FINDING ME AT 24

FINDING ME AT 24 Chapter One — The Beginning Maya stared at the house for what felt like the hundredth time. The same cream-colored walls. The same flower pots her mother insisted on keeping by the front door. The same old rocking chair where her father spent most evenings reading the newspaper. Everything looked exactly as it had yesterday. And yet, somehow, it felt different. Maybe because she knew she wouldn't be coming back to it every night anymore. She swallowed hard and turned toward the car. Her suitcase was already in the trunk. For a moment, she simply stood there with her hands wrapped around the straps of her handbag, trying desperately not to cry. “Maya.” She closed her eyes. She knew that voice. Her mother. When Maya turned around, she found her mother standing on the porch, tears running freely down her cheeks. “You really have to go?” her mother asked. Maya forced a smile. “Yes, Mum.” “So far away?” “It's not that far.” Her mother gave her a look. “New York is far.” Maya laughed softly despite herself. “Okay. It's very far.” Her mother walked toward her and pulled her into a tight hug. Maya immediately felt the tears she'd been fighting begin to fall. “I don't understand why you have to leave us just to prove something,” her mother whispered. Maya pulled back. “It's not about proving something to you.” “Then what is it about?” Maya looked at the house behind her. “I don't know.” And that was the truth. She didn't know exactly what she was looking for. She only knew she couldn't stay. For twenty-four years, she'd lived the life everyone expected her to live. Go to school. Come home. Make her parents proud. Avoid mistakes. Stay safe. But lately, safety had begun to feel a lot like a cage. “I just need to know who I am when nobody is telling me what to do,” Maya said quietly. “I'm twenty-four, Mum. I can't keep wondering what my life would look like if I actually took a chance.” Her mother's expression softened. “You're my baby.” “I know.” “What if something happens to you?” Maya smiled through her tears. “Then I'll call you.” “You better.” “I will.” Her mother hugged her again. This time, Maya held on tighter. She didn't want to admit it, but she was terrified. She was leaving everything she knew behind. Her family. Her friends. Her familiar streets. Her comfortable bedroom. And the security of knowing exactly what tomorrow would look like. New York was waiting for her. And Maya had absolutely no idea what New York had waiting for her. “Maya.” She looked over her mother's shoulder. Her father stood a few feet away. Unlike her mother, he wasn't crying. At least, not yet. He walked toward them and placed a hand on Maya's shoulder. “Your mother is going to worry herself sick,” he said. “I'm standing right here,” her mother complained. He smiled. Then he looked at Maya. “Are you sure?” The question caught her off guard. For the first time that morning, someone wasn't asking her to stay. They were asking if she was ready. Maya looked at the car. Then at her parents. “No,” she admitted. Her father nodded. “Good.” She frowned. “Good?” “You should be nervous. If you're never afraid of anything, you're probably not taking enough chances.” Maya smiled. He squeezed her shoulder. “Go.” Her eyes filled with tears again. “Make mistakes. Learn. Fall down. Get back up. But whatever happens, don't come running home just because things become difficult.” Her mother stared at him. “Don't encourage her to stay away.” “I said she shouldn't come running home. I didn't say she couldn't visit.” Maya laughed. For a few seconds, everything felt normal. Then her father opened the car door. “Go make us proud.” Maya nodded. “I will.” She climbed into the car before she could change her mind. As she started the engine, her mother stood beside the driver's window. “Call me when you get there!” “I will!” “And don't forget to eat!” “Mum!” “And keep your phone charged!” “I know!” “And—” “Please stop before you give me a reason to turn around.” Her mother laughed through her tears. Maya smiled. Then she drove away. She didn't look back until she reached the end of the street. Her parents were still standing there. She lifted a hand. Her mother waved. Maya turned her eyes back to the road. And just like that, she was gone. --- Six hours later, Maya's excitement had been replaced by exhaustion. She adjusted her seat and stared at the endless road ahead. “Why did I think driving here was a good idea?” she muttered. Her phone buzzed. Mum: Have you eaten? Maya smiled. She typed back. Maya: Yes. She paused. Technically, it was a lie. She hadn't eaten