Styled For Love

Chapter Four

The week flew by in a blur of excitement and anxiety. Each morning, I woke with a mix of hope and determination, my phone buzzing with notifications from potential employers. After submitting over thirty applications, I was thrilled to receive callbacks from a few companies. Each interview felt like a new chapter in my unfolding New York story.

On Wednesday, I dressed meticulously for my first interview at a trendy lifestyle brand. The office was vibrant, filled with lush plants and art that seemed to leap off the walls. I clicked my heels on the polished floors, projecting confidence despite the flutter in my stomach. I aced the interview, discussing my love for fashion and my vision for growth within the company.

By Friday, I had another interview lined up with a luxury travel agency. It felt like fate; travel and fashion combined. The interviewer was warm and engaging, and we clicked immediately, sharing dreams of exotic cultures and high-end service. As I left, optimism surged—I had offers from both companies and now faced a tantalizing dilemma.

Then came the call I had been waiting for. "Kiersten? This is Glitz magazine. We'd like to invite you for an interview next week for the assistant position to our Editor-in-Chief."

My heart raced. Glitz! The very name sent shivers of thrill down my spine. "Absolutely! I'd love to come in," I responded, barely containing my excitement.

The day of the interview arrived, and I dressed in a sleek, tailored outfit that screamed professionalism yet retained a touch of my flair. As I approached Glitz's offices in the heart of Manhattan, it felt like entering a world I had only ever dreamed of. The high-rise building gleamed under the sun, and I steeled myself for what lay ahead.

Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with the chaos of fashion editors and interns. I was ushered into a chic conference room by Melanie, the current assistant. Her designer outfit and poised demeanor radiated privilege, and I immediately felt the weight of her scrutiny.

"Welcome, Kiersten! I'm excited to learn more about you," she said, her tone dripping with condescension. "I hope you're prepared for the high standards here."

I nodded, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling her presence invoked. We launched into the interview, discussing my background and passion for fashion, but I could sense her skepticism, as if she were evaluating me against some unspoken criteria.

Just as I began to feel comfortable, the door swung open, and in walked a presence that commanded attention. My heart skipped a beat—the striking woman from the bar stood before me, her hair shimmering and her tailored blazer exuding authority. I hadn't known her name, but I recognized her instantly as the most gorgeous woman I had ever encountered.

"Nice to see you again," I said, a flirtatious smile escaping me.

Her expression was cool and calculated, a stark contrast to the tipsy charm I'd encountered before. "I'll take it from here," she said, her voice smooth and unwavering.

Melanie's eyes widened in shock. "But you never handle interviews," she protested, clearly flustered by the sudden shift.

Evelyn shot her a withering glance before turning her attention back to me, her gaze piercing. "I'm making an exception," she replied, a subtle challenge lacing her words.

With a steady demeanor, she extended her hand. "I'm Evelyn. Evelyn Voss. I run Glitz magazine."

The name hung in the air, and I felt a rush of recognition. This was not just any woman; she was the powerhouse behind the magazine I had admired for so long. I took her hand, feeling the firmness of her grip and the intensity of her gaze. "Kiersten Hale," I replied, trying to match her confidence.

"So, Kiersten," Evelyn began, leaning slightly forward, "tell me what makes you think you can handle the chaos that is Glitz."

I met her intense gaze, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. "I thrive in fast-paced environments. I can keep up with the demands of the job and anticipate what's needed before it's asked."

Evelyn regarded me for a moment, as if weighing my every word. "Anticipation is good," she said slowly, her voice low and teasing. "But tell me—what other offers are you considering?"

A thrill ran through me. "Well, I've received offers from two other companies," I said, striving for nonchalance.

"Interesting," she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What are they offering?"

I hesitated, taken aback by her directness. "One has a competitive salary, plus benefits, and the other has a strong growth trajectory—"

Evelyn interjected, her voice firm. "Kiersten, a position at Glitz is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Millions of girls would kill for a chance to work under me." Her gaze locked onto mine, filled with an intensity that made my heart race.

The weight of her statement hung between us, charged with an unspoken understanding. I held her gaze, an exhilarating mixture of vulnerability and determination coursing through me.

As we continued to discuss my experiences, the conversation felt like a dance—each question a step, each answer a move. Evelyn's demeanor was intimidating, her confidence palpable, but there was also an allure that drew me in, challenging me to rise to the occasion.

Eventually, the interview wrapped up. "Thank you for this opportunity," I said, striving to maintain my composure.

"The pleasure was mine," she replied, standing to shake my hand again. Our palms brushed, but it lingered, the connection electric. Our eyes locked, and I felt a spark that went beyond mere professional interest—an unspoken bond that seemed to transcend the moment. "You'll hear from us soon."

"I'm looking forward to it"

As I walked out of the building, my heart raced—not just from the thrill of the interview, but from the intoxicating tension with the enigmatic woman. I felt on the brink of something significant, stepping into a new chapter. As I merged into the bustling New York streets, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of an exhilarating journey, one that might unravel the mysteries of both my career and the captivating woman who had unknowingly captured my imagination.