"You're actually upset right now? Look at everything the world has given you, Luke."
"And that's great, but I'd rather have you."
• the story before "count on me" by sircalyum • book 1
// smut included //
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MONDAY AFTERNOON. With about thirty minutes until the interview started, I had officially started to freak out. I knew the band was already in the building, but I was avoiding the possibility of small talk at all costs.
Just last week I was complaining about my summer having no excitement—I wished I could go back in time and zip my lips.
"Hey—you okay, kid?" I looked up at my colleague, Kellie, and nodded my head slowly. She had peeked her head into my office, and I could tell she was concerned. "They're waiting for you. Tony's probably going to want you to make a good impression. I'm sure you'll do just as well as Pat, if not better. I believe in you." Tony, my boss, had already told me how happy she was for me to have this opportunity, but I was terrified of messing it up.
"Oh... thanks," I told her, sending her a smile. "I guess I should head down, huh?" She nodded and I sighed quietly before gathering myself and standing up from my seat. I walked to the door and she laughed quietly as I got closer to her.
"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked me and I nodded my head again. "I'll leave you to it... you've got this!" She walked in the opposite direction and I bit my lip gently as I took a step in the direction of the studio. I breathed in deeply and mustered up all of the courage I possibly could before making my way down the hall. As I got to the door of the studio, my hand hovered above the handle for what felt like centuries, but the door suddenly opened. I jumped in surprise and made eye contact with the person who had opened the door. As I did, I swore my heart stopped.
"Hi," I said, my voice barely coming out as I looked up into Luke's eyes.
"Josie," he whispered, slowly sprouting a smile. "I was going to come find you... our interviewer is a no-show—"
"Luke, about that—"
"Are you okay?" Luke cut me off as he became concerned. I suppose I've never been the best at hiding my emotions. Luke tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and I mentally swore at his effect on me.
"I'm interviewing you." Luke's eyebrows furrowed and his head moved backward, showing that he was taken aback. "I knew Saturday morning, but I was scared if I told you, you wouldn't want to go through with it—"
"Whoa, what the fuck?" Luke asked, visibly becoming uncomfortable. "You slept with me despite knowing we'd be in this situation?"
"What?" I asked, immediately beginning to shake my head. "No, Luke. I got a text about it while I was at your place. I wouldn't—"
"How am I supposed to believe that?" Luke asked, laughing cheaply. "That's really fucked."
"Yeah, it would be, but that's not how it happened! I promise." I reached for Luke's arm, but he shied away from my touch. "Luke, this isn't something I've done before—"