since breakfast. But if she told her mother that, she'd probably receive a twenty-minute lecture followed by instructions to find the nearest restaurant. Another message appeared. Mum: Don't lie to me. Maya rolled her eyes. How did mothers always know? She laughed quietly and tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. Then she looked through the windshield. The city skyline was beginning to appear in the distance. New York. Her stomach twisted. She had seen pictures. Videos. Movies. But nothing had prepared her for seeing it in person. Tall buildings stretched toward the sky, one after another, as if the city had no intention of making room for the clouds. Maya slowed down. “Oh my God.” She couldn't stop staring. This was real. She was really here. A strange excitement spread through her chest. This was her chance. A new job. A new apartment. New people. A completely new life. Maybe, just maybe, she'd finally figure out what she was meant to do. Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an unfamiliar number. Unknown: Welcome to New York, Maya. Her smile disappeared. She stared at the message. Her first thought was that it was probably a mistake. Maybe someone had the wrong number. She typed: Maya: Who is this? Three dots appeared almost immediately. Then disappeared. Then, he appeared again. Finally, another message came through. Unknown: You'll find out soon enough. Maya stared at the screen. “What the hell?” She looked around the road as if the person who sent it might somehow be watching her. Another message arrived. Unknown: Don't trust everyone you meet. Maya's heart skipped. She immediately called the number. It rang once. Twice. Three times. Then went straight to voicemail. “Okay,” she whispered. She put the phone down. “I'm officially paranoid.” Maybe it was nothing. It's probably a prank. She forced herself to stop thinking about it. She had more important things to worry about. Like finding the apartment agent. By the time Maya finally reached the city, the sun was beginning to disappear behind the buildings. She pulled over and checked her phone. There was another message from the agent. Jerry: I'm at the café. Take your time. I'll be waiting. Maya sighed in relief. At least one thing was going according to plan. She grabbed her handbag, stepped out of the car, and immediately regretted it. A taxi sped past her, honking aggressively. “What was that for?” Another car honked. Then another. Maya looked around. Apparently, standing still in New York was a crime. She hurried toward the sidewalk, dragging her suitcase behind her. A man rushing in the opposite direction suddenly bumped into her shoulder. Her handbag slipped. “Sorry!” Maya exclaimed. The man barely turned around. “You shouldn't be standing in the middle of the road.” “I wasn't—” He was already gone. Maya stared after him. “Wow.” She picked up her bag. “New York is friendly.” She checked the address again and walked toward the café. A few minutes later, she pushed open the door. Warm air surrounded her. The smell of coffee and freshly baked pastries immediately made her stomach growl. She hadn't realized how hungry she was. Then she heard someone call her name. “Maya?” She turned. A man sitting near the window stood up and smiled. “Jerry?” “That's me.” Maya smiled and walked toward him. “Hi.” “Welcome.” He shook her hand. “How was the journey?” Maya laughed tiredly. “Long.” “I can imagine.” She sat down. Jerry looked at her for a moment. “You must be exhausted.” “A little.” “A little?” “Okay. A lot.” He laughed. “Have you eaten?” Maya hesitated. “Not really.” Jerry raised an eyebrow. “I thought so.” Before she could respond, he waved to the waitress. “Two plates of cheesecake pancakes, please.” Maya's eyes widened. “Wait. Two?” “You need food.” “I was just going to have coffee.” “Coffee isn't food.” She smiled. “Fair enough.” Jerry leaned back in his chair. “So, you're the new secretary at Harrison & Cole?” Maya nodded. “Yes.” “Starting Monday?” “Yes.” “Then you've got a busy week ahead.” Maya smiled. “I'm ready.” Jerry studied her for a second. Then he smiled. “Good.” The waitress arrived with their food. For the first time all day, Maya relaxed. She took a bite of the pancakes and closed her eyes. “Oh my God.” Jerry laughed. “I told you.” “This is amazing.” “I know.” As Maya continued eating, Jerry pulled a folder from his briefcase. “I've got three apartments for you to see tomorrow.” “Three?” “One in Brooklyn Heights. One in the West Village. And one near Midtown.” Maya swallowed. “Midtown?” “It's closer to your workplace.” “That sounds perfect.” Jerry