Page 1

My eyes flick across the screen as I scroll through my inbox, sitting cross-legged on my bed in the small but cozy dorm room I share with Maeve. The familiar hum of campus life filters through the window—students chatting, footsteps echoing down the hall—but all I can focus on is the email I’m about to open. My heart pounds as I click on it, holding my breath.

“Jennifer Jewels, we are pleased to inform you….”

My breath whooshes out as I read the rest.

“Oh my God,” I whisper, eyes widening.

Maeve looks up from her textbook, sitting across the room at her desk. “What is it?”

I spring off the bed, unable to contain my excitement. “I got it!” I exclaim, holding up my laptop screen as if that explains everything. “The internship! At Empire City Estates!”

Maeve’s face lights up as she snaps her textbook shut. “Wait, seriously? The Empire City Estates? The one you’ve been talking about nonstop for weeks?”

I nod frantically, my heart racing. “Yes! Oh my God, I didn’t think I’d actually get it. They’re one of the top real estate agencies in New York, Maeve! This is huge.”

Maeve jumps up from her chair, clapping her hands together. “Jen, that’s amazing! I knew you’d get it. You worked so hard for this!”

“I know, but still….” I trail off, looking down at the email again as if reading it a second time will help me believe it’s real. I’d applied to so many internships, sending out resume after resume with nothing but rejection or radio silence in return. When I applied to Empire City Estates, I told myself not to get my hopes up—it was too big, too prestigious. Yet… here it is. An acceptance.

“I’m going to be working for one of the top real estate companies in the city,” I say softly, almost to myself. “This could change everything.”

Maeve grins and bounces over to me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders in a tight hug. “This is going to be huge for you, Jen. I’m so proud of you!”

I hug her back, the adrenaline still surging through me. “Thanks, Maeve. I just… I can’t believe it.”

“You better believe it,” she says, pulling back to look at me. “You earned this.”

I smile, feeling the truth of her words sink in. I did earn this. All those late nights researching companies, perfecting my resume, and writing cover letters—it all paid off. For the first time in a while, I feel like things are starting to fall into place.

Maeve flops down on my bed, looking up at me with a mischievous grin. “So… how are we celebrating?”

I laugh, the weight of the stress from the last few weeks lifting off my shoulders. “I wasn’t really planning on celebrating, but—”

“Uh, no way. You don’t land an internship at Empire City Estates and not celebrate. This calls for pizza. Maybe even champagne.”

I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “You do remember we’re broke college students, right?”

Maeve waves a hand dismissively. “Minor detail. This is a special occasion. Pizza, Jen. If we can’t afford champagne, we’ll get sparkling cider.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Fine, fine. Pizza it is.”

Maeve grins, pulling out her phone to order. “We’ll figure out the rest when the pizza gets here.”

As she scrolls through the menu, I sit back on my bed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m genuinely excited about what’s coming next. The final semester of college has just started, and I don’t have too many classes this time, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Empire City Estates. The name alone feels like magic. They’re the top dogs in New York’s real estate world, known for their sleek marketing, luxury properties, and impressive client list. Getting an internship there is more than just a resume booster—it’s a career-making opportunity. And somehow, I landed it.

I can’t stop smiling as Maeve continues talking. Her excitement only amplifies mine, making it feel more real. It’s still hard to believe that in just a few weeks, I’ll be stepping into that towering glass building, working alongside professionals who are shaping the city’s skyline.

“So, tell me,” Maeve says, pulling me back to the moment. “When do you start?”

I glance at the email again, my heart fluttering. “In two weeks. They said they’d send me the full schedule next Monday.”

“Two weeks? That’s perfect! You’ll have plenty of time to mentally prepare and—” Maeve pauses, her eyes narrowing. “Wait, what are you going to wear on your first day? We’re going to need to go shopping. You can’t show up at Empire City Estates in anything less than professional perfection.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, slow down. I haven’t even figured out what to wear to class tomorrow.”

Maeve rolls her eyes dramatically. “One thing at a time, Jen. First, pizza. Then wardrobe overhaul.”

I can’t help but feel a bubble of excitement rise in my chest again. She’s right. This is a big deal. As much as I try to downplay it, I can’t ignore the fact that this is my chance. The opportunity I’ve been waiting for.

Maeve bounces up from the bed, her energy contagious. “This is so exciting. Oh, maybe we should go out this weekend to celebrate properly.”

“We are celebrating,” I say, glancing at the pizza menu still open on her phone. “With pizza. That’s plenty for me.”

She rolls her eyes dramatically, flopping back onto the bed. “Pizza is just the pre-celebration. We’re going out this weekend. One of my friends is throwing a party on Friday. It’s high-end, luxury—none of the usual college stuff. VIPs and all that. You need to come.”

I give her a skeptical look. “VIPs? Maeve, I don’t even know your friends.”

“That’s exactly why you should come!” She leans in, excitement written all over her face. “You need to meet new people. And let loose a little! You’ve been buried in books, projects, and now your shiny new internship for way too long. This is a chance to just have fun. No stress, no responsibilities. You deserve it.”

