FEISTY

CHAPTER THREE: UNDER THE ORK THREE

Lindiweh leaned against the rough bark of the old oak tree, the cool breeze teasing strands of her hair as she stared up at the sky. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting golden patches of light across the ground. She exhaled deeply, letting herself savor the moment.

She had done it.

The presentation, the nerve-wracking anticipation, the weight of expectations—it was all over. And she had delivered. A small smile crept onto her lips as she replayed Professor Marcos’ words in her head, especially the way he had singled her out in his closing remarks. It felt surreal.

She traced small circles on the grass with her fingers, letting the reality of her success sink in. It wasn’t just about this presentation; it was about proving to herself that she could handle pressure, that she was ready for the bigger challenges ahead—like the interview waiting just four days away.

Just as she let out a small chuckle to herself, a voice broke through her thoughts.

"Hey, pretty. Why do you look so excited? What's the gist?"

Lindiweh glanced up and immediately recognized the owner of the smooth, teasing tone. Jimmy Desmond.

He was strolling toward her with that effortless confidence of his, hands in his pockets, his crisp white shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar. The easy smile on his lips told her he had been watching her from a distance before deciding to come over.

She rolled her eyes, but there was amusement in them. "Since when do you care about my excitement, Jimmy?"

"Since always," he quipped, finally stopping a few steps away. "But you never give me the chance to prove it."

She shook her head, pretending to focus back on the tree leaves above. "Maybe because I know better."

Jimmy chuckled, tilting his head as he studied her. "Hmm. That means whatever's got you smiling like that must be a big deal. Spill."

Lindiweh hesitated for a second, then decided there was no harm in sharing. "My presentation. It went well. Better than I even expected."

Jimmy’s brows lifted. "And here I was, thinking you were always this good at everything."

She shot him a look. "I work for it."

"Of course you do." He grinned, then lowered himself onto the grass beside her, leaning back on his elbows. "So, does this mean we’re celebrating?"

Lindiweh scoffed. "Celebrating?"

"Yeah. You, me, food, maybe a drink—"

"Not happening, Jimmy."

He groaned dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest. "Ouch. You’re always so cruel to me, Lindi."

She shook her head, suppressing a laugh. "I just have more important things to focus on."

Jimmy hummed, studying her with an unreadable expression. "Let me guess—the interview?"

Her head snapped in his direction. "How do you—?"

Jimmy smirked. "You forget how people talk. News travels."

Lindiweh narrowed her eyes, but before she could respond, he leaned in slightly. "Look, I know you think I’m just messing around all the time, but I mean it when I say you’re gonna do great, Lindi. That company? They'd be lucky to have you."

Something about the way he said it—so casual, yet sincere—made her chest tighten unexpectedly. She quickly looked away, focusing back on the sky.

"Thanks, Jimmy."

"Anytime, pretty."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the air between them settling into something oddly comfortable.

Then Jimmy nudged her shoulder lightly. "Still not celebrating though?"

She laughed this time. "Nice try."

Jimmy groaned dramatically, falling back onto the grass. “Come on, Lindi. Just one outing. Nothing fancy. Just you, me, food—”

“And a drink?” she cut in, arching a brow.

“Well… preferably.” He shot her a grin. “But we can work something out.”

She rolled her eyes, hugging her knees to her chest. “I don’t know, Jimmy. I have a lot to prepare for. The interview is in four days, and I—”

“And you need to breathe,” he interrupted smoothly, sitting up again. “Look, I get it. You’re all about hard work and proving yourself, but even the best minds take breaks, Lindi.”

She hesitated, biting her lower lip. A small part of her knew he had a point. The past few weeks had been nothing but stress and preparation. Even this moment under the tree was rare for her.

Jimmy must have sensed her inner conflict because he nudged her lightly with his elbow. “Just a couple of hours. You’ve earned it. And if you hate it, you can leave, no questions asked.”

She gave him a skeptical look. “No tricks?”

Jimmy placed a hand over his heart. “Scout’s honor.”

She exhaled, staring ahead as if weighing her options. Then, finally, with a reluctant sigh, she mumbled, “Fine.”

Jimmy blinked, then sat up straighter. “Wait… did you just—?”

“I said fine,” she repeated, side-eyeing him. “But just for a little while.”

A slow grin spread across his face. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about.”

Lindiweh shook her head, already wondering if she’d regret this. But for now, she let herself lean into the idea—just a little.

