Well, I Just Screwed Up

14. Casual, It Would Piss Her Off

Izzy

I wake up with a ton of butterflies bouncing around my tummy. Taking a deep breath I start getting ready for the day.

Wanting to wear something cute I chose a light purple off-the-shoulder crop top and a Jean skirt that I made.

Phoebe didn't give me an exact time to show up for my interview. I googled her store and the website said they open at eight so I decided to get there around ten.

I press my hands against my skirt and attempt to flatten out wrinkles that aren't there. Tyler used to laugh when I did that. He said that I always do that when I'm nervous.

Taking one last glance in my mirror I grab my purse and design book.

When I come downstairs it's oddly quiet. Then I found a note on the kitchen table.

Hey, pumpkin! Good luck with the interview. Don't worry about your sister she's at a friend's.
Remember BE YOURSELF!
Love, Papi

A smile spreads across my face and I slip his note in a drawer hidden beside the fridge with the rest. My stepdad has always left little notes around the house and I've kept every single one.

———————————————————————-

As much as I try to gaslight myself into believing I'm not nervous my stomach flip flops when I park the car. I flip down my visor and stare at my reflection.

"Izzy Marina Gavin is a badass and can do this or anything placed in front of her. She is an independent and amazing woman who doesn't need a man or any help for that matter."

Yes, I talk in the third person when I give myself pep talks.

With one last cleansing breath, I hop out of the car and power walk to the shop.

When I open the door a little bell chimes over the door. I glance around and my eyes finally land on a counter with a ginormous cash register.

I walk to the counter and the guy behind it looks up at me. "Do you need help," he asks dryly.

Plastering a smile to my face I say, "I'm here for a job interview."

He slowly nods and begins flipping through some post-it notes. "You're Iggy Gavin's right?"

I let out a small sigh. "Yes."

Suddenly I realized he called me the wrong name. "Sorry, it's Izzy."

He gives me a blank look. "What?"

"My name is Izzy, not Iggy," I say slowly.

He shakes his head. "Whatever."

"Wait here I'll be right back." He walks through a door at the back of the store.

About three minutes later he walks out with Phoebe behind him.

"Izzy, you made it," she gushes.

I laugh awkwardly. "Yep, I did."

She waves me towards her. "Come, come let's get this interview over with."

I follow her back through the door the guy went through earlier. On the other side is a small kitchen with a table in the middle. To the left is a door leading into her office.

I take a seat in front of her desk and she slides behind it, plopping into her chair. "I hope you found us alright."

I smile. "Yes, I come to this strip mall a lot."