Page 18 of Christmas Coffee

Nova

Ipull out my best suit, don a pair of stockings, and twist my hair into an updo. When I look in the mirror I see a young professional and hope my appearance is exactly what they’re looking for. When it comes to getting a job, if you already look the part, it’s easier for them to picture you in that role. The managers in those swank coffee houses wear sleek black suits and polished pumps. I hook a pair of gold studs onto my ears and tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I can do this.

Jitters mix with adrenaline as I walk to my car and start the engine. Thank God that hot guy fixed the alternator the other night. I wouldn’t have been able to get to this interview if it wasn’t for him. I make a mental note of it and feel some bad juju coming on. Going for it with him was a plus—it helped separate me from my ex. He fixed the car. And if I get this job, then that’s three awesome things. It means something sucky will probably be quick to follow. It’s a stupid observation, but luck seems to come in threes, swiftly followed by a swift kick in the ass from life, reminding me that Murphy’s Law was invented for a reason.

When I get to the mall, I circle the lot looking for the number on the outside of the building. It’s not there. The GPS on my phone says it’s here, like in the parking lot. That makes no sense. I circle the mall twice and head to a far back row to park and check the address again. Maybe I transposed a number?

I look down at my phone, shivering in the cold car, and fail to see the building. When I glance up, the ice house shack catches my eye. There’s movement, people are working over there. I watch for a moment and this tall, slim, young man comes out and hangs a sign that says, #26751-B.

That’s the address. I’m ten minutes early. According to Judy, this is the first interview slot, which is usually a bad slot to be in, but the rest were full. Everyone else is compared to the first candidate, but people have no one to compare the first person to so they tend to not get hired. Screw that. I’m getting this job. I bet they’re working out of that shack until they build their new building over it in the spring. Maybe management will be sent some place warm to train. I’d be all over that. I’ll work Christmas without an ounce of regret. This job is mine.