nodded. “We can look at all three, and you can decide.” Maya smiled. For the first time since leaving home, she felt like everything might actually work out. A new city. A new job. A new apartment. A new life. She reached for her phone. The screen lit up. Another message. Unknown: I told you not to trust everyone. Maya's smile vanished. She stared at the screen. Jerry noticed. “Everything okay?” Maya quickly locked her phone. “Yeah.” “You sure?” She nodded. “Just my mum.” Jerry smiled. “First night away from home?” “Yeah.” “That explains it.” Maya forced a laugh. But something inside her told her this had nothing to do with her mother. She looked toward the café window. Outside, the city continued moving. Cars rushed past. People walked quickly. Lights flickered on across the buildings. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were going. Everyone except her. Maya slipped her phone into her bag. She had come to New York looking for a fresh start. She just hadn't realized that her past might have followed her. And she had no idea that the biggest mistake of her life was sitting across the table from her . CHAPTER TWO — The Man at the Café Maya stared at the message on her phone. Unknown: I told you not to trust everyone. She read it twice. Then a third time. Her fingers tightened around the phone. Who was this person? And more importantly, how did they know her name? She glanced around the café. People were talking. A waitress carried a tray of coffee past her table. Someone near the window laughed loudly. A couple sat in the corner, completely lost in their own conversation. Everything looked normal. Too normal. Maya slowly turned her phone face down. Maybe it was a prank. Maybe someone had gotten her number by mistake. Or maybe— “Maya?” She looked up quickly. Jerry was standing beside the table. “You okay?” She forced a smile. “Yeah.” He studied her face. “You look like you've seen a ghost.” Maya laughed softly. “I'm just tired.” Jerry pulled out the chair and sat down. “You've been driving for six hours. You have every right to be tired.” Maya nodded. She looked down at the table. “I still can't believe I'm actually here.” “In New York?” “Yes.” Jerry smiled. “You'll get used to it.” “I don't know about that.” “You will.” She looked at him. “You sound very confident.” “I know you.” Maya smiled. “You haven't changed.” “Neither have you.” “That isn't necessarily a compliment.” “It wasn't.” She laughed. For a moment, the worry disappeared. Jerry had been one of the few familiar things in this strange new city. They had known each other since college. Back then, they had spent countless hours together—studying, arguing, laughing, complaining about how hectic school was, and trying to survive exams. They had gone their separate ways after graduation. Yet somehow, years later, they had found themselves in the same city again. Maya still found that strange. Maybe New York wasn't going to be as lonely as she had imagined. “So,” Jerry said, reaching for his glass of water, “how does it feel knowing you're starting work on Monday?” Maya sighed. “Don't remind me.” “You're nervous.” “A little.” “A little?” She gave him a look. “Fine. A lot.” Jerry laughed. “You'll be fine.” “I hope so.” “You will.” Maya smiled. “I really hope I made the right decision.” Jerry became quiet for a moment. Then he said, “You did.” She looked at him. “You're sure?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because staying would have made you miserable.” Maya looked away. He was right. She didn't know exactly what she was looking for in New York. She only knew she needed to leave. She needed to find out who she was outside the life she'd always known. Maybe she would fail. Maybe she'd regret it. But at least she'd know she tried. “I guess we'll see,” she whispered. --- A few minutes later, Jerry stood up. “I'll be right back.” “Where are you going?” “To pay.” “I can pay for mine.” Jerry shook his head. “Absolutely not.” “Jerry—” “Consider it a welcome-to-New-York gift.” Maya smiled. “Fine.” “I'll be back.” He walked toward the counter. Maya watched him disappear into the small crowd near the register. She leaned back in her chair and let out a quiet breath. Her handbag slipped from the back of the chair. She didn't notice. It landed softly on the floor. A few moments later, a man walking past noticed it. He stopped. He looked down at the handbag. Then around the café. His eyes landed on Maya. She was looking through her phone. The man bent down and picked up the bag. “Excuse me.” Maya didn't hear him. He tried again. “Excuse me.” She looked up. And immediately saw him holding her handbag. Her eyes widened. “Hey!” The man looked surprised. Maya stood up quickly. “What are you doing with my bag?” He glanced down at it. “It fell.” “I know it fell.” “I was trying to—” “Why were you touching it?” He stared at her. “Because I was picking it up.” Maya reached for it. “Give it to me.” He handed it over. She pulled it tightly against her chest. