Broken {Completed}

The Interview

"So how do I look, and be honest!"

"You look... Like a nun. I honestly would wear something so--conservative."

"Are you encouraging me to dress slutty?" I punched Gunnar in the arm and glared angrily.

"No! I'm merely suggesting that you utilize your assets. Not dress slutty. You can wear something that doesn't make you look like a rectangle."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Fine," I said going back to my room to change. "Is this better?" I asked. I changed into my favorite purple blouse and black skirt along with my heels.

"Much better! Now you'll be the talk of the office," Gunnar leaned in and kissed my cheek.

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

"You look amazing, Mom. Plus you're great at everything you do, so he'll have no choice but to hire you."

"Since when did you get so supportive?" I laughed and ruffled his hair.

He shrugged. "I think I like it here in L.A. I mean things are so different here, and I think we have a shot at being happy."

I smiled at him and pulled Gunnar into a hug. I felt bad for him. He's never really had a childhood or any good friends because we were always on the move. I went from town to town and state to state trying to make ends meet, and he's been dragged around for the ride.

I don't consider myself to be the best mother, but I definitely try. I'm always there for him no matter what he needs.

"I hope so too, honey."

"Well you better get going. 9:00 traffic gets rough, and your interview is in an hour."

"What would I do without you?" I pinched his cheeks causing them to flush a bright red.

"I'm not 12 anymore, mom."

"But you're still my baby," I said pinching just a little harder.

"Go!" He laughed pulling my hand away from his face.

"Okay, okay, okay. Oh, and finish unpacking your room."

"It's not like I have anything better to do. The cable guys won't be here until Thursday."

"Okay baby. Call if you need anything."

"I'm 17, Mom."

"I know it's just-"

"Go."

"But-"

"Go!" He began to push me out the door.

"Okay! I'm going!"

He laughed and kissed my head. He always taunted me because he was a lot taller than I was.

"Be good and no parties."

"Would you just go already?" He pushed harder.

I finally gave in and exited the apartment. "Love you!" I called behind me.

"You too!"

I flagged a cab and got in. My nerves started to get the best of me. I became very self conscious all of a sudden, and tugged at my skirt that seemed to be riding up a mile high.

My phone buzzed and Gunnar's text alert went off.

Break a leg! Literally if that's what it takes.

I smiled at that. Even though yes we're mother and son, we were much more as well. We're friends, and it makes me happy that he sees me that way.

It didn't take long to arrive, and soon I was standing in front of a nice building. It was 4 stories tall, and the first floor was a coffee shop that was decorated beautifully with wood furnishings. It had a unique kind of chi to it that I loved.

As I walked inside the music was soft and calming. I wanted to curl up on a couch and sleep, but the lovely smell of coffee kept me from doing so.

"You must be Ms. Rhodes," the hostess said as she approached me.

"Yes I am, this place is beautiful!"

"Thank you. Here at Black Fuel we make sure that our environment is stress free and very relaxing."

"I can see that," I laughed.

"Well right this way. The boss should be almost finished with the his previous interview."

"Thank you." I followed the young girl up the stairs. The second floor was another eating area, and toward the back was a single elevator. She grabbed a key from her pocket and placed it in the key whole on the wall then pressed the up button.

We got in the elevator and went to the top floor. It was an office spaceThat was a lot more simple than the first and second floors, but it was still elegant and beautiful.

"You can have a seat here Ms. Rhodes."

"Thank you," I said sitting down.

"You're welcome and good luck."

The girl walked away leaving me time to calm my nerves. I felt like I was going to be physically sick. I stood and paced in front of my chair.

Minutes later a door opened and a girl came out looking nerve racked.

"Kate Rhodes?" A male voice called. I turned to face him, and nearly lost my cool.

This couldn't be happening. Please let this be a dream! Just a really bad sucky dream. It wasn't. He was just as shocked as I am.

"Jenna?"