I arrive at Naya's office bright and early the morning after the opera to discuss my job idea.
"You have some serious explaining to do, (Y/N). What do you think you're doing?"
"Becoming a productive member of society again?"
"You've been productive! You've been booked solid for weeks."
"Yeah, making myself seem like not a homewrecker. That's not exactly contributing to the greater good. Besides, if anyone can help me pull off this transition, it's you."
"Flattery is a great tool, (Y/N), but it doesn't work quite so easily on me. That being said... I get where you're coming from, so I procured a list of job opportunities. You have three interviews set up for this afternoon."
"Wow...you work fast."
"I don't have any other speed. You'd better go prep. I've got my hands full tweaking our game plan to include this new venture of yours."
"You got it. Thank you, Naya."
"You're welcome and good luck."
First on my list is a position on the board of a large, multinational charity organization.
"So what experience do you have with large-scale fundraising efforts?"
"Um, I've attended some fundraisers? I went to one at the Met last night, actually."
"Impressive. And how would you replicate that kind of success for us?"
"I would involve the people who the charity benefits. The donors should see all the good they're doing firsthand."
"That's an...interesting strategy."
I look around at the opulent office and my interviewer's expensive suite.
Something tells me we don't have the same definition of 'charity'.
Later, I'm at the home office of a personal stylist to the elite...
"Naya Pratt says you're the next big thing in fashion consulting. And if the photos I've seen of you lately are an indication, she's absolutely right."
"Well, I'd describe my sense of style as up-and-coming. Your clients don't want to wear what's on-trend. They want to set the trend."
"Very true. Being just ahead of the curve is crucial in this industry. You'd have your hands full doing research to stay in front of the pack."
Fashion research. Fun...
The interviewer at the health and wellness blog offers me a tall glass as I sit down.
"Try it! It's infused with spirulina, the newest trend in health food!"
"Actually, humans have been eating spirulina as early as the sixteenth century. Some cyanobacteria is toxic to the human system, but this one–"
"Oooo, I see you know your health food. I knew Naya wouldn't let me down. Drink up and tell me what you think!"
"It could use something to mask the taste. Like lots and lots of sugar."
"If that's what the consumers want! So, we'd want you to start on collagen pills, turmeric tea–Oh and the amethyst-crystal water bottle. Plus, I'll put you in touch with this yogi that only teaches class on the F train–"
"Because it's good for you chakra or something?"
"Wow, exactly! With insights like that, you shouldn't just be on our marketing team...you should be leading it."
"I'm not sure I'm qualified for that..."
"Don't be silly. You're perfect for the job."
I take a deep breath. This job search is not going the way I'd hoped at all, and I can feel the tension building in my shoulders.
"Thank you, but I'm not so sure this job is right for me."
"Why don't you take a few days to think about it? You should enjoy some of the job's perks first and make sure you have the full picture before you decide."
"What kind of perks...?"
"You can start with a pack of our best-selling organic essential oils..."
"Temptin..."
"I'll set you up with a session with our massage therapist this evening. No strings attached. All that's required is for you to enjoy yourself."
"Well, I have been a little tense lately..."
"You can even bring a friend or partner and make it a couple's session. Trust me, our massage therapist works miracles."
A couple's massage does sound incredible. And Lee Know could use the relaxation just as much...
"As long as you're sure you don't mind if I don't end up taking the job..."
"Absolutely not. These message oils are meant to be enjoyed."
I smile at her as I send Lee Know a message with the details...
That evening, Lee Know meets me at the spa.
"This place is amazing, (Y/N). You said this was one of the perks from your interview?"
"Yeah, I guess they're trying to woo me with a fancy massage. Honestly, it's not a bad way to go."
The intercom on the wall buzzes as I fill a glass with cucumber water.
"Hi, this is Gabby, your massage therapist. Please undress to the level of your comfort, and I'll be right in."
"You heard her. Undress me." I snicker.
"I thought you'd never ask..."
Lee Know pulls me into his arms, his hands tangling with the fabric at my waist.
"I've been dreaming about having you all day."
"Now that you have me, what're you going to do with me?"
"I'm going to touch you all over, (Y/N). And I'm going to enjoy every second."
I lift my arms to allow for him to remove my clothing, tilting my head as he kisses every newly-exposed inch.
"Lee Know...don't stop..."
Lee Know's lips find mine, and he slips his tongue inside my mouth as I gasp. His hands run along the sides of my body, each touch lighting a fire within me. His fingers trail to my front. He cups my breasts, then pinches my nipples through my bra...