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The man looked at her as though he couldn't believe what was happening. Maya couldn't blame him. But she was still suspicious. “I don't know you,” she said. “I know.” “So why were you holding my bag?” He sighed. “Because it was on the floor.” “Oh.” Maya glanced at the handbag. Then back at him. She suddenly felt a little embarrassed. But instead of admitting it, she said, “I thought you were trying to steal it.” The man's eyebrows lifted. “Steal it?” “Yes.” He stared at her. Then, unexpectedly, he laughed. Not loudly. Just a quiet, amused laugh. Maya frowned. “What?” “Nothing.” “You're laughing.” “I am.” “Why?” “Because you're serious.” “I am serious.” “I can see that.” He shook his head. “You're safe. Your bag is safe.” He turned to leave. Maya watched him walk away. There was something strangely familiar about him. Maybe it was his voice. Maybe it was the confidence in the way he carried himself. She couldn't explain it. She simply watched him disappear through the café door. A few seconds later, Jerry returned. “Ready?” Maya picked up her handbag. “Yeah.” Jerry looked at her. “What happened?” “Nothing.” He glanced toward the door. “Who was that?” Maya shrugged. “I don't know.” Jerry laughed. “Already making friends?” “I accused him of trying to steal my purse.” Jerry stopped. “You did what?” Maya groaned. “Forget it.” He laughed harder. “I leave you alone for five minutes.” “Jerry.” “Okay, okay.” He picked up his things. “Let's go.” Neither of them noticed the man disappearing down the street. And Maya had no idea that she had just met the man who would soon become her boss. --- By the time they reached Jerry's apartment, Maya was exhausted. She dropped her handbag onto the couch and kicked off her shoes. “I can't feel my legs.” Jerry laughed. “That's what happens when you drive six hours.” “I thought New York was supposed to be closer.” “According to who?” “I don't know.” “Exactly.” Maya smiled. Jerry walked toward the kitchen. “You need to rest.” “I'll be fine.” “You're falling asleep standing up.” “I am not.” She yawned. Jerry raised an eyebrow. Maya sighed. “Okay. Maybe a little.” He pointed toward the hallway. “Guest room.” She looked at him. “You're sure?” “Of course.” “I don't want to inconvenience you.” “You're my friend, Maya.” She smiled. “Thank you.” “Go sleep.” She walked toward the guest room. At the doorway, she stopped. “Jerry?” “Yeah?” “Thank you.” He smiled. “Get some rest.” Maya nodded. She closed the door behind her. Within minutes, she was asleep. --- The next morning, sunlight slipped through the curtains. Maya slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she didn't know where she was. Then everything came rushing back. New York. Jerry's apartment. Her new job. Her new life. She sat up. A strange excitement filled her chest. Today, she would find an apartment. Tomorrow, she would start work. Everything was happening so quickly. She got dressed and walked into the living room. Jerry was already awake. “Morning.” “Morning.” “How did you sleep?” “Like the dead.” He laughed. “Good.” Maya sat down. “So, apartment hunting?” “Apartment hunting.” She smiled. “Let's do this.” --- They spent most of the day looking at apartments. The first one was beautiful. It was also ridiculously expensive. Maya stared at the amount Jerry had written down. “No.” “You haven't even seen the bedroom.” “I don't need to.” Jerry laughed. “You're sure?” “Very.” They left. The second apartment was more affordable. But it was so small that Maya stood in the middle of the living room and wondered if she would be able to turn around without hitting a wall. Jerry looked at her. “Don't say it.” She turned toward him. “What?” “I can already see the look on your face.” Maya laughed. “I need space.” “You need a budget.” She gave him a look. “Whose side are you on?” “Your landlord's.” “Jerry!” He laughed. By the time they reached the third apartment, Maya was tired. But the moment she stepped inside, something changed. The apartment wasn't enormous. It wasn't luxurious. But it was bright. Warm. Quiet. There was a small kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, and large windows overlooking the city. Maya