LAAVANYA HAD TRAPPED herself in her apartment. The moment she came back from the trip, she did not move. She had a shot in a big firm and she was ready to shed her blood and tears to get this one. She had taken notes from TedTalks and mock interviews, and she had spent hours perfecting new sample designs for her portfolio. She wanted to show that she was worth a shot. She got a second chance and she was not going to give up.

She hadn't talked to Cameron. She texted him that she was back but she needed to prepare for her follow-up interview and didn't want him to come to her apartment. He didn't say much. All he said was "okay." She knew he was upset and while she had mixed feelings about him now, she didn't stop caring about his feelings. But right now, she needs to put herself first. Men can come later.

She slid her feet into the feels and stood up. She picked up her bag and headed out of the apartment. Julia had texted her with a long good luck text—to which she sent a picture of her outfit and said thank you. She got into the cab and headed for the interview.

The time of the ride came to an end quicker than Laavanya anticipated. She wanted to revise all her notes one last time. She sat in the cab for a minute longer until the driver asked her if she wanted to return. She fumbled and passed him the money before stepping out. She walked into the restaurant–keeping her posture straight and bold smile. Her boots clicked against the linoleum as the receptionist showed her the way to Mr. Edison's table.

As soon as he saw her approaching the table, he sat up and plastered a smile. He shook hands with her and they both took their seats. Laavanya had googled everything she could about him–she even found his abandoned facebook account. He is a rich married man who rose through his ranks quicker than anyone ever has in Piper & Lawson. His hair had started to grey near his ears but his smile was still charming.

"Thank you so much for considering me again." She began with a polite smile. "I know I am not exactly what you were looking for but I assure you–my contrasting opinions will only be an asset for Piper & Lawson Publishers,"

"I am going to be honest with you, Ms. Shaw," He began in a chill voice. "Your colour pallets are something we don't experiment with. The books we approve don't particularly beg for bright, neon and bold contrasting colours but we are publishing a different book this time and we need the same with our designers. If you end up working for Piper & Lawson—" Her heart jumped at the idea of working again. "—it won't be easy. Your co-workers will have different opinions. I hope that won't be a problem."

"No, Sir. It's simply a room for improvement. They'll teach me something new and I will show my perspective on other things." She had rehearsed this answer a million times.

"Alright. Before I look into your portfolio, fire up your laptop. You have ten minutes to design me a cover—anything at all. But only light colours. It doesn't have to be perfect or complete. I just want to see how you work out of your expert zone."

Laavanya nodded calmly. She pulled the tablet out instead and began working. As soon as she had the basic outline of her project done, her creativity came to a stop. Her stylus pencil hovered over the screen, a layer of sweat began to form on the palm of her hand. The fingers of her other hand quivered. She blinked her eyes a couple of times. She quietly put the pencil down and blew a breath out. She fluttered her eyes cold.

A moment later, a small smile twisted on her face. And she restarted–undoing everything.

"Time's up," Mr. Edison echoed the same time the food came in. She passed him the tab and watched little to no expression unfold on his face. After what seemed like forever, a small smile cracked on his face. "Bright blue waves in someone's eyes. I am impressed." He handed the tab back. "Let's eat before the food gets cold, shall we? Then we can discuss salary and other important details."

Laavanya's heart jumped into her mouth.

***

"I start Monday!" She said into the phone as soon as Julie picked up her call.

"Oh, my God. Laav, congratulations!" Her best friend screamed with happiness. "Does that mean you're staying?"

"I am. Of course, I am." Laavanya balanced her phone between her shoulder and her ear as she riffled through her purse to find the keys. "Anyway, I just called to tell you that. I had a heavy lunch so I am sleepy as hell. Send me pictures of the party. I'll text you later." They said quick goodbyes and she hung up. She slid her phone into her pocket and inserted the key into the keyhole. She walked into the apartment with a smile on her face. She cracked her neck and threw the key on the table near the door.

"Laavanya," a voice sighed from the living room side of her studio apartment. She looked up to find Cameron standing near the window. The afternoon sunlight was bright from the window—blinding Cameron's expressions. All she could see was the silhouette of his body. As they walked closer, she saw his face was deprived of his usual bright smile.

"Cameron, hi. I was just about to text you. I got the job," she said. But she couldn't smile. His serious expression made it hard for her to show any happiness. "Is everything okay?"

"No, Laav. It's not. Why does Julie get a call and I get a text?"

"What?"

"What I mean is–what is going on with you? Why have you been so distant? You were gone for a couple of days and it's like you ghosted me. You wouldn't answer my calls, barely replied to my texts. And you almost decided to move away without telling me. Has something happened?"

"I—no." She dropped down her bag and slumped on the couch. "I–"

"Spit it out. We have always worked things out. Tell me the truth, we will be okay."

Cameron. Oh, Cameron. Always knows what to say.

"I needed a break from you. You are always hovering over me. I know you care, Cam but I have survived on my own all my life. I don't need you constantly around me." She couldn't keep it in anymore. She had to say it.

He sat down beside her and looked into her eyes. He rested his hand on his thigh and squeezed them lightly. "But you loved it."

"I have changed. I don't anymore."

"Well...okay." He pulled his hand back to himself and stayed silent for a couple of minutes. He took a breath and said, "How can I change that? What bothers you?"

"Um, I don't want you to text me constantly. I want you to be a part of my life but my decisions won't revolve around you. I am going to put myself first and I want you to do the same. You cancelled out on important meetings to go on a date with me. I don't want that. I want us to take a step back at least until you get a promotion."

"Th...That's a lot to process." He sunk back into the couch. He fidgeted with his fingers and eyes staring into nothingness. Cameron and Laavanya have fought before and they have always worked things out. However, looking at Cameron's face, it almost felt like he would give up. But she knew he loved her too much. Could she say the same?

"Can we still go on dates as long as it doesn't interfere with our work?"

"Yes." She pressed a smile on her face and leaned to kiss his forehead. She rested her head over his chest and they breathed together.

"So, new job," he said. "How does it feel?"

"It feels—" A buzz in her phone interrupted her. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and read the text on her screen.

Ryker: Julie made an announcement about your job. Congratulations.

"It feels..." she repeated but this time with a smile on her face. "Great."

Even though she was in the arms of someone who loved her, the reason for her smile was miles away.