“I’d like to see thepany’s growth ns,” I replied. I needed to know how viable thepany’s future was. I wasn’t interested in wasting time at apany that might close its doors in three months.
Bryson walked over to the desk, grabbed a folder from the file rack, and handed it to me.
I took about ten minutes to review the document and then said, “Mr. Skinner, if you have no further objections, I’m ready to join anytime.”
Bryson’s smile widened. “Today’s Thursday. How about youplete the onboarding process now, and start work next Monday?”
I nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Wee aboard, Zoe,” Bryson extended his hand to me, and someone led me toplete the paperwork.
In less than half an hour, I had sessfully joined thepany.
That’s when I remembered-Alvin still hadn’t approved my resignation yet. But I wasn’t too worried. I could always talk to Peter, and I was sure he’d approve it.
Just as I was about to pull out my phone, it buzzed. Several missed calls-most of which I hadn’t picked up because I was busy talking to Bryson.
It was Jasmine calling.
Where are you? I’m off today, want to hang out?” she asked.
It was rare for her to have a day off. Lately, with the baby boom, she’d been working nonstop.
Wait, are you entering your maternity leave?” I teased her.
Yeah, everyone’s having babies at the same time, and then no one wants to have kids anymore. It’s like a trend now,” Jasmineined, and it wasn’t the first time she’d said this.
People had be so calcted. They believed in scientific parenting, nning their kids ording to seasons and signs, as though all their children would be extraordinary.
But they didn’t realize that rarity makes things precious-soon enough, ordinary kids would be the new treasures.
‘Are you home? I’lle by and hang out,” I said. I knew she needed a break, so I didn’t want her to overwork herself.
“Yeah,e on over,” Jasmine replied.
“Alright, I’ll bring the drinks if you take care of the food,” I joked.
“Sounds good! I’ll cook, you bring the booze,” Jasmine said without hesitation.
I hung up, checked the other missed calls-probably from otherpanies I’d applied to. But if they were serious about hiring me, they’d call back.
I picked up some alcohol, fruit, and a coffee machine to brew some drinks with Jasmine.
When I got to her ce, she opened the door, took the things from my hands, and saw the coffee machine.
She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and said, “You know me so well! I’ve been wanting to buy one of these, but I haven’t
had the time.”
“I bought it because I knew you’d never find the time to use it,” I teased.
Jasmine paused for a moment, then said, “Time’s flexible-just push a little, and you’ll always find some
I burst outughing and nced at her t chest. “Well, maybe you can squeeze some time out of yours, huh?”
It wasn’t me poking fun at her. Jasmine was just naturally t-chested. During the summer, she often went out with just a chest sticker because it didn’t matter much.
“Don’t underestimate my small chest. One day, it’ll be a treasure for my kids. Yours might be big, but it won’t be as useful as mine,” she said, proving she knew more than just about giving birth-she knew how to raise kids, too.
“Well, when that happens, we’ll have kids together. You can nurse them both,” I said without holding back.
Jasmine nudged me with her foot. “Only you would think of something like that.”
Iughed heartily, but just as I was about to say something else, my phone rang again. Another unknown number. I figured it was anotherpany calling, so I picked up and said, “Hello, this is Zoe.”
“Miss Kemp, your wedding dress has arrived. Would you like to schedule a time to try it on?”
“What?” I was taken aback. “You’ve got the wrong number.”
‘No, I don’t,” the voice on the other end confirmed, then read out my phone number.
It was really my number.
But I hadn’t ordered a wedding dress. So who the hell was ying this prank on me?