An Overnight Beginning

Chapter One

I looked at myself in the mirror.

My dark under eye circles pronounced heavily on my pale face.

What have I done? I contemplated.

My gaze was lost in my reflection as I studied features of myself I didn't notice before.

In that moment, I didn't know who I was.

-------

My phone alarm rang early in the morning. I grabbed my phone and squinted at the bright screen in a room filled with darkness.

6:30 A.M.

Just enough time to get dressed and head to my interview at Silverstone Marketing; one of the biggest marketing and advertising businesses in New York. They've advertised for the biggest brand names, from fashion, the NFL/NBA, expensive liquor and even political campaigning. It was a dream of mine to work for the top and elite of New York and I was determined to get the job.

I was out the door by 7:20 and headed to the nearest subway station in Brooklyn, about three blocks from my apartment.

The entrance of the Brooklyn subway was filled with people coming in and out with the early Monday morning symptoms: sleepy eyes, long yawns, and messy hair.

That quickly changed when I arrived to the Upper East Side. You begin to see red soles, dark suits and bright faces.

Manhattan; the city of riches, glory and power.

Coming from Lakeview, a small town in Louisiana, these bright lights and tall buildings were not common.

Growing up in a small town had its weird beneficials but its minuses too.

For one, there wasn't this much noise and traffic on and off the streets.

Lakeview was quiet, isolated and confined. Everyone knew everyone. The minuses.

New York was New York. It spoke for itself. These buildings were so huge that they even looked as if they touched the sky. The bright lights showed of the extent beauty of the city and everyone in the Upper East Side walked with determination in their face. As if they already had everything figured out.

I finally arrived to Sterling Enterprises by 7:45. A feeling of dominance and astonishment coursed through me, intimidating me just by looking at the building. Sterling Enterprises was the tallest structure in the area, with a futuristic look to it consisting of walls made of all grey glass from top to bottom.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to go inside anymore and proceed to my interview.

I took one last look at myself from the reflection of the glass.

My long chocolate brown hair was combed back to a straight ponytail.

I wore a black and fitting cap sleeve sheath dress with a high neckline that stopped right above my knees. And lastly I paired it with black pumps.

"You've got it all, Ava, don't let anyone tell you otherwise," my mother's voice suddenly filled my head.

She'd tell me that all the time, anytime. Especially when she noticed how nervous I was. Her physical reassurance was what I needed at this moment.

I took a deep breath and within seconds I began to walk towards the elevator.

The first floor was busy of people rushing in and out of the building while chatting to each other or on their phones. You could hear heels click with each step and phones ringing constantly.

I got off on the 25th floor and there I was, home of Silverstone Marketing in huge, bold, chrome, silver letters. Beneath the letters was the receptionist working very close to her desktop, typing away furiously.

"Silverstone Marketing, how may I direct your call?" Still focused on the computer yet very attentive on the phone. "No, sorry. Mr. Leighman isn't in today 'till next Wednesday..... mhmm... yes. Mhmmm."

She had bright green eyes that stood out like shiny emeralds every time she blinked. The bright eyes paired with platinum blonde hair that was slicked back in a tight bun. Complimenting her features, she wore a dark gray blazer on top of a white blouse with lowkey ruffles that went down the shirt.

"Okay....yes.. okay," she continued. "See you then. Have a good day."

She placed the phone back to its cradle and her eyes met mine.

"Hi, how can I help you?" she flashed me a megawatt smile.

"My name is Ava-"

"Harper, yes" she smiled sincerely. "Give me a minute."

Her attention drifted back to the phone as she picked it up and with the press of a button she was connected to the other caller.

"Mr. Silverstone your eight o'clock is here. Yes, sir."

Her emerald eyes looked back up at me. " Right down the hall. It's the door at the very end."

-----------------------

"Please sit down." He gestured to the leather seats in front of his dark red mahogany desk.

"Thank you," I replied as I gracefully took a seat.

"I've reviewed your resume and let me say it's quite impressive." His soft raspy voice croaked as he leaned back in his chair making it squeak softly.

Mr. Silverstone looked to be in his 30's. He was a tall, handsome man with with dark brown eyes and long black hair combed back. His sculptured face etched confidence with a touch of cunning which felt like he had the capability to gain anything he wanted.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"A 4.0 gpa throughout high school and college, imposing extracurriculars, attended LSU on a couple of scholarships, received a BS in Business, graduated earlier than most, also with a profuse amount of recommendation letters from your professors and now you're here in my office applying for the assistant position." His dark eyes stared straight through me as a rush of coldness battled within, making my skin jump. "Does that sum it up?"

"Y-yes sir."

"I have applicants from left and right from Standford, Harvard, Berkely, UCLA, etc. So tell me, why should I pick you, Ava from LSU?"

"You've got it all Ava, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Looking him straight in the eyes, I smiled and sat up with self assurance then responded,

"Because I have it all. My resume is thorough, showing that I worked hard for perfection. I strive exemplary and I've embodied optimal. Yes, I may be from LSU but my exertion shows eminence."

Whoa.

Fuck, Ava, that was way too much.

He gave me a huge smile that filled my insides with relief.

"I have one question for you," he studied me. "What are you doing tonight?"

Is he asking me out? You see? That was way too much. You oversold it, Ava.

"Nothing," I replied slowly.

"Great, you're accompanying me to Coping Together."

"Come again?" I asked, even though I heard every word.

He totally just asked you out!