The bell at the top of the small diner jingled as I stepped in. An array of heads turned my way as if I was the most interesting thing in the room, which I probably was.
The walls were bare except for a stuffed deer at the edge of the room taking enough space to make the already small space even more cluttered.
There was a short line at the front desk, with a high school girl in a mini skirt taking an order, while two older men shamelessly ogled her exposed thigh, smirking to each other.
I rolled my eyes, joining the line behind them.
I reached into my bag, taking out my phone and scrolling aimlessly till it got to my turn.
"What can I get you?" The unenthusiastic waitress asked, straightening her oversized glasses.
"I'd like a latte, extra foam."
She nodded, turning to the machine while I watched in silence.
Suddenly, my obnoxiously loud ringtone filled the otherwise quiet space.
It was an unknown number, but I slid the green icon, raising it up to my ears.
"Hello?"
"Hello." A British accent from the other end greeted me.
"Am I speaking with Ms. Scarlett Fox?" The lady inquired.
"Yes, this is Scarlett. How can I help you?"
"I'm pleased to inform you that you have been selected as the executive assistant for the marketing director at Knightingale Brewing Company. An email containing all the details has been sent to you and a contract as well, please go through it, sign and send it back."
My world spun for a moment, my vision blurred. I gasped, staring at my phone in complete disbelief.
Foggy memories of the interview I'd taken a week ago surged through my mind, together with Joshua's assurance of me getting the job. A wide smile spread across my face, my heart leaping in my chest.
"Oh my, thank you so much. When can I start?" I rushed through my words, bouncing on my feet like a little child just as the waitress' throat clearing caught my attention.
She gave me the stink eye as I apologized under my breath, handed her some notes and took my paper cup of latte.
"You start on Monday. All the details are in the email but in case of any confusion, you are free to call this number during working hours."
"Alright. Thank you so-." The call ended just before I could complete my statement but I couldn't care less.
I had gotten a job at one of the biggest companies in the world, nothing could bring me down. I skipped down the streets, my blood rushing with excitement I could barely contain.
People parted as I skipped by, as if my joy was a rabid invasion, but it only widened my smile
I downed my latte in one go, desperate to free my hands so I could dial Layla's number and give her the good news.
I had only come out for a short jog so I was just a few blocks away from her apartment but I couldn't wait. With fingers trembling with excitement, I dialed her number, impatience clawing at my throat.
'No answer.' it read and I frowned, it was already 10am, she couldn't possibly be sleeping.
Just as I passed a supermarket, I stopped in my tracks. My new job was a cause to celebrate, I needed to get some wine.
So I reached for one of our favorite red wines, paid with the new debit card I'd gotten from Liam, my brother and walked out of the store like I owned the place.
As I walked down the street, it felt like I was on cloud 9. I was itching to share the news, to tell somebody how happy and excited I was at the prospect of my new job.
I wondered if I'd be arrested for just grabbing a stranger on the road and screaming about my excitement. I giggled at the thought, just then remembering someone that I could share my joy with before I got to Layla's apartment.
Joshua.
I picked up my phone and dialed his number. He picked up on the first ring.
"Scarlett. What a pleasant surprise. How are-"
"I got the job." I screamed ,cutting him short but I couldn't hold back. My heart was still racing wildly in my chest, my skin buzzing with life.
"I'm not surprised. But I can hear that you are. I'm happy for you."
I rolled my eyes as if he could see me.
"Okay, Mr. Soothsayer." He laughed from the other end while I struggled to breathe like a normal person.
"I can literally hear your excitement just from your breathing." He laughed, a warm tone in his voice.
"I can't help it. I'm just so…grateful. I really can't thank you enough for getting me that interview. But I hope you didn't have a hand in me getting picked…"
He cleared his throat, suddenly serious.
"Of course, not. You asked me not to interfere and I'll always respect your wishes. This is all you, Scarlett. Don't doubt yourself."
I breathed a sigh of relief, pushing open the glass door of Layla's apartment complex and making my way to the elevator.
"I appreciate that, really."
"Of course. So, this calls for celebration of some sort, doesn't it?" He asked and I swear I could hear his voice shake but I ignored it.
"Definitely. Way ahead of you." I squealed, looking at the wine and snacks I'd bought from the supermarket.
"Great. I'm glad we're on the same page."
"Listen," he added, "how about dinner tonight? My treat. We could celebrate properly."
I blinked, his words catching me off guard. Not exactly because they were unwelcome, but because I hadn't been expecting them.
Joshua was Layla's brother, and although I knew she wouldn't truly be upset if I were to go on a date with him, I didn't want to blur those lines.
"Oh, that's sweet, but I'm heading home to Layla, I'm literally at her doorstep. Already got wine in my bag and everything." I laughed, gesturing to no one.
"We're about to squeal like lunatics and probably cry over pasta."
Joshua chuckled lightly, but there was a pause. "Right. Of course. Sounds... perfect."
"How about we have a celebratory lunch at work on Monday?" I offered, doing my best not to make it even more awkward than it already was.
"Yeah," he said after a moment, voice light again. "Sounds good."
"Alright then, take care."
"You too."
I hung up still smiling, too caught up in the joy to dwell on the slight awkwardness.
I slid the key card of the door, kicking it open with dramatic force.
"I'm hooooome." I announced, kicking the door closed behind me.
"Shhhhh." Layla hissed, pointing at her computer and mouthing 'meeting.'
"Oh, sorry." I whispered, tiptoeing to the kitchen as she continued her business call.
I had wanted to make a grand entrance with my news, what a let down. But even with that my smile stayed firmly in place. My cheeks were beginning to hurt but I couldn't stop smiling if I tried.
Even after Layla finished her call, her light footsteps making their way to the kitchen.
"How was your jog? Any creep-"
"I got it." I interrupted her, just like I'd done her brother.
"Got what? Chlamydia?" She giggled as I gasped, jabbing at her shoulders in exasperation.
"No! Gosh, what is wrong with you?" I asked and her smile spread wider.
"What'd you get then?" She asked, reaching into the bag of chips I was currently munching on.
"I got the job. You're looking at the new executive assistant for the managing director at-"
"Knightingale?" She squealed, already bouncing on her heels.
As I nodded in confirmation she rushed to me, jumping into my arms even though she was at least 3 inches taller than me. If she wasn't so slender we would've ended up on the floor.
"Oh my gosh! Girl, I'm so proud of you. I knew you could do it." She giggled in my ears, the skin around her eyes crinkled as she thrashed about in my arms.
"I'm glad you're this excited but please get off me."
She purred playfully in response.
"That's not what you told Mr. Hot stuff at the club."
"Oh gosh."
I tried to let her drop to the tiles but she clinged on me like a cat. We ended up on the floor, me thrashing about while she held on for her dear life.
By the time we were done fooling around both our hairs were a mess and our breathings were as laboured as that of a bull's
"You should be in an asylum." I said through gasps and she laughed, rolling her eyes playfully.
"You and I both. Now get up, let's down some wine."
We scrambled up, set our wine glasses, and clinked them together with matching grins.
"Cheers to new beginnings."
And just like that, my new chapter had begun; with wine-stained lips, messy hair, and the best friend in the world by my side.