"That's not...fair..."
"I never claimed to play fair."
He captures my mouth again as his fingers tease me. A knock on the door indicates our massage therapist's arrival. I pull back abruptly, hoping she doesn't notice my breathlessness.
"Just a second. We're not quite ready."
I fight a giggle as Lee Know quickly sheds his clothing. When he's finally in his underwear, I call the therapist into the room.
"Good evening. I understand you're here to test our signature essential oils?"
"Yes, please. I've heard good things about the grapefruit one."
"That's one of our most popular scents. Now, I specialize in teaching the fundamentals of massage to couples so that you can enjoy these oils on your own."
"So you'll show us how to give each other a massage? I like the sound of that..."
"Excellent. Which one of you wants to start?"
"I'd like to start by giving a massage. I'd like to learn how to help Min-ho relax."
The therapist gestures for Lee Know to get on the table, then for me to stand over him.
"The most important thing is to set the right intention. You don't want any of your stress to seep into his body."
"Good vibes only, got it."
"Some people come up with a short mantra to help them stay focused. Others prefer to keep it a little looser."
"A mantra, huh?"
I take a big breath and clear my mind except for one thought. Make Lee Know feel good. I nod at the massage therapist. The massage therapist offers me one of the essential oils. I rub some of it on my hands, enjoying the slick feeling between my fingers.
"Start with Lee Know's shoulders. Take it nice and slow... Apply more pressure..."
"Ohhhhhhhh...yeah..."
"Make sure you listen to your partner. Everyone has different preferences and tolerance levels."
"Lee Know? Am I...?"
"You're perfect."
The massage therapist shows me lots of techniques and tips over the next half hour before the intercom buzzes.
"That'll be my next appointment. You two already seem very in-sync with each other. I think you can take it from here. The room is all yours for the next thirty minutes, but buzz if you need anything."
We both thank the therapist watching as the door swings solidly shut behind her.
"Alone at last..."
I step away from the massage table and click the lock on the door. Lee Know must've been thinking the same thing, because he's right behind me.
"Don't move. I've got you exactly where I want you."
Lee Know plants a soft, intimate kiss on the back of my neck. He runs his hand slowly down my bare shoulders until he reaches my wrists.
"I don't think this is what the massage therapist meant about taking things slow."
"I won't tell her if you don't... It's your turn for a massage."
Lee Know takes me by the hand and leads me back to the massage table. I lay on my stomach and close my eyes, my whole body thrumming with anticipation.
"Brace yourself. This might be a little chilly."
I gasp as a shock of cool oil hits the center of my back. It's quickly followed by the smooth, deft movements of Lee Know's hands. I'm starting to feel very relaxed when Lee Know begins to move lower down my body. He grazes my hips before moving on to long, slow strokes down the sides of my legs.
"Mmmm..."
"I love the way you moan."
I arch my back, allowing my legs to fall open just enough for him to slip a hand between my thighs. His fingers hover over my entrance, the warm pulse of them so close... Then he runs his nails against my upper thighs, and a jolt that's more pleasure than pain causes me to cry out.
"Lee Know!"
Lee Know releases a low growl as he finds my slick center and slips his fingers inside. I buck my hips as the pleasure builds deep in my core.
"Tell me what you want."
"I want all of you. Finish what you started, Lee Know. Please."
Lee Know grips my hips, guiding me into position. I can feel the hard length of him flush against my ass.
"I need you to fill me, Lee Know. Take me as hard as you can."
He lets out a curse as he lines himself up between my legs.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes–"
I've barely gotten the word out when he thrusts deep inside of me. I gasp at the sudden, overwhelming sensation of him.
"It feels like coming home."
My only response is a deep groan as he slides in and out of me, my hips desperately trying to meet him. My body winds tighter as Lee Know increases the tempo, thrusting faster and harder against me.
"Oh God, I need..."
But Lee Know already knows what I need. He reaches around and fingers my button as he continues to plunge into me from behind.
"Cum for me, (Y/N). Let me feel you wrapped around me."
At his command, I'm unable to hold back any longer. I cry out as waves of pleasure quiver up from my center before crashing through me.
"...Lee Know!"
He grips my hips, thrusting into me once, twice more...then follows me over the edge a moment later, holding my body tight against his.
"...(Y/N)! "
After, I'm still a bit breathless as I come down from my high. We manage to both fit onto one of the massage tables, I fold into Lee Know's arms.
