Big Chicas Don't Cry(44)

And when Nathan called later to ask me to dinner, I prepared myself for the worst. Nathan had recommended me for the job. He might be pretty angry that I’d just thrown it away, along with his reputation and commission. So angry that he might want to put me on a plane himself.

I packed all my clothes back into my suitcase and even got on the airline’s website to see if I could catch a red-eye home that night.

So, thinking I had only hours left in the city that never sleeps, I sipped two very strong rum and Cokes and headed to the restaurant to meet him. He was already at the table when I arrived, drinking a Stella Artois.

He seemed relaxed, even happy. All that meant was that Kane’s people hadn’t told him yet.

I studied the menu, ordered the sixty-dollar steak, and enjoyed every morsel of it. In between we made small talk about our childhoods, our families, and what we loved about New York. Then when the waiter asked if we were ready for dessert, I told him to come back in five minutes.

“All right, Nathan. I want to enjoy my raspberry cheesecake, but I can’t until you know the truth.”

He set down his napkin. “What do you mean?”

“I might have torpedoed the interviews today. I didn’t mean to, but that Leo guy is kind of a jerk, and tomorrow you’re going to hear that I was a total bitch and that they would never ever offer me a job in a million years.”

Nathan almost spit out his ice water and started laughing.

“I actually don’t think there’s anything funny about this,” I said rather sternly.

“I’m sorry, Selena, but I do think this is quite funny.” He laughed. “What makes you think all of that? Their HR guy called me right before I called you to meet me for dinner.”

I must have looked rather shocked because he cracked up laughing one more time.

“And what did he say?” I asked slowly.

“They loved you. I knew they would. Leo is very selfish when it comes to handing out compliments, but he had nothing but good things to say about you.”

This time it was me who almost spit out my ice water. Leo said “good things” about me? Now I was totally confused. Nathan must have seen the confusion spelled out on my face.

“Selena, you did great. They’re going to interview a few more candidates, but you’re at the top of the list right now. I’m pretty sure the job will be yours if you want it. What do you say?”

At that moment the waiter came back to our table.

“I say, I’ll take the raspberry cheesecake,” I announced.

I couldn’t ignore the heaviness that suddenly weighed on my shoulders.

When I didn’t think there was a possibility I’d get the job, I’d wanted it more than anything I’d ever wanted before. But now that it could be mine?

I wasn’t so sure.

Was I really ready to leave LA behind? I was definitely ready to say goodbye to Umbridge & Umbridge, but did I really have to go all the way to the opposite coast? I thought of my sister, Erica, and the rest of my family. What would they think about me moving away? This was way more than just getting a new job. It was more like getting a brand-new life.

The next morning, I left Nathan’s apartment and told him I needed to go think.

And I always did my best thinking with a couple of shopping bags on each arm.

Within an hour, I was standing inside the only New York landmark I was interested in visiting: Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue.

I strolled the aisles in both adoration and awe. This was definitely my happy place. If I took the job, I’d probably spend a good chunk of every paycheck right here.

That was both a pro and a con.

Excitement tingled every nerve as I spotted the handbag department. Then I nearly squealed when my eyes fell on the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

I fingered the light-pink Prada handbag and pictured a few outfits it would match. Then I bent down to inhale the luxurious aroma of the leather. The sales clerk at the nearby counter didn’t even blink. Like a sommelier of fine wine, she understood exactly what I was doing.

“It just came in this week. You’ll be one of the first to buy this style,” she teased. The lady sure did know a sucker when she saw one.

“I might be getting a new job,” I announced. As if I needed to explain to a stranger why I was considering spending a couple grand on a purse.

“Congratulations. Sounds like you definitely deserve to treat yourself.”

I nodded and smiled. I did deserve it.

“You always did have great taste.” A once-familiar voice tore me away from worshipping the purse.

My cousin Mari stood next to me at the counter.

I shook my head in disbelief. “Oh my God! You’re here in New York!” I said as I gave her a hug and quick peck on the cheek.

“You too,” she answered with a smile. “Esteban is in town to meet with a potential new client, and I tagged along. New York is one of my favorite cities.”

“That’s nice. I’m in town visiting a friend.”

Although I wasn’t sure if Mari talked to anyone in the family on a weekly basis, I still didn’t feel right telling her about my interview and not Gracie or Erica.

“While Esteban is in meetings, I thought I’d do a little shopping. Is that new?” That last question was for the sales clerk.

“It is. Just came in this week.” I shot the girl an evil glare. She didn’t see it.