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I look up at him. He’s still smiling softly, not looking judgmental or critical at all.

“Something like that,” I mutter, my cheeks heating.

If I told him the true reason and all the details, he might think I’m stupid.Ithink I’m stupid.

“I understand. I have a few other candidates, Miss Whitlock, but I’ll tell you that you’re head and shoulders above the rest so far.”

I smile. “Really?”

He nods. “You’re almost too qualified, with your education level. You know it’s only a receptionist position.”

“Yes, of course. I want to... start from the bottom, so to speak.” I look at him a moment longer and then sigh. “Actually, I want to tell you the truth, Mr. Green.”

Dean raises a white eyebrow. “And what’s that, Miss Whitlock?”

I wring my hands in my lap. “My parents have controlled me my entire life. And I haven’t had a real job since college because... Well, something happened, and I leaned on them. Too much.”

“And now you want out?”

“Yes.” I let out a breath, looking up at him.

He shrugs. “I can understand that. It doesn’t make any difference to me.”

I break out in a smile. “Is there anything I can do to convince you I’m right for the position?”

“Don’t think you have to.” He picks up the phone, dialing an extension. “Rita, cancel my future interviews and bring Miss Whitlock her paperwork.”

I want to squeal, but that feels a little premature. I still have to do well at this job and save up all my money to leave.

“Thank you so much.”

“Thank you, Miss Whitlock. I think you’ll be a fine addition to the team around here.”

He stands and ushers me out into the main office, where I meet Rita–a gorgeous redhead around sixty-year-old.

“Good morning, lovely to meet you, Miss Whitlock.” She shakes my hand as I stand there almost in shock that I got hired on the spot.

“You too, Mrs.—”

“Ms. Johnson. But you can call me Rita. Everyone does.”

“Okay, Rita. You can call me Meredith.”

“Happy to have you on board, Meredith.”

After some paperwork and about an hour of training videos, I’m bouncing my way back to my car. It’s still early in the day, so Mr. Green didn’t offer to walk me.

I get inside and yell, pumping my fists. I call my best friend immediately.

Lola has been my ride or die since we were in middle school. I tell her any and everything.

She answers on the second ring, and I just yell into the phone.

“You burst my eardrum, but I guess this means you got the job?” There’s laughter in her voice.

“I did! We have to celebrate. I start on Monday.”

“I have wine, you just bring yourself.”