One Lucky Night

Scylla was staring at her laptop, teary-eyed. She couldn’t believe someone had messaged her on LinkedIn, inviting her to an interview tonight. It was so soon, but she couldn’t turn it down. She had been job hunting for weeks now without luck. No one had invited her until Erin suggested she create a LinkedIn account, a kind of online resume. Erin was her kind cousin, the one who welcomed Scylla while she searched for work. She understood why no one had called yet for an interview. Scylla’s only related experience was her internship five years ago. After that, she had lived in the countryside, grieving her father’s death and caring for her sick mother, who now rests in peace. “This is it, Mom. I’ll finally fulfill your wishes.” She had given up her future career for her family. Hiring a nurse had been impossible back then, so she took charge. Life in the city was too expensive anyway, and she had left it behind for good. And of course, she wondered about him. How he was. If he ever thought of her. But deep down she knew she had been forgotten. She left him without goodbye because it hurt too much to stay. “Please tell me you’ve got good news!” Erin barged into her room. “Yes, Erin. Yes! I was invited for an interview tonight!” Scylla exclaimed. “Tonight? As in hours from now? This company must be in a hurry.” Erin chuckled. “I’m hoping I’ll be hired, just like you said,” Scylla admitted nervously. “Of course, you will! You are Scylla Grace. Even your name already shines.” Erin grinned, brimming with confidence. “And so are you!” Scylla grinned back. “I’ll help you pick your attire,” Erin promised, scanning her cousin’s closet. “My goodness, you better go shopping when you get your first paycheck.” “Wait for me, I’ll check mine too. We’ll make this interview a memorable night. You must look beautiful—it’s a woman’s best weapon. Trust me.” Erin winked and dashed off. Scylla stared once again at her laptop, making sure the message was real and not just a dream. --- Scylla was delighted with Erin’s chosen outfit. A crisp white button-down tucked into a pencil skirt with a side slit. It looked professional yet striking. She paired it with three-inch heels, just as Erin suggested, to add confidence and a touch of allure. She looked like an executive assistant, though without the planner. After brushing on a little makeup for color and spritzing her favorite perfume, she smiled at her reflection. “My God, Scylla, you look so good!” Erin exclaimed. “Thank you. That adds confidence.” “Trust me, everything will turn out well. This is your lucky night.” Scylla wished with all her heart that Erin was right. “You should go. Friday traffic in The Fort is terrible,” Erin warned, giving her a final once-over. “And take this—you can’t risk bad breath.” She handed Scylla a bottle of Tic Tacs. “You’re so funny!” Scylla laughed. “Who knows, maybe you’ll kiss someone tonight!” Erin teased. “Impossible.” Scylla rolled her eyes. “I better get going.” “You can’t drive, dear. Parking will eat your time. Just book an Uber.” “I did. You forgot I don’t even have a car.” “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you.” “It’s fine. The truth doesn’t hurt. My ride’s here. Wish me luck.” “Wishing you all the luck in the world!” --- Erin was right. The Fort was crowded, packed with cars and restless Friday night energy. “In four meters, turn right,” the Waze app instructed. “Ma’am, are you in a hurry? We’ll get there in fifteen minutes,” her Uber driver asked, speaking for the first time. “It’s fine. I still have time,” she replied, chewing a Tic Tac. “We could’ve made it in five if not for this traffic. Party-goers everywhere,” he said, trying to lighten the trip with conversation. He went on to tell her about the area, how it had grown in the past five years. Scylla wasn’t familiar with The Fort. She came from the next city. “You’ve arrived at your destination.” “We’re here, ma’am. Good luck with your interview.” “Thank you, Ryan. It was nice talking to you.” She reminded herself to give him five stars. --- Scylla’s limbs nearly gave way as she entered the building. It was her first interview after five years away from the corporate world. She smoothed her skirt, steadying herself before walking to the reception desk. “Hi, I’m Scylla Grace.” “Good evening, Ms. Scylla. We’re glad you made it tonight,” the receptionist said kindly. “I’m here for an interview. Do you need anything from me?” “No need, ma’am. You can head straight to the penthouse.” “The penthouse? The email said the seventh floor.” “One moment.” The receptionist checked her screen. “It’s the penthouse, ma’am. Looks like there was a change of venue.” “Alright then. I’ll go up.” Scylla managed a smile. She still had thirty minutes left. As she left the desk, she heard the receptionist making a call, notifying someone of her arrival. Her heartbeat raced with every elevator ping. She inhaled and exhaled slowly. The elevator stopped. The letter P glowed in red. “I can do this,” she whispered, balling her fists for courage. The penthouse glass doors slid open. Silence greeted her. “Hello?” she called softly, hesitant to move too far. Unsure what else to do, she decided to sit and wait. But just as she took a step, the doors slid open again. “Scylla.” The deep, commanding voice froze her. Familiar. Unforgettable. She turned, her breath caught. “Zachary Anderson,” she whispered. Every instinct pushed her to run into his arms, to hug him tight. But his eyes burned with anger, and it stopped her cold. Of course, he had every right to be angry. Would this really be her lucky night?