Adore

Chapter 7

Wednesday morning had rolled around and I was getting myself ready for my job interview.

From my closet I had picked out the pale pink trousers and white blouse I was going to wear. I hung them up near my mirror checking that the accessories complimented the outfit.

I began to get dressed in my previously thought out outfit and styled my hair in loose waves, with a half up half down situation that was pinned at the back of my head.

I added my jewellery and slipped my feet into my shoes. On my way out of my bedroom I grabbed my plain soft pink handbag thinking that you can never really go wrong with that colour.

Archie was excited to see me and I prepared his breakfast. I filled my hand bag with all the things I would need today and set about making some breakfast and coffee.

I ate while watching the morning news, catching up on what was happening in the world while I slept.

Before long it was 9am and I was ready to head out for my interview. In my haste to arrive on time, I was actually a bit early so I decided to walk a little further up the street to the little cafe Lucy & Jace opened.

As I headed inside I was welcomed by the familiar scent of coffee and delicious baked goods. I saw Lucy clearing a table and I went up to her.

"Hey Luce!" I said.

"Hey Rhylee, wow you look great today!" She smiled at me checking out my outfit.

"Thankyou, I have a job interview just down the street in about fifteen minutes"

"Oh thats great, if you're not busy afterwards stop by again and we can have a coffee while I take a break" Lucy said to me, as we walked over towards the kitchen she stacked the plates on the pass that the other workers would reach through to send out orders and take back used plates.

"I'm a bit nervous, I have retail experience but obviously not in another country" I said with an almost fretful laugh.

"Don't be silly! I'm sure you'll do great" Luce replied, fixing her glasses that had fallen down the bridge of her nose.

I checked my watched and decided it was time to head done to Home & Co for my interview.

"Okay, I should get going now" I said, brushing the loose bits of hair from my face. A nervous habit I had done since I was a little kid.

"Good luck!" Luce said excitedly giving me a quick hug and a big smile.

"I'll see you later then!" I called out to her as I headed towards the door.

I pulled my coat close to my chest, the wind nipping at my skin. As I walked to the shop, I remembered something my sister would always tell me to make me feel more confident.

Kelly would say, if you walk with your head high and act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't, you'll feel more confident.

With the wise words of my sister in mind, I stood up taller, rolling my shoulders backwards. I adjusted my bag on my arm and kept walking with more sureness than behind.

•••

The interview went extremely well. Mary, the owner of the shop seemed very impressed with me and offered me a position at the homewares shop.

Mary had said that she was wanting to take a step back from her role at the shop to enjoy more time with her family and grandkids. So as well as becoming a sales assistant, she had also recommended me to become manager of the store after some training and experience of course.

I was thrilled to be offered those positions. The managers rate was a lot more than I was expecting it to be and it was nice to breathe a sigh of relief about my income.

Mary had said that because we were nearing the end of the week, it would be fine for me to start next Monday instead. Which I appreciated, it gave me more time to prepare for my new role and also do a bit if shopping for some more work attire.

The dress code was mostly smart casual, more on the smart side. Doing a mental inventory of my closet I decided I could do with a few more pants and blouses.

I headed back up to the coffee shop and told Lucy the good news. She seemed very excited for me which was sweet. We had a coffee and shared a danish pastry while she took a short break.

Once her break was finished I was headed back home when my phone chimed from inside my handbag

Heya, how did your interview go? - T

It wen't great! I got two jobs in one. Retail assistant and the eventually manager after some training!

I tapped out a reply. Seeing Toms name appear on my phone made me break out into a big grin. There was something about that guy that sparked my interest.

That's excellent, congratulations!

Thankyou :) I replied.

We should celebrate on Friday, I'm having that party if you'd like to come?

I thought about wether I should go or not. I mean I didn't really know Tom that well and we'd only just met. But it would be nice to see him again and hang out with some people I assumed would be a similar age to us.

I'd love to come, should I bring anything?

I asked. I had almost reached my front door again and another text from Tom came through.

Just yourself is more than enough :)

Smooth, very smooth. I unlocked my front door and stepped inside, Archie greeting me excitedly. I ruffled his ear and rubbed his tummy when he flopped down on the floor in front of me.

The rest of my day was spent catching up with friends from back home online and planning what to wear to the party.

6pm rolled around and Archie let me know it was time for his dinner. I got his ready and then began my own. After a simple meal and some tv time I headed up to my room for a shower and then bed.

•••

The next day I took a bus and then caught the train to a big shopping centre. Safe to say, I spent way too much money on clothes. I wanted to get myself something nice for the party but wasn't sure how to dress. I texted Tom quickly and he said to just wear whatever I was comfortable in.

For me, that'd be track pants, a loose t shirt and no bra but I don't think thats really acceptable to wear to a party.

After my long day of shopping I decided it was time to head home, also because I could barely hold my bags anymore. I decided to just get a taxi home which was expensive but trying to navigate public transport would be a nightmare with this much stuff.

I got home just after dark and peered into the fridge trying to decide what to have for dinner. I settled on just a quick simple stir fry.

Archie wolfed down his dinner and laid down on the fluffy rug next to me on the couch. I watched some more of The Walking Dead. It must have been later than I thought because I started dozing off in front of the tv.

I said good night to Archie, put my plate in the dishwasher and headed upstairs. I let my hair fall free of the tie that held it up and stepped into the warm water of my shower.

After showering and finishing off my skin care, I hopped in bed plugging my phone into charge and fell back against the soft pillows. Sleep came over me very quickly.