My heart was pounding out of my chest as I walked out of the cafe. Today was the job interview, and now that it's finally over, I have mixed feelings. Did they like me? Was I dressed properly? Should I have said something different?

I know I shouldn't overthink but this is more than just a little job at a coffee shop for me. If I landed this, it would be a chance for me to grow independent, transition myself into a normal life and not one that holds me back. Maybe the future for me isn't as scary as I once thought, you know? I mean, after all, my past can't define me; at least not forever. I just hope that they'll overlook it all. All I can do now is wait for a response.

Anyways, Michael was really stoked when I told him I was applying for the job. He offered to meet up with me after my interview at Washington Square, mainly because he wanted to hear how it went but he also said he had something to ask me. Honestly, I really hope it's not something bad, because I'm already iffy about the whole interview. He sounded nervous over the phone, which isn't promising.

➳ ➳

I approached him, sitting on a bench anxiously tapping his foot. He greeted me with a hug, placing a small but lovely bouquet of flowers in my palms.

"Just a little gift for you, I know you were really nervous about the interview. How did it go?"

He's precious. "I guess it went well? I don't know I'm kind of overthinking it; you said you had something to ask me though?"

He fidgeted with his hair, sounding about more nervous than he did over the phone. "About that..."

I braced myself for whatever he was going to ask me: Is it true you killed your dad? Are you really this, did you really do that? But, he didn't ask that.

➳ ➳

"He asked you out on a date?!" Lucy jumped up from her bed as I eagerly told her the news.

She sat me down in her vanity chair, Rose now also invested. "So, tell me everything! When is it, where are you guys going? I'm gonna make sure this is the best damn date you'll ever go on."

I giggled, blushing with excitement that I just couldn't contain. I was honestly really glad I had Lucy in these kinds of moments, because no way in hell my mom would ever be this happy for me.

"He wants to take me to this restaurant next Friday ; It's Saturday so I only have a week to prepare and I really need your help."

She looked towards Rose and they smiled at each other. "Girl, we've got you covered- I know just where to go to find the most stunning dresses."

"But I've never been on like a 'date date' before, I can't be awkward-"

"Cynthia, don't even worry about a smidge. We're gonna make this man want to marry you on the spot."