"Wow. I haven't felt this relaxed since..."
"Italy?"
"I was going to say 'maybe ever', but you're right. This is pretty much exactly how it felt to have you in my arms in Italy. Blissful."
Lee Know leans in to kiss me, and for a moment, I forget the world around me and let myself fall into that bliss with him...
A few days later, I head across the city to meet Jenny for lunch. After I order, I catch her up on the events of the last few days...
"Oh, wow. Those jobs sound amazing."
"On paper, sure. But none of them fit me, you know? Besides, the only reason I even got those interviews is because of Naya's connections."
"You didn't like any of the offers?"
"If I had to pick one...wellness marketing is the most interesting. At least the health and wellness blog is based on science...sorta."
"Then why do you look like you just swallowed a piece of sandpaper?"
I sigh, and Jenny reaches across the table to cover my hand with hers.
"Do you remember the time I followed that random hot guy to the Adirondacks for the summer?"
"Uh, yeah. You abandoned me for months. We were supposed to be lifeguards together, and I still haven't forgiven you for it." I giggle.
"And do you also remember how I told you it was the dreamiest, most perfect summer of my life? True love and all that?"
"How could I not? You wouldn't shut up about how amazing he was in bed."
"Lies...it was all lies."
"Seriously?"
"He ditched me within a week, and I was left sleeping on his aunt's couch until I came home. I was miserable."
"Why didn't you tell me? I could've kicked his ass for you. Nobody ditches my best friend and gets away with it"
"I'd have paid good money to see that."
"Give me his name, and we can still make it happen."
"You're sweet, but that's not the point. He wasn't the man for me, but he was attractive and available, and I figured, what could it hurt?"
"You think these jobs are like that guy? Nice in theory, but ultimately not right for me?"
"I just don't want to see you figuratively sleeping on some strange lady's couch for the rest of your life, that's all."
"You're right. I've waited this long. I should hold out until I find something that's a perfect fit. Thanks. I should take career advice from you more often."
"Only if you swap it for long life advice."
"Your prospects haven't improved much from Adirondacks boy, huh?"
"Nah, I'm still waiting for Prince Charming to sweep me off my feet. And now that I've seen you and Lee Know together, my standards are even higher, so thanks for that."
"I'd apologize...but I'm not sorry at all." I tell her as we both laugh.
Thursday evening rolls around, and with it, an invitation for dinner with Lee Know and the boys. I head over in secret... But the penthouse is empty, except for a note addressed to me.
Ran out to pick up the food. M&M insisted on coming with. Be home around 7
Love, Lee Know
"Guess I've got the place to myself for a little bit.
"I relax on the couch and pull out my phone to find a new email notification. I don't recognize the sender, but I do recognize the company.
"Lee Labs?"
Dear Ms. (YLN),
We are reaching out to alumni of your master's program to share an exciting new opportunity at Lee Laboratories. After reviewing your profile, we think you'd be a great fit! Please contact our recruiter at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview
Even Webb
(208)331-5066
Good hours, great pay... It's like this job was meant for me.
Leaping to my feet, I give a little victory dance...
"Am I interrupting?"
"Jordan! I didn't know you were home."
"Clearly. But don't worry, your happy dance is safe with me. What're you so excited about, if you don't mind me asking?"
I hate to jinx my chances but I'm too amped up to keep the news to myself.
"I just got an interview at this awesome lab. It's exactly the kind of job opportunity I've been looking for."
"Congrats, that's amazing! Is that why you're here? For a celebratory dinner with Min-ho?"
I shake my head. It suddenly hits me that I can't tell Lee Know anything about this interview. The last thing I want is for him to intervene on my behalf...
"Not exactly. Jordan, you have to promise me you won't tell anyone about this. Especially Min-ho."
"Why not?"
"I want to prove that I can do this on my own."
"(Y/N), anyone who knows you knows that. But if keeping it a secret means that much to you..."
Jordan makes the motion of a zipper over his mouth.
"Mm mmm mmm mmmmm!"
"Thanks, Jordan. I appreciate that help."
He pretends to unzip his lips again.
"Actually, I can do you one better. In case you don't remember, I'm pretty good at this whole interviewing thing. You can practice your interview skills with me, if you want. We can run through some test questions, role-play scenarios, that sort of thing."
"You'd do that for me?"
"I'm always happy to help a friend. Besides, it'd be nice to spend some quality time with you..."
It would be nice to feel more prepared...and I've got a bit before Lee Know and the boys come back with the food.