Maybe, just maybe, celebrating wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

As they stood up, Jimmy stretched lazily and smirked. “Alright, now the big question—where are we going?”

Lindiweh narrowed her eyes. “You’re the one who invited me. Shouldn’t you have a plan?”

Jimmy scoffed. “Oh, I do. There’s this amazing diner downtown. Best burgers you’ll ever have.”

Lindiweh wrinkled her nose. “Burgers? That’s your idea of a celebration meal?”

Jimmy placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. “Excuse me, but burgers are an elite choice. Don’t disrespect the classics.”

She chuckled. “Yeah, well, I was thinking more like an Italian restaurant. Pasta, maybe some good seafood.”

Jimmy groaned. “Too fancy. I’m trying to celebrate, not take out a loan.”

Lindiweh folded her arms, pretending to consider. “Okay, what about a pizza place? That’s a middle ground.”

Jimmy snapped his fingers. “Now we’re talking. But it has to be the one on Maple Street. Their crust is next-level.”

Lindiweh gave him a look. “You’re oddly passionate about food.”

He grinned. “It’s one of my greatest qualities.”

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Fine. Pizza it is.”

Jimmy let out a victorious fist pump. “Yes! Alright, let’s go before you change your mind.”

The warm scent of melted cheese and freshly baked dough filled the air as they stepped into Tony’s Pizzeria. The place buzzed with life—laughter, the clatter of plates, and the occasional shout from the kitchen. It was a cozy spot, with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and dim lighting that gave it a comforting charm.

Jimmy led the way to a booth by the window, grinning as he pulled out a chair for Lindiweh. “M’lady,” he said in an exaggeratedly formal tone.

Lindiweh smirked, shaking her head as she took her seat. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I will try.” He sat across from her, grabbing the menu, even though he already knew what he wanted. “Alright, what’s the move? Classic pepperoni? Maybe something wild, like pineapple?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Pineapple on pizza? That’s a crime.”

Jimmy gasped. “You did not just disrespect Hawaiian pizza in my presence.”

She laughed. “I absolutely did.”

They ended up settling on a large half-and-half pizza—one side classic pepperoni, the other chicken and mushrooms (Lindiweh’s choice). As they waited for their order, Jimmy leaned back, studying her.

“So,” he said, drumming his fingers on the table, “are you always this serious about school stuff, or was today just extra special?”

Lindiweh shrugged. “It’s not just about school. It’s about my future. Every little step counts.”

Jimmy nodded slowly, his playful expression softening. “I get that. You’re really determined.”

“I have to be.” She met his gaze, her voice steady. “I don’t have the luxury of failing.”

Jimmy tilted his head. “Why do you say that failure is the end of the world?”

She hesitated, then sighed. “Because for me, it kind of is. I don’t have a backup plan. I don’t have… safety nets.”

He was quiet for a moment, then gave her a lopsided smile. “Well, if it helps, I think you’re gonna do just fine. That presentation today? You killed it.”

Lindiweh felt warmth rise in her chest. She wasn’t used to hearing praise outside of academic settings. “Thanks,” she said softly.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their pizza, and Jimmy instantly lit up. “Finally! Alright, moment of truth—who takes the first slice?”

Lindiweh smirked. “I should, since I’m the one being celebrated.”

Jimmy gasped again, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. “Unbelievable. And here I thought chivalry was dead.”

She rolled her eyes but reached for a slice anyway, taking a bite. The flavors melted in her mouth, and for the first time in a long while, she let herself relax.

Tonight was a small moment in the grand scheme of things. But it mattered. Because sometimes, even the most determined people needed to pause and enjoy the little victories.

And maybe—just maybe—she didn’t mind Jimmy Desmond as much as she thought she did.

The pizza was warm, the cheese stretching as Lindiweh pulled another slice onto her plate. Across from her, Jimmy was still teasing her about how she ate too neatly, but his words barely registered in her mind.

She had been enjoying the moment—really, she had—but then the door chimed, and a family walked in.

A father. A mother. Three girls who looked around her age, and a little boy clinging to his mother’s side.

They moved with a kind of familiarity that stung—playful nudges, soft laughter, the mother smoothing out the youngest girl’s hair while the father gestured toward the counter, probably asking what everyone wanted to eat. One of the older girls leaned into her father’s arm, grinning up at him, and he responded by tapping her nose with a chuckle.

Lindiweh’s chest tightened.

