A Second Chance At Love

CHAPTER ONE

Three weeks later.

“Ahhh!! I just got an email from TMC!!” I screamed and ran out of my room to go and meet Whitney in the living room.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Open it!!” she said as we both eagerly stared into my phone.

My heart began to race as I clicked open the email I had been waiting for all these weeks. My fingers quivered with anticipation as my eyes scanned the words.

The wave of joy immediately lit up in my face. I couldn't help the thrilled squeal that escaped my lips, nor the unintended dance I broke into right there in my living room. “I got the job!!” I screamed out loud.

“That’s my girl!” Whitney said with her hand raised up to give me a highfive.

“Oh my God!” I said out loud as I read the remaining content of the email.

“What is it? You didn’t actually get the job?” Whitney asked as the excitement in her face collapsed

“Don’t say that again,” I said as I slapped her hand to caution her not to jinx it.

“Then what is it? Speak up Maya!”

I looked at her as I wanted to speak. “They said I should resume first thing 10am and this is almost 9am,”

“Come on girl, is that why you’re bothered? You still have enough time,” Whitney said as she shook my shoulders trying to encourage me.

“I don’t have anything to wear, Whitney,” I said, letting out a deep sigh.

She gave me one of those ‘you are so problematic’ stares. “What do you mean by that? Check your closet, I’m sure there’s something there,”

I looked at her with an unsure look because I was unsure I could pull this off.

“Why am I even bothered, you’re the one clearly not ready to work,” she said as she sunk back into the couch eating her pop corn and continuing her series.

“Fine, I’ll check my closet for something,” I said as I stomped back upstairs.

With determined energy, I searched my closet for the perfect outfit. My fingers skimmed through the collection of fabrics and a chiffon white blouse that whispered professionalism, a charcoal pencil skirt that hugged my curves just right caught my attention.

I put it on and it still seemed too simple. I went back to my closet and the baby pink blazer hanging on the corner caught my eye. It symbolized authority and confidence so I swiftly yanked it off the hanger, and put it on.

I went to sit in front of my vanity mirror and I put on a delica thin stroke of eyeliner and a few layers of mascara to add depth to my gaze.

A slight color of blush warmed my cheeks, and a swipe of not too red lipstick, that perfectly matched my blazer, completed my look.

In those moments, my makeup became a reflection of the confidence I aimed to exude on my first day of work.

I grabbed by black bag and did the sign of the cross then headed out of the house.

“Good luck girl!” Whitney said out loud right before I slammed the door closed.

My heart raced as she stepped onto the subway platform, with my fingers trembling as I held on to my bag.The distant buzz of the moving train echoed my nervous excitement, with the cool breeze sending a shiver down my spine.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of stops and transfers, I came out of the subway station, blinking against the bright morning sunlight.

I gazed up at the soaring glass façade of the company's headquarters, with my heart pounding in my chest. The building seemed to touch the sky, and its mirrored windows reflecting the bustling city below.

With every step closer, the click of my heels on the pavement echoed the rhythm of my determination. As the security man reached out to pull the heavy glass door, a mix of nervousness and excitement surged through my veins, pushing me into the unknown.

Inside the sleek lobby, my gaze came across the modern furnishings and the polished marble floors. I approached the reception desk, where a friendly-looking secretary sat.

Her smile was warm, but I couldn't help but notice the slight flicker of curiosity in the woman's eyes as I approached. With a deep breath, I introduced myself, with my voice steady despite my racing heart.

“Good morning ma’am, I’m here for my first day of work,” I said as I stretched out the paper where my email was printed.

The secretary nodded as her eyes scanned across the letter to check it's content. “Yes, enter the elevator and go to the last floor and look for Jessica’s office, she’ll guide you through,” she said as she maintained her warm smile.

As I stepped into the elevator, my anticipation grew noticeable. The elevator had a sleek interior with mirrored walls reflecting my outfit. I pressed the button for the top floor, and the soft hum heightened my sense of incline.

As the doors opened, a corridor with subtle lighting stretched ahead. Signs directed me to the Jessica’s office, and my heart was beating like a drum.

Approaching the door, my knock caught Jessica's attention.

“Come in. Maya Ortega right?” she asked me with a smile and a raised eyebrow waiting for my confirmation.

“Yes ma’am,” I answered immediately.

She let out a cute laugh, as she was about to reply to me. “Just call me Jessica,” she said as she stretched her hand across her table offering me the seat in front of her.

I sat down and she began to search her computer probably to check my details. “Alright your job description is to be the secretary to our CEO, Mr. Miguel Louis.”

“Oh, alright,” I said with a smile.

She stood up and straightened her black lace dress. “Alright come with me to Mr Miguel’s office. He just resumed today after being on a sick leave, so you have to assist him very well,” she said as we both walked along the hallway as she navigated his office.

In no time, we got to the front of a glass door that she knocked on.

“Come in,” A man’s voice I assumed to be Mr Miguel answered.

We both walked into the office and it was such a beauty. It had this large window showing the entire view of New York. The man was facing the window and backing us.

“Sir, the new secretary is here,” Jessica said as she tried to introduce me.

“Oh really,” the voice said as he turned his seat to face us. He revealed his face finally and shock engulfed my body.

Our eyes both met each other’s and he looked stunned.

I whispered underneath my breath, “This can’t be!”