The Sum of Us

Chapter 3

Olivia

As I watch my parents leave Conner's house, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but they are a little much at times. 

I help Conner clean up a little bit and then get myself ready to leave as well. I crouch to tie my shoes.

"Olivia, I wanted to talk to you before you leave." Alexander is looming over me and I slowly raise my head to look at him. I feel a flutter in my stomach at the sight of his unreadable expression.

"Sure, what's up?" I reply, casual as ever. I like to play it cool.

"I want to offer you a one month trial position as a data scientist at my company." Alexander says.

What?? I shoot up from my crouched position. I am not sure I heard that correctly. His words are taking a while to sink in. 

"I need your CV and a project repository by tomorrow night at the latest.", he continues. "You can start on Monday."

What the fuck is happening? 

"Um... I don't know.", I stumble over my words, trying to process the unexpected offer. Alexander's proposition catches me completely off guard, and I can feel my heart racing as I search for a response. I don't want to work for Alexander, right? Or do I? Why is he doing this? Does he feel sorry for me?

"I appreciate the offer, Alexander," I speak slowly. "But it is really short notice. I don't think I can make such a big decision this quickly."

I glance up at him, hoping to find some clarity in his eyes, but his expression remains unreadable. The tension between us is palpable. He probably regrets extending the offer.

"This is a very good opportunity for you. It would be foolish not to agree to it.", Alexander says. His tone is even, no hint of offense. 

"Yeah, what's wrong with you? You should take the job!", Conner chimes in from behind the kitchen counter. I ignore him.

"Why are you doing this, Alexander? You don't have to help me just because I am Conner's sister, you know?"

"I wouldn't offer you he position if I didn't think it was a good business decision.", Alexander responds. "It is just a trial period. If you or my team are unhappy at the end of it we simply go our separate ways."

I can't believe I am actually starting to consider saying yes to this proposal.

"Where would I stay? I would have to move across the country just for one month."

"You can stay at a hotel.", Alexander says.

"I can't afford to stay in a hotel for that long.", I fire back. 

"The company would pay for it.", he counters.

"That hardly seems like a good business decision.", I cross my arms.

"What if she just stayed in one of the guest rooms in your penthouse?", Conner's voice rings from the kitchen. "It would only be for one month."

Before I can object, Alexander nods, his eyes meeting mine briefly.

"Ok.", he says. "Then it is settled."

My mouth hangs open as I stand there. What just happened?

"No! I can't just move in with you!", I feel like Conner and Alexander are sharing a joke that I am not in on.

"Why not?", Alexander asks. He seems a little tired of the back and forth. I feel like I can spot a hint of impatience in his otherwise even expression.