She tried to look away, but the warmth of their interactions held her captive.

She remembered nights at home before things changed. When her father would come back from work, exhausted but still smiling, teasing her about school and promising to take her for ice cream when she aced her exams. Her mother would hum softly in the kitchen, the scent of her favorite stew filling the house. There was laughter, warmth—a sense of belonging.

But now?

Now, she sat in a restaurant, sharing a table with a boy who liked to joke too much, while the people who were supposed to be her felt like distant figures in her life.

“Lindiweh?” Jimmy’s voice broke through her thoughts.

She blinked and turned to him.

He was watching her, his expression shifting from amusement to concern. “You good? You spaced out on me.”

Lindiweh forced a small smile. “Yeah,” she murmured. “Just… thinking.”

Jimmy frowned slightly, glancing toward the direction she had been staring. He didn’t say anything, but she could tell he had an idea of what was on her mind.

Still, he didn’t press. Instead, he leaned back in his seat and smirked. “You know, if you’re getting tired of my company, you can just say so. No need to look so lost in thought.”

She let out a soft breath—something between a chuckle and a sigh. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are, still sitting with me.” He wiggled his brows playfully. “Admit it, you enjoy my presence.”

Lindiweh shook her head, but for the first time since seeing that family, she felt herself relax a little. Maybe she didn’t have what those kids had. Maybe she never would again.

But right now, she had this moment.

And for now, that had to be enough.By the time they finished eating, only a few crumbs and an empty pizza tray remained on the table. The restaurant had grown quieter, the evening settling in with a comforting hum.

Lindiweh leaned back, letting out a small sigh. “I have to admit, this was… nice.”

Jimmy smirked. “See? I told you, celebrating a little doesn’t hurt.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Yeah, yeah. Thanks for this, really.”

He studied her for a moment, as if debating whether to say something, but instead, he just grinned. “Anytime.”

As they stepped outside, the air was cooler, carrying the faint scent of the city’s evening rush. Lindiweh turned to face him, hesitating for a second before stepping forward and giving him a light hug. It wasn’t much—just a brief moment—but it was enough.

“Goodnight, Jimmy,” she said softly.

He looked down at her, surprised for half a second before a slow smile spread across his face. “Goodnight, Lindiweh.”

With that, they went their separate ways, Lindiweh walking away with a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Today was good. Unexpected, but good.

And now, with the interview only days away, she had something even bigger to focus on.

As Lindiweh walked home, the night breeze felt cooler against her skin, but her mind was far from the evening air. The faint scent of Jimmy’s cologne still lingered around her, subtle yet persistent, like an imprint he had left behind.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, biting her lip as she replayed the evening in her head. The laughter, the teasing, the way his eyes lit up when he spoke. And then—her own unexpected reaction. The hug. It had been brief, almost nothing, but now, in the quiet of the night, it felt like something more.

“Do I fancy Jimmy?” she muttered

The thought made her heart race a little. She had never really given him much attention before, brushing off his attempts at conversation, thinking he was just another guy trying to be charming. But today felt different. Today, she had actually enjoyed his company.

She shook her head, exhaling sharply. “It’s nothing,” she muttered to herself, trying to dismiss the strange warmth in her chest.

But as she reached her apartment, kicking off her shoes and collapsing onto her bed, she realized one thing—Jimmy Desmond was beginning to occupy space in her thoughts. And that was something she hadn’t expected.

She had bigger things to focus on—her interview was only three days away, and she needed to be fully prepared. Turning away from the window, she grabbed her phone and called the one person she knew would keep her on track.

"Annie, I need you," she said as soon as her friend picked up.

A dramatic gasp came from the other end. "Finally! Took you long enough to admit it."

Lindiweh rolled her eyes. "Not like that. I need your help with my interview prep. Can you come over?"

"Of course," Annie replied. "Give me twenty minutes."

Lindiweh smiled in relief. "You're the best."

"You owe me," Annie teased before hanging up.

Lindiweh set her phone down and took a deep breath. Time to lock in.

A sharp knock echoed through the apartment, pulling Lindiweh from her thoughts. She glanced at the time—exactly twenty minutes had passed. Annie never failed to be punctual when it mattered.

Shaking off her nerves, Lindiweh made her way to the door and pulled it open.

Annie stood there, arms crossed, a playful smirk on her face. "Took you long enough," she teased, stepping inside before Lindiweh could respond. "I was beginning to think you changed your mind about needing my brilliant expertise."