"There's still time before Lee Know and the twins get back with dinner. I'd love your help."
"Then you got it."
I start to settle on the couch when Jordan gives me a pensive look.
"What's up?"
"I was just thinking...if we really want to role-play this, then maybe we should use Min-ho's home office. Do you think he'd mind?"
"I think we shouldn't risk it. But I wouldn't mind relocating closer to the snacks."
"To the kitchen!"
Jordan clears his throat several times before adopting the tone of a stern interviewer.
"Hello and welcome to the most important day of your life."
"Jordan! Take this seriously."
"I am taking this seriously. That's the number one rule of interviewing: you have to be prepared for anything. No matter what I throw at you, you have to smile and adapt."
"Good point. Okay, let's try again."
"Ahem... First, let's focus on your job history. They'll probably ask why you took a job as a nanny when you have a master's in chem."
"If they ask about that, I'll be honest. I'll be upfront about how many job hunt after grad school went. There just weren't a lot of lab jobs available, so I became a nanny to pay the bills. And now that I've found this job, I'm excited to get back to what I'm truly passionate about."
"You don't think that they'll question why you couldn't land one of the few lab positions during your last job search?"
"They might, but honestly, anyone who was around then should know what I'm talking about. Almost no one in my program was able to find something in our field."
"Then it sounds like we don't have to worry too much about that. I think as long as you're able to tweak your answers specifically for your interviewer, you should be fine."
Jordan scoots closer to me, his thigh just barely grazing mine. He doesn't seem to notice as he launches into the second question.
"Next, let's say you're the last interview of the day. The interviewer has already seen ten candidates with the exact same resume. How do you make yourself stand out?"
"I would make sure I'm memorable."
"That could go real wrong, real quick."
"Not in a bad way. Just make sure I bring up an anecdote that's a little unusual. Something their memory can latch on to."
"I have a hard time believing someone wouldn't remember you, but every little bit counts."
I glance at the clock above Jordan's head. Lee Know and the twins should be back soon.
"Looks like we only have time for one more question, so you'd better make it count."
"Then let's go with the most important question of all...what would you do if the interviewer came on to you?"
That's not where I thought this was going... Why do I feel like this is a loaded question?
"Well...I'd call them out. Even if I was single or seemed interested, it's still extremely inappropriate."
"To have workplace relationships? Or flirt with someone who might work for you?"
"I don't have anything against office romances, but a job interview is not the time to find a date. And I'd make sure the interviewer knew that, even if it cost me the job."
"I respect that you'd stick to your guns like that..."
Jordan gives me a long look, then nods.
"I think you're ready, even for the worst-case scenario."
"Really?"
"Yeah! In just a few questions, I feel like I got to know you better. I'm sure the interviewer will be totally head over heels for you...professionally, of course."
"I feel better about it already. You know, you could have a future in career coaching."
"And give up playtime with the twins? Never!"
"They are a fun pair to hang out with."
"As are you, (Y/N)."
Jordan smiles at me. I smile back, drawn by the tug of friendliness between us.
"Thank you. I really appreciate your time, especially on your night off."
"No worries. I'm glad I could help you become Lee Lab's hottest new researcher."
The ding of the elevator sounds in the entryway, signaling that Lee Know and the twins are home. I jump to my feet and greet them in the hall. The twins bound past me as Lee Know carries two paper bags heaped with takeout boxes.
"Lee Know!"
I throw my arms around Lee Know's neck. He returns the embrace with a laugh, shifting the bags to one hand.
"Someone sure is happy to see me..."
Heedless of my surroundings, I pull Lee Know in for a deep kiss. His mouth opens, hot and willing under mine.
"A man could get used to coming home to this."
"Or you could just stay home and have access to this 24/7."
I tighten my grip around his neck. His tongue slides along mine as I pull my body flush against his...
"Temping..."
After indulging for one more moment...Lee Know steps back and looks over my shoulder.
"Jordan, will you be joining us? We've got plenty of food."
I turn to see Jordan in the doorway. He's staring at Lee Know, his brow furrowed...but he quickly schools his expression.
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'm heading out to meet up with a friend in a few anyway."
"Dad! Hurry up!" Mason urges.
"If I don't eat soon, I'm going to die!" Mickey dramatically states.
"I think that's our cue." I smile.
"To teach them some manners? I think you're right."
Lee Know leads the boys into the other room to lay out the feast. I follow them, feeling Jordan's eyes on my back every step of the way...