I hesitate, chewing on the inside of my cheek. It’s true—I’ve spent so much time focusing on school and work that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just… be. To have a night of fun without worrying about deadlines or where my career is headed. But at a fancy party with VIPs? That’s a little out of my comfort zone.

“I don’t know, Maeve—” I start, but she cuts me off with an exaggerated sigh.

“Jen. Come on. You just landed the internship of your dreams. That’s cause for celebration if I’ve ever seen one. Besides, you can’t let me show up alone. You know I’ll just end up talking to the same three people all night.”

I laugh despite myself. Maeve has a way of wearing me down, and I know she’s not going to let this go. “Fine,” I say with a resigned smile. “I’ll go.”

“Yes!” Maeve pumps her fist in the air like she’s just won some kind of victory. “It’s going to be so much fun. Trust me. We’ll get dressed up, sip on overpriced drinks, and dance all night.”

“Dressed up?” I raise an eyebrow, suddenly aware that I don’t exactly have a closet full of fancy, party-appropriate outfits. My wardrobe consists mostly of jeans, sweaters, and a few business-casual pieces I’ve picked up for internships and job interviews. Nothing that screams luxury party.

Maeve smirks. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll help you pick something out. We’ll figure it out, and you’re going to look amazing. Just leave it to me.”

I try to suppress the nervous flutter in my stomach, reminding myself that this is supposed to be fun. No stress, no overthinking. I’m not the type to go out and party, but maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I need to push myself out of my comfort zone for once.

“Okay, okay,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief at how quickly she’s managed to convince me. “Friday night it is.”

Maeve grins, clearly pleased with herself. “Perfect. You won’t regret it.”

The thought of dressing up, mingling with new people, and having a carefree night sounds both exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time.

“Do I need to, like, prepare for this party?” I ask, trying to sound casual but feeling a little out of my depth. “I mean, what kind of people are we talking about here?”

Maeve shrugs, but there’s a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Oh, you know… the usual crowd. Some rich kids, maybe a couple of minor celebrities. It’s going to be very New York. Just be yourself. You’ll fit right in.”

I give her a doubtful look. “Right. Because I totally blend in with minor celebrities and VIPs.”

“You’ll be fine, Jen. Trust me. This is exactly what you need. A break from reality for one night.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I do need this. I’ve been so focused on my career and making sure everything is lined up perfectly for the future that I’ve forgotten to just live in the present. The idea of letting loose, even for one night, starts to feel more and more appealing.

Maeve’s phone buzzes, and she grabs it quickly. “Pizza’s here!” She jumps up, heading for the door. “We’ll eat, and then I’ll show you some options for Friday. You’ll be the star of the night.”

I follow her out of the room, shaking my head but smiling all the same. I can’t remember the last time I felt this kind of excitement, and it’s nice to let myself indulge in it. I can worry about everything else later.

Maeve and I head out to grab the pizza, and the warm scent of cheese and garlic fills the dorm hallway as soon as we open the box. Back in our room, we settle on the floor with the pizza between us, laughing and chatting as we dig in.

As I take a bite, I can’t help but think about the party again. Part of me feels out of place just imagining myself there—surrounded by VIPs, dressed in some outfit Maeve will pick out for me. I’ve never been the life-of-the-party type. I’m usually the one in the corner, observing, planning my next step while everyone else seems so carefree.

Maybe that’s exactly why I need to go. For the first time, I’ll be stepping into a world I’ve never been a part of—one that feels a bit foreign, exciting, and maybe even intimidating. Who knows? Maybe it’s time I step out of my comfort zone. After all, I’m about to start this new internship at Empire City Estates. I’m making moves in my life, so why not make some in my personal life too?

I glance over at Maeve, who’s already scrolling through her phone, likely searching for outfit inspiration. “You’re really into this party, huh?” I ask, half-amused, half-nervous.

She looks up at me with a grin. “Of course! It’s going to be a blast. Plus, you need this. We’re almost done with college, Jen. How many more chances do we have to go out, have fun, and not worry about being adults?”

I nod, her words sinking in. She’s right. Our final semester has just started, and with only a handful of classes left, it’s the perfect time to do something spontaneous, to celebrate this new chapter in my life. “You know what,” I say, grinning. “You’re right. I’m in. Let’s go all out on Friday.”

Maeve practically squeals in excitement, raising her slice of pizza like a toast. “That’s the spirit! We’re going to have so much fun.”

As we finish our pizza and talk about the details of the night, I start to feel a growing sense of anticipation. For once, I’m allowing myself to let go of the constant pressure and perfection I put on myself. This weekend will be different —a chance to unwind, to celebrate, and maybe even to see a different side of New York.

I have no idea what the party will be like, who I’ll meet, or how the night will go, but for the first time in a long time, I’m okay with the uncertainty.

I take a deep breath, excitement bubbling up in my chest. This weekend is going to be fun.