James drove his car through the highway as silence settled between us. It wasn't a killing silence, but rather one I was thankful for. We hardly conversed the time he picked me up for the interview. And I was doing my best to act busy as he tried his best to avoid me.

How did we end up this way?

It's almost like one minute we're at the top of the world and the next we're in the garters. Collecting crumps of the mess we made. And it's no fun.

I can't help but wonder if it's killing him as it's killing me?

It's not like I'm surprised that he hasn't addressed me yet. He used to ignore my existence around campus all the time during our affair but would fuck me in his car in the middle of the night.

Now that I think of it I feel used. Why did I let him in like that? Only for him to toss me out.

I looked through the windshield as he drove around New York passing street from street until we arrived at a five story building. It looked like some kind of art gallery or may be a fashion house. Could be a combination of both.

"We're here." James informed as he got off the car after glancing at me, he didn't maintain eye contact for longer than a second. I followed suit right behind him as we got into the unfamiliar building.

I tried not to stare at him as much and instead directed my focused on something else. Like this interview. It's making me nervous.

"Don't be nervous, you'll be fine." He assured. He must have noticed how shaken up I'm getting. He has this thing where he knows what I might be thinking.

"I'm trying."

But it's not working. I didn't add.

I took my time at getting ready this morning. It was hard picking an outfit. I've never been to a job interview before. What do people even wear at those kinds of things?

I eventually settled with wearing a brown knee length dress with a light blue scurf. I hope it's appropriate because I paired it up with sandals. My foot wasn't healed completely and I didn't want wearing shoes that covered it up. What if it swelled?

James led us through the large glass doors towards the entrance hall of the building.It was infact very gorgeous on the inside.

It had these beautiful paintings planted on the shiney marble walls with art work displayed around. Valuable pieces of vessels lay in open platforms and most were arrayed with different stones as chandeliers hang from the ceiling. I tried not to stare to much.

The colourful entrance hall had a few people moving around and most seemed busy.

"Betty...." I turned to look at James when he called me.

"Sometime today." He said impatiently.

I hadn't realized that I wasn't moving and just remained staring at the whole place for longer than usual.

"Sorry." I rubbed my temple.

He nodded while heading for the elevator.

We arrived at the highest floor where fashion designers, models, and other artists performed their work.

The whole floor was filled with gorgeous outfits arranged perfectly in rows and other elegant pieces hang delicately across the room. I moved carefully inspecting the place as James walked ahead of me. Everyone seemed busy working fast to keep time as skinny runway models both make and female did fittings. Probably for a show.

"James, you're finally here." A woman's voice exclaimed.

I looked ahead and saw a very beautiful brunette going to hug James as he hugged her back. Who is she?

"It's good to see you again." She smiled. "I almost fainted when I saw your call."

James raised a brow. I guess not believing her.

A slim guy cat walked towards them.

"I was a present witness to her screaming when you called James." He flattered his very long eyelashes. "We're all happy to hear from you after so long."

He wore a very colourful shirt with yellow pants and black shoes. He had these long blonde curls tied in a bun as he spoke gracefully. The guy looked way better than me. Actually, everyone was dressed better than me. I felt very out of place.

"Stop being dramatic Evans." James laughed lightly. "I'm happy to see you guys too."

They seemed really close to each other as they made small talk. James appeared to be in a much better mood as he conversed with the two beautiful people before him. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous, it's been a while since I and James talked peacefully with each other.

The two spoke of how much they missed him and how rude James has been for not showing up in years.

That made me wonder. If he's been in New York for about two years now, why not visit? Then again, It's clearly none of my business.

"Is that the girl?" The grey eyed Evans pointed at me.

How do I act? I tried not to get nervous.

James and the brunette turned to face me.

"Yes that's her." James confirmed.

Evans walked towards me and I adjusted my posture to a more professional kind, surprisingly he gave me a hug.

"I like her already." He smiled as he looked at me. Before I could respond to that, the brunette bet me to it.

"Evans don't make the poor girl uncomfortable." the woman walked towards us, glaring at Evans and then turning to face me.

"I'm Inez. And this is my fashion house and art gallery." She looked way prettier up close.

"Don't mind Evans here. He has a tendency of making strangers feel uncomfortable." She pushed Evans hands out of my shoulders.

"I'm trying hospitality Inez, unlike most people here who don't even know what the word means." He rolled his eyes at her.

Inez brushed him off as James chuckled. "Let the girl introduce herself first."

Her eyes fell on mine.

"I'm Elisabeth Madam." I tried to sound polite. "Elisabeth Wilson."

"Just call me Miss Inez. I'm not that old." She encouraged. Evans snorted at that causing Miss Inez to glare at him again.

The woman looked very young to be honest, Evans was just being mean. Probably twenty six or seven.

"Now it's time for your interview." She walked away from me. "Follow me." She instructed not paying anymore attention to Evans.

I walked behind Miss Inez and turned to James as I passed him.

"You'll be fine." He mouthed as Evans approached him.

"Thank you." I whispered back.

I entered Miss Inez's office and watched her take a seat at her table. Her office was very professional with a touch of delicate fashion. A few painting and artifacts here and there but nothing too complicated.

"Take a sit Elisabeth." She pointed at the chair infront of her table. I sat down and faced her. "My brother mentioned you study at NYU with him, is this right?"