Lindiweh chuckled, closing the door behind her. "Trust me, I need all the help I can get."

Annie plopped onto the couch and patted the seat beside her. "Alright then, let’s get to work. First question—why should they hire you?"

Lindiweh groaned, already feeling the weight of the preparation ahead.Lindiwe sat beside Annie, grabbing a notepad and pen. She took a deep breath as Annie gave her a knowing look.

"Alright," Annie began, crossing her legs. "First question—why should they hire you?"

Lindiweh hesitated for a moment before answering. "Because I’m hardworking, dedicated, and passionate about what I do. I believe I have the skills and mindset to contribute positively to the company."

Annie raised an eyebrow. "Hmm… not bad, but it’s too generic. Anyone can say that. You need to sell yourself. What makes you stand out?"

Lindiweh bit her lip, thinking. "Well… I’m adaptable. I learn fast, and I don’t give up easily. Plus, I’ve done my research on the company, and I understand their vision. I want to be part of that growth."

Annie nodded approvingly. "Much better. Now, next question—what are your strengths and weaknesses?"

Lindiweh sighed, tapping her pen against the notepad. "Strengths… I’m resourceful, I communicate well, and I work great under pressure. Weaknesses…" She frowned slightly. "I can be a perfectionist. Sometimes I overthink things, and it slows me down."

Annie tilted her head. "Not bad, but don’t just list them—turn the weakness into a positive. Say something like, ‘I tend to focus a lot on details, but I’ve been learning how to manage my time better and trust my instincts.’ That way, it doesn’t seem like a flaw but a work in progress."

Lindiweh jotted down notes, nodding. "That makes sense."

Annie grinned. "Of course, it does. Now, let’s try something trickier. ‘Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you handled it.’"

Lindiweh exhaled slowly. "Oh boy… this is going to be a long night."

Annie laughed, tossing a pillow at her. "Yep, so get ready. We’re not stopping till you sound like the perfect candidate!”.

Annie leaned forward, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Alright, let’s refine your answers and make them sound more professional.”

She pointed at Lindiweh’s notes. “Why should they hire you?’ Instead of saying you’re hardworking and passionate—which is something everyone says—try this:

‘I believe my skills and experience align well with the company’s goals. I’m a fast learner, adaptable, and detail-oriented. I’ve researched the company’s vision, and I see where I can contribute meaningfully. I’m also committed to continuous growth, which will allow me to perform at my best in this role.’”

Lindiweh nodded, scribbling down the response. “That does sound stronger.”

Annie grinned. “Now, for strengths and weaknesses. Instead of just listing them, structure it better. Try this:

‘One of my greatest strengths is my ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail. I’m also a strong communicator, which helps me work effectively in a team setting. As for weaknesses, I tend to focus too much on perfection, but I’ve been learning to balance quality and efficiency by prioritizing my tasks better.’”

Lindiweh’s eyes lit up. “That actually sounds really professional.”

“Of course,” Annie said, flipping her hair dramatically. “Now, the tricky question—‘Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it.’”

Lindiweh sighed. “I don’t even know which challenge to talk about.”

Annie tapped her pen on the table. “Think about a time when you had to solve a problem quickly or handle a difficult situation. Maybe in school? A group project? A deadline?”

Lindiweh thought for a moment. “Oh! There was a time we had a major project due, and my group members weren’t cooperating. I had to step up, delegate tasks, and make sure we met the deadline.”

Annie snapped her fingers. “Perfect! Now, structure it like this:

‘During a group project, we faced difficulties with coordination, which put our deadline at risk. I took the initiative to divide tasks based on each member’s strengths and set clear expectations. Through effective communication and teamwork, we completed the project successfully, and I learned how to handle team dynamics under pressure.’”

Lindiweh grinned. “Annie, you are a lifesaver.”

Annie smirked. “I know. That’s why you called me.”

Lindiweh laughed, feeling a newfound confidence. She was ready to take on that interview.

Lindiweh leaned back on the couch, stretching her arms above her head. “Annie, I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Annie smirked, tossing a pillow at her. “Probably crash and burn in that interview.”

Lindiweh laughed. “You’re not wrong. And because I’m so grateful, I’m making you something to eat.”

Annie’s eyes widened. “Wait, you’re cooking? This is a first.”

Lindiweh rolled her eyes as she stood up. “I can cook, you know.”

“Sure,” Annie teased, following her into the kitche