. I want to thank you for helping me. Even if it's not in the cards, I appreciate your help.
Dylan lives up to his last name, and a moment later texts back,Did something happen?
I assume he means more than basically being accused of having a reputation for using men by sleeping with them. But I went into things thinking my eyes were open and won’t blame him for my actions, however ill-advised they might’ve been.
No. I just wanted to make sure you knew I was grateful. Regardless of what happens.
Almost as soon as I send the message, his reply comes back as if he was texting even while I was typing.Let's do dinner tonight instead.
I can't. Plans.
I can, of course. But I need to get my head straight and do some self-analysis on what happened at the event, and how I feel about it and Dylan. Plus, I have big plans tonight. I’m going to eat Cup Noodles in my pajamas and complain to Maggie about my week. I’ve earned it after the day I’ve had.
Okay, Saturday still?
I think for a moment, but ultimately send back,Yes, Saturday.
I grab my Cup Noodles. Taking them back up to Mrs. Hyunh, at least I know I’ve made one good decision today.
CHAPTER 12
DYLAN
Idespise working on the weekends.
The stock markets run from Monday to Friday. And while there may be a lot to pack into those days, the entire system is predicated on the simple fact that on Saturdays and Sundays, not too damn much happens.
Sure, there’s social power to be gathered, traded on, and banked away. But that’s not the same, and if I want to participate, fine. Or if I want to take Saturday morning off and laze on the couch, I can. Not that I ever do something like that. If I’m sitting down, I’m reading, learning, and researching.
