Gloomy On Mars

CHAPTER 2

Teenagers scare me.

This is why I'm only ever confident around older people at networking events, and this particular event was abuzz with conversations and polished smiles. I knew the drill, mingle, exchange pleasantries, then business cards…

It was more on the fancy side and I felt pretty confident today, mostly because I liked my outfit, but still. I'm wearing this beautiful silk burgundy dress Paige tried to steal out of my room; with her silver belt, I will not be returning anytime soon. I even straightened my hair!

The soft glow of the chandeliers, the gentle hum of conversation, and the scent of champagne and canapés filled the air.

I was currently talking with Ryan, a self-proclaimed "serial entrepreneur" Who completely took over the conversation with his latest start-up idea. I nodded occasionally, pretending to be listening.

"I'm telling you, Margaux, the key to success is disrupting the status quo", Ryan said, his voice rising. Which made my eyes twitch.

"That's fascinating. I'll be sure to look into it," I said, trying to end this conversation when he started up again, and I internally screamed and eventually zoned out, mentally rearranging my apartment's furniture. I really do need a plant in my room.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a striking woman. She was hard to miss. Her raven hair cascaded down her back, framing a face that exuded confidence and poise. She wore a figure-fitting black gown and a diamond-encrusted necklace that sparkled under the lights.

That was who I needed to talk to. I slowly made my way towards her, cutting Ryan short. She seemed to be making her way towards me as well, and when I reached her, she smiled a knowing smile at me, and I smiled back.

"Hello beautiful, my name is Alex" Her voice drips with sophistication with a smooth British accent. It was so velvety; it made me want to snuggle up to her and ask her to read me a bedtime story. Not to mention the fact she smells like citrus. She was so beautiful, and there was something oddly comforting about being in her presence.

"Nice to meet you, Alex; I'm Margaux", I smile as I shake her soft hands.

"That's a beautiful name, how do you spell it?" She asks.

"M-A-R-G-A-U-X, like M-A-R-G-O-T, just spelt differently. But you can call me Mars" Her lips curled upwards, hinting at a secret joke and crinkled at the corners.

"I like that name. So Mars, how are you liking the event? Have you talked to anyone interesting yet?" She asks, stepping closer to me.

"Well you'll be pleased to know that you're the most interesting person I've spoken to today" I smile

"I saw you talking to a few people and the way you held the conversation was very mesmerizing to watch. You must know your way around these things. How often do you attend events like this?" She asks

"I try to attend as often as I can. I like the idea of building connections. Anytime I hear about an event like this, I'm almost always there," I tell her, and she nods attentively.

"Can I ask how old you are?"

"Of course you can. I'm 23" Her eyes widen at that and I smile. I personally don't think I'm too young for this, but everyone else I tell my age seems to think so.

"23 years old, wow. What do you do for work?"

"I'm a marketing coordinator at Ryder & co," I say with a little sigh.

"You don't sound very happy about it, the marketing coordinator at 23 is very impressive" She smiles her infectious smile, but I could barely crack a smirk.

I hate hate hate my job with a burning passion, and I curse myself every day when I go. I sound like such a negative Nancy, but damn, I hate it, and also everyone there.

My boss is a b***h, I work long hours just to get yelled at like his kid, and it doesn't help that my co-workers hate me; damn company, damn co-workers, stupid boss…

"I'm not very satisfied with... it", I manage, and she smiles a knowing smile.

"Then quit," She says gently and I gape at her in confusion.

"I can't just quit-"

"Why not?" She interjects.

I would love to quit, but my salary is barely enough so…

"Then I'll be homeless. Miami's expensive" I retort as she snorts.

"I work as the human relations manager at Amari privé and there just happens to be an opening for the role of an assistant. Pays well. Send me your resume, and I'll put in a good word for you," She says, handing me her phone to put my number in, but I was frozen in place, staring at her. She urges me to take her phone and I do it with shaky hands.

"You'll have to apply on the company website. Quickly, we are hiring urgently" She says as I give her back her phone.

"Oh my gosh, thank you", I breathe out, and she smiles.

"You're welcome; now, if you'll excuse me, Mars, I'll be off to get another drink. I wish you the best of luck," She says before disappearing into thin air.

Did I just imagine that entire encounter, or am I, for once in my life, dare I say lucky?

My doubts are put to rest when I receive a text from an unknown number

→ Unknown

Hello Mars, I'll be expecting your resume any time now. Also, be sure to formally apply on our website, I'll send you a link

I might just save her name as an angel sent from above to free me from the shackles that are Ryder & co because that is the only explanation for this turn of events.

I send her my resume just as she sends me the link and I get all giddy. I decided I might just go home now so I can apply in a more relaxed state of mind because if I try that right now, I might just fill in Paige's details instead of mine.