Logan

170. I'll Be Fine

*Natalie's POV*

Breathe, just breathe.

It's just an interview for a gig.

Yes, it's been a while since you've been in front of an audience.

You'll be fine.

I'm breathing through my fear in the upstairs bathroom, better to freak out up here.

"I'll be fine," I whisper. "Free food and drinks for a consultation. You'll say 'hello mr. boss guy, I'll do it,' schedule a date, and then come home safe."

My phone vibrates and it's a "Goodnight <3" from Desmond.

Little does he know that I won't be sleeping until two a.m at the latest. Weird to do an interview on a Sunday, but I explained my new job would make it difficult to do anything during the daytime hours. The A shift would be returning back to work tomorrow, I promised to bring them donuts. I already emailed Agent Bohannon I would be taking my break during that time. Thankfully I only had to drive 20 minutes to Madison, and that the local branch was only 5 minutes from there. The offices moving in the last couple years made it easier for the town to get extra revenue, more jobs.

Relax, just breathe.

I make my jewelry simple, heart earrings, a moon necklace. I forgo convenience for looking cute with the peacoat, a white turtleneck with a black flared skirt and garters. They're my classic look, but the socks and boot combo will at least keep me warm.

I walk down the steps and I can hear their conversation.

"I wish I was better at the talking stuff." I can hear my father talking.

"She's stubborn, you know that. I learned that very quickly." Ember laughs.

"Yeah, it just kills me. I wish Rob was still here, he would explain everything away. He could always just smooth it over. I wish I could fix everything. I hate that she's hurting."

"Uncle Tom, it's not your fault the way she found out. You were going to tell her eventually, and it was only a matter of time before she figured it out on her own."

I step further toward the room until I call out, "Ember?"

"In here," he calls.

I step in the doorframe and I can see Jax, Ember and Ripley holding a cup of tea.

"Hey, I'm taking the keys tonight." I look at my father and he takes a double take of my outfit. I can see the shock on his face but he motions to Ember and he takes the keys out of his hand and tosses them to me. I think I'm scott free until I hear him call to me.

"Natalie, come back here." He sounds concerned but I shake it off, and step back into frame.

"Where are you going?" He asks.

I turn to face him and ignore the look of judgment on Jax's face, "I have an interview for a set-if I like their price I'm doing a small set in Madison."

"Okay, so you're going to which bar? When will you be coming home?" I know that he's trying to do the 'dad thing' in giving me the third degree.

Part of me doesn't want to answer him, but part of me entertains this because I didn't have this once mom and Craig got divorced. After that, it was Alex and he didn't mind where I went because I never left the house.

"I'm going to Bradley's Bar & Grill, and probably coming back around two."

"AM?" My father's eyes bulge, "But that means you'll have less than four hours of sleep for your first day."

"It'll be fine," I say, "I'll just grab an energy drink on the way there."

I can see that this answer is not good enough for him but he just nods, "Okay, have a good time, and if you need help, call."

I nod, "I will," I start to walk out of the room.

"Hey," I turn and he makes a motion toward me, "I love you kiddo."

"I love you too," I say, turning around and saying bye to Jax and Ember before walking out the door.