Page 13 of Hate You Up Close

You’re going to kill it.

I am so lucky, everything always works out for me.

My heart beats rapidly in my chest as I repeat positive mantras in my head. I don’t know why I’m so jittery and on edge. I’ve never been this nervous for a first day,ever.

But my father always told me that confidence is key, so I’m going to put on a smile and walk out of this bathroom with my head held high, even though I feel like I could vomit.

This place is just so…corporate. I mean, I’ve worked in professional jobs before, but Ace Financial is the real deal. It’s all suits and ties, top-of-the-line architecture, and employees who look like they wake up and run three miles before they have their first sip of coffee for the day.

I’m not an easy person to intimidate but damn, everything about this place is polished to perfection.

I arrived at the office a little over two hours ago to take care of HR paperwork and receive my employee badge. Now that those items have been taken care of, I’m finally about to meet my mysterious manager.

I still think it's odd that I haven't even met him…or her?

God, this whole thing is just sketchy.

I turn off the sink and take a few steps back from the counter to get a full view of my outfit. I’m wearing a form-fitted, black dress that compliments the shape of my body but also exudes poise and professionalism. The long sleeves fit my toned arms like a glove, and the skirt stretches around my legs, stopping just below my knees.

I’m wearing nude, strappy heels that have rubber soles because I can’t stand the persistent clicking of heels against tile.It’s just kind of cringey if you ask me. Plus, I don’t need someone to know I’m getting up each time I leave my desk.

My jet-black hair is down in loose curls, the glossy strands bouncing effortlessly with each step I take. I smile, happy I decided to go with my favorite pair of elegant, gold hoop earrings. They’re shiny, sophisticated, and the perfect finishing touch to my look.

I open up my purse, digging out my crimson lipstick before applying an extra coat. Not only does it add a pop of color to my outfit, but it makes me feel bold.

You look good, you feel good. Right?

I take one last deep breath before exiting the bathroom and stepping out onto the thirtieth floor.

I still can’t believe my office is on thethirtiethfloor. It’s a good thing that I don’t have a fear of heights.

“Oh, there you are.” Evie, the floor’s receptionist, greets me as I exit the bathroom.

She seems to be around my age with long blonde hair and warm amber eyes. She’s nothing but smiles and welcoming vibes, the exact kind of bubbly personality you would expect from someone who greets people for a living.

“Here I am,” I say awkwardly. “I just had to run to the restroom.”

“Oh, good,” she clasps her hands together. “I was worried you up and left already.”

A hesitant chuckle falls from her lips and then…silence.

Crickets. I think I can hear the sound of every cricket in the universe with the silence that follows her comment.

Why is everyone acting so fucking weird about me taking this job? I’m afraid I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into.

“I’m kidding,” she recovers, tossing a hand in the air. “You’re going to love it here. I mean, you can’t beat this view.”

She’s right about that because the view from up here isnothing short of amazing. It feels like a scene out of a movie. The elevator bank is strategically placed in the middle of the floor, which offers a panoramic view of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the circular space. You can literally walk around for hours and find something new with each lap. I’m dying to see the view at night and watch the skyline light up like a million twinkling stars.

“Yeah,” I shake my head in amazement. “It’s spectacular.”

“It certainly is,” she nods. “I’ll give you a tour of the office sometime this week, but first, Mr. Thompson just notified me that he’s ready for you. Do you need anything else before I show you to his office?”

I gulp, my heart rate picking up speed as I shake my head.

Confidence, Roxy.

You’re a badass, independent woman.