On the day of my interview, I arrive with plenty of time to spare. I'm careful to avoid running into anyone I know as I make my way down to the labs. I'm greeted by an older man, who holds his hand out to me.
"You must be (YF/LN). I'm Evan Webb, head of the environmental division. Please, my office is this way."
"You're the head of the entire department? The recruiter didn't mention I'd be meeting with someone so senior today..."
"Rank is irrelevant. It would've been just as important to impress a junior scientist. Still, they should've told you. Never good to come in feeling blindsided."
With a bright, professional smile, I settle into the chair Evan offers.
"That's alright, I'm highly adaptable."
After practicing with Jordan, I'm ready for anything.
"That's good to hear. I've got a dozen of these interviews lined up, so we should get started. I assume you're fully certified in lab safety and best practices?"
"Yes, of course. I'm OSHA and CHO certified."
"Your resume said that you interned at a geochemical lab. What was the most interesting thing you worked on there?"
I think back to some of the advice that Jordan gave me.
Since Evan's head of environmental division, I should make sure to relate my answer to that.
"During that internship, I loved cleaning up toxic waste."
"Oh? What method did you use?"
"Bioremediation. It was incredible to watch."
"I've always said that more work needed to be put toward improving bioremediation. Imagine it, whole oil spills cleaned up in more weeks by natural microbes. Moving on. We work pretty closely in this division. What do you do if you have an argument with another scientist?"
Hm, I need to not only prove that I'm professional, but that I speak his language a little.
"In a disagreement, I would respond with logic. After all, everyone here is a scientist. I'd simply lay out the facts."
"And if their argument is based on their emotions?"
"Then we'd have to work toward a compromise that satisfied my logic and their feelings. Like Kirk and Spock."
"I'm more of a Picard man, myself."
Evan spends the next thirty minutes asking me stranded questions, and once I settle in, my answers come more easily. Finally, he levels his gaze at me over the rim of his glasses.
"Last question...why you? Why should I hire you over everyone else?"
If I want to stand out, then I should make sure to focus on my positives and not throw anyone else under the bus...
"You should hire me because this is my dream job. And I'm not saying that others don't share that dream, just that...well, I've never wanted to do anything else long-term. No matter what jobs I've had or hobbies I've tried, my love for science, especially chemistry, has never changed. I believe that science is the key to our future as a species, and I want to be a part of the work here at Lee Labs to make that happen."
"I like that your passion stems from the desire for something greater than just advancing yourself. I feel the same way."
Evan looks at me thoughtfully...
"Officially, we have a few more candidates to interview before we make a decision. Unofficially... I'm very impressed. I think you can expect to see an offer letter in your inbox by the end of the day. If everything's in order...you can start as early as Monday. Welcome to the team, (Y/N)."
"Really? Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
I shake his hand very enthusiastically, for longer than is probably appropriate.
"You won't regret this, Dr. Webb. I promise."
"See that I don't. We'll be in touch."
Instead of leaving, I make a beeline for the elevators. This news is too good to keep myself, and Lee Know is right upstairs...
He's going to be so surprised and–
The elevator stops at the lobby level, and the doors open to reveal...
"(Y/N), what're you doing here?"
"Robin! It's so nice to see you!"
"That's a lie if I ever heard one. I'm the last person you want to see."
"Not the last, last person..."
Sofia is definitely after Robin on the list.
"Anyway, I'd better get up there soon. Otherwise, Lee Know will wonder what happened to me..."
"We couldn't have that, now could we?"
"You don't have to be such a jerk about it, Robin. I have as much a right to be here as you."
"I'm sure you do. See you around, (Y/N)."
Even though he was the one waiting for the elevator, Robin turns and walks toward the stairs instead. I wait until he disappears before I head for the front doors myself.
That was too close. I'll talk to Lee Know later instead of risking getting caught again.
As I step outside, you still have a strange feeling churning in my gut. It might be my imagination, but it almost seemed like Robin wasn't even surprised to see me...
Whatever. I can't let him get to me.
Determined to share my good news with someone right away, I pull out my phone.
"Naya! Guess who got a job!"
"I hope it's you, otherwise you're wasting my time. Which offer did you take? The charity? The wellness blog?"
"None of the above. You're talking to the newest lab tech at Lee-Russo. It's only entry-level, and I'll have to work my way up, but–"
"Are you kidding me?"
"What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy for me..."
"Why would I be happy? Taking that job is the worst thing you could've done!"