The Formula 1 Series - Part I: Liz & George

The next challenge

In the end Naomi and I met at hers. Elsa was still on that spontaneous trip and Sarah did not say why she couldn't make it. I brought pizza and beer for her and Samuel. I was actually glad Samuel would be around as well. I have always valued his opinion and I could imagine Naomi only supporting decisions that would maybe help romantically but not professionally. She first declined in our group chat as well and postponed our girls night to next week, but she immediately was in when I called and told her I got an email from Mercedes' HR. She screamed for a minute straight and I heard Samuel rushing into the room asking what's wrong. She blasted the news without hesitation and that's how Samuel got involved. But as said, he might actually be helpful to make a logical and rational plan. We ate the pizza and I gave Samuel a quick run through of all the happenings. Of course I left out some parts like our dance and shortened our "interactions" on Monday a lot. I focussed on telling him about how I met Toto in the garage and at the Gala event and what was said then. Plus everything I have told George about my job.
"I mean, you kind a mentioned you aren't happy with your job at the coffee spot right?" He said, while taking another piece of pizza.
"Umm, yeah, if you put it that way. But I defiantly was not complaining! It was very subtle I think." I looked to Naomi. And I felt bad because I clearly did not want George to feel bad for me in that situation and try to find me a different job.
"And no offense, Liz. But can you maybe put into perspective how good of a fit you are for that job description?" He asked shyly.
I swallowed. I asked myself the same thing before but didn't want to answer it to me. "Well, it is my specialty, right? And if you just look at my education, I would be a good fit. Probably better educated than other physiotherapists with them. But my job at Oliver's is obviously beneath my education level. We all know that. So that's the one part that looks like a deficit on my CV? I mean I have taken many courses in these two and a half years with him. Plus on paper, his practice actually sounds good." I sighted. "To be fair I don't know, Samuel. I would have not applied if it was written as an open position. That's the one thing I know."
"Because you always doubt yourself!" Naomi exclaimed and looked angry at me. Her eyes were sparkling, but with anger. "You always do! And overthinking! You overthink everything! Girl, I try my best to keep up with you and that's why I told you about the PR stuff. But this overthinking stuff is ex-hau-sting! I don't know how you have so much energy for that?!" I looked at her a bit shocked. Samuel also seemed to be surprised by the sudden outburst and padded her shoulder carefully. He obviously was scared she would go on. She took a deep breath. "Anyway, Liz, please. It does not matter who got you here. That's a very successful company and they won't hire you if you aren't fitting. So just make a damn call on Monday and set a date for an interview. Call lover boy beforehand, ask him directly if he knew of it and that's it." She took another deep breath. "And obviously call me in between. It's exhausting but I am so invested." She smiled and took my hand over the desk. "Sorry for just now."
I smiled back at her. She was right. All this thinking was exhausting. But how should I ask George. Would he be offended? Is it offensive to think he would have anything to do with it? Will he in the end think I assume he would do stuff like that? And want him to do? In the end I look like a gold digger.
"You are overthinking just now again! I can see it! Look, Samuel! She's insane! And I have to keep up with this the whole time!!" Naomi shouted. I felt bad, because she was right. I tried to brush away my thoughts and smiled to both of them. Samuel was looking serious and I can see he wanted to say something meaningful.
"Liz, honestly. This man seems like a nice guy. Asking you out, wanting to date you, not seeing you when drunk -" he stopped there for a second and I knew each one of us was thinking back to a specific situation two years ago when Nate threw a complete jealous tantrum at a party. "- I mean, you deserve to be treated well and this guy seems to do so. So just go with it? No matter what he did, he probably means well." I looked back at him in all seriousness and somewhere behind my eyes tears were forming. I haven't cried for a long time and proudly can say haven't cried over the end of Nate's and mine relationship at all. I mean I have cried plenty while we were still officially dating, but once it clicked that this was seriously unhealthy I went through with the break-up without tears. After months of crying there were probably just none left, but still I was proud of it. So I don't know why I felt my eyes and throat burning right now. It was just touching that Samuel thinks I deserve better. I tried to shake off the sentimental feeling and smiled back at both while taking the last piece of pizza. But the touched feeling stayed for a long time.