walked toward the window. She looked outside. Cars moved along the streets below. People walked quickly from one place to another. The city seemed endless. She smiled. “I like it.” Jerry stood beside her. “You love it.” Maya nodded. “I do.” “Then?” She turned around. “I'll take it.” Jerry smiled. “Welcome home.” Maya looked around the apartment. Home. The word felt strange. But good. She smiled. “Yeah.” She looked out the window again. “Welcome home.” --- The following morning, Maya stood in front of her bedroom mirror. She adjusted her blouse. Then her skirt. She fixed her hair. Then, she checked herself again. She looked professional. At least, she hoped she did. Her stomach was full of butterflies. “It's just a job,” she whispered. She paused. “No.” She shook her head. “It is not just a job.” It was her first job in a new city. Her first real step into the life she'd chosen for herself. She took a deep breath. “You've got this.” She picked up her handbag. Then headed for the door. --- Harrison & Cole stood tall against the morning sky. Maya stopped outside the building. She looked up. Her heart began beating faster. She had seen the company online. She had read about its reputation. She knew it was one of the most respected firms in the city. And now she was about to walk inside. Maya took a deep breath. Then entered. The receptionist looked up. “Good morning.” “Good morning.” “Can I help you?” “My name is Maya. I'm the new secretary.” The woman smiled. “Yes. Mr. Harrison is expecting you.” Maya nodded. “Thank you.” “He's in his office.” She pointed toward the hallway. Maya thanked her and walked away. Her palms were beginning to sweat. She reached the office door. She knocked. “Come in.” Maya slowly opened the door. She took one step inside. Then stopped. Her breath caught. Standing behind the large desk was the man from the café. The man holding her handbag. The man she'd accused of stealing it. He looked up. Their eyes met. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Recognition appeared on his face. Then amusement. Maya's stomach dropped. “Oh no.” The man leaned back slightly in his chair. “You.” Maya swallowed. “Me.” His lips curved into a small smile. “I was wondering if we'd meet again.” Maya looked around the office. Her eyes landed on the nameplate sitting on the desk. ALEXANDER HARRISON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Her eyes widened. She looked back at him. “You're the CEO?” Alexander nodded. “Yes.” Maya wanted to disappear. Immediately. She remembered the café. Her accusations. His confused expression. Her handbag clutched against her chest. She closed her eyes for half a second. This couldn't be happening. “You're my new secretary,” Alexander said. It wasn't a question. Maya slowly nodded. “Yes.” A brief silence followed. Then she cleared her throat. “About yesterday…” Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” “I owe you an apology.” “I bet you do.” Maya looked down. “I really thought you were trying to steal my bag.” “I gathered that.” “I didn't know who you were.” “Would it have made a difference?” Maya looked at him. She hesitated. “No.” Alexander studied her briefly. “Good answer.” She smiled nervously. “I really am sorry.” He nodded. “Apology accepted.” Maya released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. “Thank you.” Alexander picked up a file from his desk. “Relax, Maya.” She looked at him. “It's your first day.” He opened the file. “Let's see how it goes.” Maya nodded. “Yes, sir.” She turned toward the door. “Maya.” She stopped. She turned back. Alexander looked at her for a moment. “Try to keep your accusations to a minimum while you're working here.” Maya's face warmed. She gave him an embarrassed smile. “I'll try.” She walked out. The door closed behind her. Maya stood there for a moment. Then, she covered her face with both hands. “Oh my God.” She had spent her first night in New York worrying about an anonymous stranger. She had spent her first day apartments hunting. And now, on her first morning at work, she'd discovered that the man she'd mistaken for a thief was none other than her boss. The CEO. Alexander Harrison. Maya lowered her hands. “This cannot be my life.” Inside the office, Alexander glanced toward the closed door. A faint smile remained on his face. He had interviewed dozens of people over the years. Most were nervous around him. Most were careful with their words. Most were desperate to impress him. But Maya? She had accused him of stealing her handbag before she even knew his name. For some reason, he found it really difficult to forget.