She's James's sister! Oh my god!

Does she know about me? Did he tell her about us? He couldn't have. Then does she know about Merissa? Mostly certainly. Then why am I here?.......wait! The interview, Yes.

Cool it down, Lucy's voice rang in my head. Everything will be alright, eventually.

"I'm a freshmen there Ma'am." I replied. "I mean_ Miss Inez."

She chuckled lightly, "C'mon Elisabeth, don't be nervous. Its just a simple interview."

I smiled swiftly while nodding.

"I assume you must be really close with James if he recommended you to me." She was being very straight forward. It's easy to notice her change of attitude, earlier she was more outgoing probably because she was in the company of family, now she's more serious like a boss should be and it's making me nervous.

"Not very close. But we're good friends." I lied. We're far from being friends. We're nothing.

"That's good. If my brother trusts you then so do I. Now I need to ask you a few questions just to be sure you can be of use to me. I don't hire a lot of college students here because most aren't very familiar with work ethics."

I'm getting way too nervous now, I rub my sweaty palms on my dress and try to relax. I need to calm down.

James initially refused to tell me what the interview is for. He insisted that I should trust him and he has everything under control. However right now, I can't help but feel tense and worried. Why did I listen to him? Agreeing to take a interview for who knows what. I have zero work ethics for anything.

"Can you drive Elisabeth and is you're driver's license still good for use?"

What sort of job am I being interviewed for? A chauffeur?

"Yes. I can drive and my license was renewed a year ago."

I started driving when I was twelve. My cousins were eager to grown up. I got my license much later though. So if I'm being a chauffeur that's a easy job.

"Are you diligent, can you follow time schedules really well and do you learn fast?" She asked.

"Yes. I'm a quick learner. Very flexible."

I feel like she's making this way too easy for me. I may not know alot about how this is suppose to work but I'm sure it's me who should be stating my credibility and not her asking me all these questions and waiting for me to say yes to everything.

But I'm okay with it, as long as I get a job in the end.

"Then you got the job."

Wait! That's it? Now I'm truly convinced that I'm being hired to be a chauffeur. As long as I get paid a reasonable salary then I won't complain.

"What exactly is my job?" I asked cautiously. She gave me a strange look. "It's just that James didn't tell me exactly what job I'll be hired for." I rubbed my temple.

"Sounds like something James would do." She chuckled, unfazed. "He's still the same even after all these years."

I didn't know what to say to that.

"My personal assistant. You'll be delivering and picking up packages to and from clients that are far too important and confidential to be delivered by the regular employees we have here. The company will give you a car for that so you don't need to worry about getting around more flexibly." She stood up from her sit.

Personal assistant? That's my new job! Its truly unexpected, a serious deal, sounds super important and I don't know what to say. I can not believe I'm being employed as a personal assistant at a place like this.

And I get a car! What more can anyone possibly ask for?

"I......erm_ Miss Inez ... I'm," I couldn't find the right words honestly.

She smiled, "Now don't be too surprised Elisabeth, I'm sure you can handle this job perfectly. There's surely alot to do but nothing you can't tackle."

This is truly the best thing since NYU. I want to cry right now.

"Thank you."

"Of course." Miss Inez replied.

She began proving instructions and basic guidelines for the job. Listing out my responsibilities and the important procedures to follow during work hours. It took about twenty minutes and by the end Miss Inez said,

"You'll also be encharge of picking up all my phone calls for the time you're around. You'll inform me of any changes in my schedule, meetings with clients and any other routine changes that will be brought to you by our company Manager Mister Evans. I'm sure you know him from earlier. And If you have any questions just report to Evans, he'd guide you through it."

That sounds like alot of work.

"You're salary is going to be nine thousand dollars per month with health insurance covered here. You'll be working from Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm till 9pm. We understand you're a student so your work schedule isn't as tight."

Did she just say nine thousand dollars? Per months?

Thats a lot of money. Is this what people earn in places like these or is this company multi dollar? How rich is this woman?

How influential is James's family? That employees get paid in thousands!

"You start work next week. I expect you to be early."

"Yes Miss Inez. I'll do my best not to let you down. Thank you so much for this job." I spoke sincerely.

She has no idea how much this means to me. I've been hanging on a thread, and this job is my saving grace.

"Do you're job right and be loyal then we'll be okay." She said seriously. "I know my brother wouldn't get me a slob. I trust his judgement than my own. Just be good."

"Yes Miss."

I'm surprised by how she holds James's opinion in such high regards. And thank God she does.

"You can go now." She dismissed me.

I walked out of that office with so much joy and finally ready to quit that strip club shit joint.

I honestly can't believe James actually helped me get a decent job that pays really well. I'll be able to pay for mum's attorney now and even have enough to save up. All I need to do is prove my worth and work really diligently to keep my job.

I jumped when a hand suddenly touched my shoulder. "I'm so happy you got the job." Evans nearly squealed. He placed his manicured fingers around my cheeks. "I have a good feeling about you." He smiled.

How did he know I already got the job so quickly?

"Do you know how long it has been since James even set foot here? And suddenly he just shows up here asking for this favour."

I stared at him, confused.

"If he wasn't looking to help a friend out, then who knows when we would have seen our beloved James again." He wrapped his hands around me.

"You must be heaven sent. Because this is a miracle."

I'm officially perplexed.

_________