Perfect Strangers

Chapter Four: Time for a Change

"Okay, what about being an assistant?" Avery suggested.

"Mm, I don't know-- don't I need some sort of experience for that?"

"Nope." Natasha stood up with her laptop and sat down beside you. She had learned about what happened with Beck, and your impromptu trip to the city. She originally came over to comfort you, but it turned into the both of them helping you find a job. You'd known her since college. Even back then, you had no clue what you wanted to do-- so you got a basic business degree, and never really did anything with it. For the longest time, you parents helped pay for everything, but just as you had suspected, they were so disappointed to hear about you and Beck, that they said it was time for you to pay for your own stuff. They basically cut you off and played it as just telling you to grow up. "I think I found something. It's an assistant position, like Avery said, but-- oh. Never mind..."

"No, what is it?" You scooted closer to look at her computer screen, but couldn't really make sense of whatever job site she was looking at. You'd never really applied for a 'real' job, so you looked at her and waited for her to answer.

"It's in the city. So unless you want almost a two hour commute, I guess that one's out the window." She was about to click out of the page, but you put a hand on top of hers to stop her.

"Well, wait--"

"What, you really want a two hour drive to and from work every day?"

"No... but I mean, I've lived in Rock Hill since I was born... What if it's time for a change?" You looked back and forth between your two friends.

"Really? Seems like a pretty big leap." Natasha looked skeptical.

"Yeah, I mean. If my parents want me to 'grow up already', then that's exactly what I'll do. Might as well jump in the deep end, right? Not to mention it'd probably mean never having to see you-know-who again." You chuckled, then Avery did too, but for a different reason.

"Wait a minute, wait, this wouldn't have anything to do with your new friend, now would it?"

"New friend? Gasp, I thought we were all you needed, y/n." Nat brought a hand up to her chest. "Well, who is it?"

"No one." You just smiled, but she didn't buy it.

"Oh no no, y/l/n. Come, on," She turned to fully face you and crossed her legs. "Spill."

"Nat really, it-- it's a long story." You were still smiling. You didn't quite know why, but you couldn't help it.

"We've got time..." She rested her head on her hands. You looked to Avery for help, but she just chuckled.

"What? You want me to tell it?" she said jokingly.

"Definitely not." You looked back at Natasha, who seemed very attentive. "Fine." You caved and mirrored her position, turning to face her. "My first night in the city, my phone died, and-- you know I've only been like once or twice before. Basically I had no idea where to go, and had barely any money. This guy, Steve, walked me to a shop for a charger, but it was closed and there weren't any affordable hotels so--"

"So she went back to his place!" Avery interrupted. You shot daggers at her. "Oh-- sorry," she chuckled nervously.

"Anyway..." you continued. "Yeah, I went back to his place. He seemed really nice-- which he is. I met his roommates and it basically took off from there." You looked back at Avery, who now had her hand raised. "Yes?" She lowered her hand.

"Can I add something?"

"Uh-- sure?"

"This guy gets soo many bonus points." She was talking directly to Natasha. "Get this, Steve took y/n for some coffee before I met up with them, and Beck showed up!"