Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

1

"Everything is fine, Mom! I've already unpacked. The place is really nice," I reassured my worried mother. I just moved to the city from my hometown after finishing first in my class at our small college back home. Lucky for me, one of my professors and mentor, Dr. John Maine, is well-known in the advertising world. He's connected to a lot of agencies, gives advice, and freelances when requested.

I used to spend a lot of time in his office, and together we came up with many ideas, which taught me so much! At my graduation, he told me to send him my resume, and he made sure I got the opportunity to work at Faingold's agency.

I still can't believe I got in-with no work experience at all! Dr. Maine said I earned it, that I came up with brilliant ideas and helped him a lot. He also said that while he couldn't pay me, I gained valuable experience by working with him and that I should believe in myself. He told me I have what it takes not only to succeed but to eventually open my own agency one day.

Anyway, here I am in a new city, in a small but very nice apartment, 30 minutes' walk from my new job and just 5 minutes by subway, starting work tomorrow morning and hoping for the best.

"Goodnight Mom, I love you too, talk to you soon!", I ended rhe phone call, finished unpacking the last box, changed into a black tank top and gray shorts, brushed my teeth, and went to bed. "Believe in yourself, Jenny," I repeated to myself as a mantra until I fell asleep.
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I came to work early after a morning run. It's a habit I picked up in high school. It helps me decompress when I'm stressed and is also a good opportunity to get to know my surroundings near the apartment better.

I stand in front of the building, and I still can't believe how tall and fancy it is. I'm wearing a white top with a green blazer to highlight my eyes and blue elegant trousers. I don't have many fancy outfits in my closet, but I hope this will be good enough. Maybe I'll go shopping once I get my first paycheck.

I walk inside, and the guard asks for my name, then tells me to go to the 4th floor to HR. I finish all the day-one arrangements, get a card with my name and picture, and head to the 5th floor. There are 20 floors in the building, and I'm really glad I don't have to work that high up.

I arrive on my floor, and it's an open space with lots of noise, people walking around, working, typing on computers. I feel a bit lost and out of place. A curvy blonde woman in her fifties, wearing a gray pantsuit, walks toward me. "Hi, I'm Claire, the executive assistant on this floor," she says, glancing at my name tag. "Jenny, is it? Is that short for Jennifer?" I pull myself together and answer, "No, just Jenny." She smiles, "Don't worry, Jenny. Unlike some people here, I won't bite." I laugh awkwardly. What is that supposed to mean?! "Anyway, come with me, and I'll show you around."

She introduces me to all the workers. I don't think I'll be able to remember everyone's names. It's a good thing we all wear name tags. Afterward, she shows me to my desk. I have my own computer and design pad. I look around, and in front of me, there's a big glass office with frosted glass.

"That's Charlotte's office. She's the manager of the floor. She's super talented, and it's because of her that we're so successful. But be careful-she doesn't have time for nonsense or shenanigans. If you work hard, you'll be respected. If you're just here to pass the time, she'll show you the door in no time. Some people have lasted only a few days." I swallow hard and remind myself of my mantra: "Believe in yourself, Jenny."

Suddenly, through all the noise, I hear the click of heels. I look for the source, and everything seems to move in slow motion. I see a tall woman with long jet-black hair, blue eyes, and a red dress. She looks stunning-like the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.

"Speak of the devil, that's Charlotte," Claire says, continuing. "She's also Richard Faingold's daughter, the CEO and owner of the company. Right behind her is Jeffrey Cole, her fiancé and the COO." I glance at the man walking behind Charlotte. He's also very tall, with slick black hair and brown eyes. He's handsome, but something about him doesn't sit well with me. Something in his posture, maybe. My mom always said I have a good eye for reading people. But maybe I'm just being jealous. He's dating Charlotte. Lucky bastard! Not that I'd ever have a chance-she's way out of my league and probably straight.

I never had a great gaydar. Coming from a small town, I didn't date much. I was too busy with school, like everyone else trying to get out. I've had a few girlfriends, and I know I've turned a lot of heads, both boys and girls, because of my looks, but I never paid too much attention to it. I didn't want to be judged for how I look. That's why I worked so hard.

Charlotte looks in my direction, pulling me out of my thoughts. It feels like slow motion. For a moment, I think she noticed me, but then she turns her head and walks into her office with Jeffrey. Ugh. I don't know him, but I already don't like that guy.

I sit at my desk and open my computer. I check my work email and see we have a meeting today at 1 PM. I organize my things, complete some company compliance and IT guideline tests, and wait for my first meeting ever.
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First chaper, hope you'll like it. I have the story in mind for a long time. Hope I can write it down the way imagin it.