Fleeting Flames - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

Part 4

The phone buzzed on your desk, breaking the silence of your small, cluttered apartment. Glancing at the screen, you didn't recognize the number, but something compelled you to answer.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Y/N L/N?" a smooth voice asked on the other end.

"Yes, it is."

"Great! This is Chris from Hargrove Architecture in Los Angeles. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."

You felt a jolt of surprise. You've heard that company's name before. Hargrove was a well-respected firm, known for its innovative designs and major projects. "Not at all. How can I help you?"

"I'm glad to hear that! I'm reaching out because we came across your resume, and we were really impressed with your outstanding performance during your studies at the University of Miami. We believe you'd be a fantastic fit for a position we have open here in Los Angeles."

A wave of confusion washed over you. You hadn't applied for any positions at this company. "I didn't apply for a job with you," you said, trying to wrap your head around what was happening.

"That's right," Chris replied. "We actively searched for candidates, and your profile stood out. You have a unique blend of skills and achievements that aligns perfectly with what we need. Your impressive track record, especially your work on sustainable designs and urban planning, caught our attention."

You felt your heart race as you processed his words. This was everything you had been working towards—a golden opportunity. But there was a weight on your chest, reminding you of the life you had built in Florida, the family you would have to leave behind.

"Um, that sounds great, but I'm currently based in Florida. It would mean a big move for me," you admitted, the reality hitting hard.

"I understand that," Chris said, his tone shifting to one of empathy. "But this is an exciting opportunity, and we're really looking for someone who can bring a fresh perspective to our team. We believe you could make a significant impact."

The prospect was tantalizing. You envisioned yourself in a new city, working on groundbreaking projects, finally stepping into the career you had always dreamed of. But then your thoughts drifted to your family—their support, the memories you shared. Leaving them behind felt wrong.

"Can I take some time to think about it?" you asked, hoping for a moment to gather your thoughts.

"Of course! We're flexible. Take your time, but I'd recommend making a decision soon. I'll send over some more details about the position and our team. We'd love to have you on board."

After hanging up, you sat in silence, the phone resting heavily in your palm. The offer was alluring, a chance to start anew, but you couldn't shake the feeling of conflict. This was a decision that would change everything—your career, your life, your connections back home.

A few minutes later, a notification popped up on your phone. It was an email from Chris. You opened it, heart racing as you anticipated the details of the job offer.

Subject: Exciting Opportunity at Hargrove Architecture!

Hi Y/N,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier. I'm thrilled to share more about the opportunity we discussed!

Position: Junior Architectural Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Salary: $110,000 annually

Bonus Potential: Up to 15% of your annual salary based on performance metrics